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Tour
these renowned authors’ hometowns
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Books can take you to new and exciting
places—completely new worlds, even. This World Book Day (23 April 2019), let Agoda take you on
a literary journey like no other. On your next holiday, trace the roots of some
of your favorite authors by stopping by their hometowns—some of which have inspired
their most seminal works.
HERE ARE SOME MUST-VISIT SPOTS FOR
BOOK-LOVERS ROAMING AROUND ASIA…
1. Kobe, Japan
Literary Hero: Haruki Murakami
Notable works: “Kafka on the Shore” and “1Q84” available
from Shinchosha
Must-see attractions: Ikuta Shrine, Arima Onsen,
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge
Murakami
grew up in Kobe, where a few of his stories, such as his debut novel “Hear the
Wind Sing”, are set. Murakami’s works have surrealist elements, often with
melancholic themes which in some ways, is reflective of the quiet beauty to be
found in the many serene shrines and breathtaking nature scenery in the small
seaside city. Internalize the relaxing minimalist side of Kobe when you stay at
Arimakoyado Hataya Ryokan.
2. Camarines Norte, Philippines
Literary Hero: Ricky Lee
Notable works: “Para kay B” available from Philippine
Writers' Studio Foundation
Must-see attractions: Calaguas Islands, Apuao Grande Island,
Bagasbas Beach
More
than his novel “Para kay B,” Ricky Lee’s body of work encompasses screenwriting
and playwriting. He has worked with revered Filipino directors like Lino Brocka
and Ishmael Bernal and has even published a screenplay manual called “Trip to
Quiapo” which has since been a staple resource for communication colleges in
the Philippines.
Visit
Lee’s hometown of Camarines Norte in the central Bicol region of the
Philippines and enjoy its beautiful beaches like those on Apuao Grande Island
and the Calaguas group of islands. Keep comfy by making One Platinum Hotel your home base
while in the area.
IF YOU’RE IN THE AMERICAS, HEAD
TO…
3. New York, USA
Literary Hero: Jenny Han
Notable works: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” available
from Simon & Schuster
Must-see attractions: Empire State Building, Statue of
Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway
Though Han
originally came from Virginia, her time in New
York shaped her career as a young adult fiction writer. Book the cozy Jun New York Midtown III apartment, and
feel right at home when you take a break from all of that sight-seeing.
4. Aracataca, Colombia
Literary Hero: Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez
Notable works: “One Hundred Years of Solitude” available
from HarperCollins, “Love in the Time of Cholera” available from Penguin
Classics
Must-see attractions: Casa Museo, Casa del Telegrafista
The
municipality of Aracataca is built along the river of the same name and boasts
Nobel Prize winner for literature Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez as one of its sons.
The village of Macondo in GarcÃa Márquez's celebrated novel, “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is fashioned
after Aracataca. Take a day trip out to explore GarcÃa Márquez's
reconstructed childhood home-turned-museum and the Casa del Telegrafista, then
settle down at the charming Agoda Home in Parque Los Novios in the nearby city of Santa
Marta, where you can also visit Colombia’s famous Tayrona National Natural
Park.
IF YOU’RE VENTURING TO EUROPE,
THEN CONSIDER VISITING…
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Literary Hero: J.K. Rowling
Notable works: The “Harry Potter” series available from
Bloomsbury
Must-see attractions: Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Dynamic Earth, Underground Edinburgh, The
Scotch Whisky Experience
Potterheads,
unite! While Rowling was born in Yates, England, it was during her time in
Edinburgh that she wrote most of the Harry Potter books. Check out the cafes where
she was said to have spent her time writing, and check in at the stylish Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile
Edinburgh.
6. Florence, Italy
Literary Hero: Dante Alighieri
Notable works: “The Divine Comedy” and “Vita Nuova”
available from Penguin Classics
Must-see attractions: Church Santa Margherita dei Cerchi (Dante’s church), Ponte Vecchio,
Piazza della Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi
Considered
to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the capital of Italian
culture, and where poet Dante met the love of his life, Beatrice. She had
inspired some of his greatest works including “Vita Nuova” and “The Divine
Comedy”. Tour this romantic Tuscan City, and perhaps you can find your muse
too!
Domux Home Repubblica offers accommodations that
balance modern living with that classic Italian charm.
AND IF YOU’RE GOING ON HOLIDAY IN
THE MIDDLE EAST, THEN DON’T FORGET TO ADD THESE TO YOUR ITINERARY…
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Literary Hero: Orhan Pamuk
Notable works: “Snow” and “The Museum of Innocence”
available from Faber & Faber
Must-see attractions: Museum of Innocence, The Blue Mosque,
Hagia Sophia Museum
Pamuk
was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006 and holds the prestige of
being the first Turkish Nobel laureate. His stories are very much grounded in
Turkish culture and politics. He also established an actual Museum of Innocence
based on his eponymous novel. For a truly delightful Turkish stay, book your
room at Fer Hotel.
8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Literary Hero: Mohammad Al-Murr
Notable works: “Dubai Tales” and “The Wink of the Mona
Lisa” available from Motivate Publishing
Must-see attractions: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah
Born in
Dubai, award-winning short story-writer Mohammad Al-Murr has published over 10
collections of his short stories. The aptly titled “Dubai
Tales” is one such compilation that captures life in Dubai—one that toes the
line between modern thinking and a strong sense of pride for tradition.
This gorgeous 2BR apartment at The Residences by Emaar features a majestic view of the
Burj Khalifa in all its over 2,700-feet glory and will make for the perfect
accommodation choice while you’re in Dubai.
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