Subcontinental Nonsense

Subcontinental Nonsense” is a side-splitting travelogue that takes readers on a wild ride across time and borders, capturing the essence of what it means to be a hapless traveller. Set against the vibrant backdrops of 1980s Pakistan and present-day Nepal, this book is less “Eat, Pray, Love” and more “Eat, Pray You Don’t Die.”

Meet Jeff, a university student in the mid-80s who, instead of studying for finals, stumbles through Pakistan like a blind man in a minefield. From an emergency landing in Karachi to a series of near-death experiences that would make even Indiana Jones flinch, Jeff encounters an unforgettable cast of characters: a gin-soaked Brit, a Cold War-era Russian spy, and a chauffeur with a deep disdain for Westerners. Fast forward to the present, and Jeff, now older but no wiser, finds himself in Nepal with his son Jordan. Together, they navigate treacherous mountains, dodgy roads, and questionable cuisine, all under the dubious guidance of a directionally challenged tour guide and a goat named Billy.

As Jeff relives his youthful misadventures, Jordan can’t help but wonder if his father’s antics are a sign of undiagnosed dementia or simply proof that some people never learn. With a healthy dose of self-deprecation and wry observations, “Subcontinental Nonsense” offers readers a double dose of chaos, blending humour with the universal challenges of travelling—and parenting.

For anyone who’s ever felt out of place in a foreign land or questioned their parent’s sanity while abroad, this book is a must-read. It’s a tale of two journeys, separated by time but united in their ability to attract the absurd, promising laughs and a few cringes along the way.