The Best American Travel Writing 2005 is a compilation of works that were
originally published in a variety of magazines
and journals. One of the most striking stories included in this collection of travel stories includes ones written by the following authors:
Tim Bascom: His story “A Vocabulary for My Senses" which was
originally printed in the Missouri Review is included in this edition of
Best American Travel Writing. The author describes in great detail his experience as a missionary in Northern Ethiopia where he and his family were
stationed at the time.
In the story, Bascom's dad is practicing medicine in a nearby town called Soddo (double-check spelling). On this particular day, one of the patients is in the process of making his way to jump out of a window.
The reason for his doing so because does not approve of having a sample of his blood which was against his beliefs, which represent that of the people of Soddo. The people of this locality believe that human spirits live in the blood.
Another very controversial patient-doctor relations account was also spoken of in this story-that a local boy who fell out of a tree was not allowed to receive treatment from a foreign doctor. This strict protocol was placed upon this boy as a result of influence by a local healer.
Eventually the boy had to have his leg amputated. In spite of this as well as other people of this Northern Ethiopian location resorted to prayer for this boy and his family.
Robert Young Pelton: He is the author of "Into the Land of Bin Laden" (Taken from National Geographic)
This account is a very striking example of what it was like to be stationed between Afghanistan and Pakistan after the 9/11 incident. Robert Young Pelton interacts with Hajji, a local with whom he spend large amounts of time his socializing.
They end up forming a strong bond while living in such close quarters during this time. They saw each other at least three times a day.
This is the fact that Mr. Young Pelton learns that Hajji had actually met Osama Bin Laden personally, and admits to the whereabouts of him. It is believed at this time that Bin Laden was stationed in Chitral Valley.
Aside from learning where this infamous terrorist was stationed, Robert also becomes acquainted very heavily with the local culture and judicial system.
For instance, widows at the time were scheduled to be stoned to death within 40 days because they were promiscuous. (Imagine how many people in other parts of the world who would be deal right now!) Hajji was a large part of settling a dispute regarding this case.
Other authors featured in this anthology include as follows: Ian Frazier
John McPhee
Pam Houston
Madison Smartt Bell
Seth Stevenson
Many other names are also included in this 2005 volume of
Best American Travel Writing. A wide range of occurrences are documented in this book and they are all based on real life experiences.