Northam Exposure: John M. Edwards Interviews Adventure Journalist Bruce Northam

Award-winning travel journalist Bruce Northam has wandered freestyle in over 100 countries on seven continents, with experiences ranging from drifting with Burma’s sea gypsies, playing naked Frisbee with New Guinea natives, and beholding the beguiling shores of Antarctica.

With three books under his equatorial belt and a fourth on the way called “The Wisdom of Strangers”—a 108-country journey in search of unsung hero wisdom and happiness–Bruce still finds time to contribute to such venerable venues as Forbes Traveler, Perceptive Travel, Details, National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times, and National Public Radio.

Meeting up in Manhattan at a South African winebar called Xai Xai, Bruce, an energetic and entertaining conversationalist, and I downed
three bottles of Stellenbosch and became new best friends for one extraterrestrial night.

JOHN EDWARDS: Bruce, how was your recent trip to Vietnam? What all did you do? What was the travel vibe like?

BRUCE NORTHAM: Southeast Asia is my first faraway love. After covering a travel conference for a trade magazine–and staying in fancy hotels—I got back to basics, stayed in a dive, hung with local expats, and explored the countryside and the coast. Vietnam differs from nearby Laos and Cambodia where there’s a Buddhist vibe. I’m not a Buddhist, but I love Buddhist countries because of their food, tolerance, geography and affordability–that seems to be a consistent theme in those countries.

Whereas, Vietnam is more like industrious China–go go go–Me = Now. Sort of like New York City, but everyone zips around on mopeds instead of in taxis or in subways. The only drawback for me in Hanoi and Saigon is the horn-honking nightmare–oh, and almost getting whacked by spastic, no-look moped pilots.

JOHN EDWARDS: How did you get into travel writing in the first place? Is there any one author or book, or experiential epiphany, which set off your perpetual motion? Who are some of your favorite travel writers?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I had already traveled far and wide by the time I was in my late 20s, and I wanted to break into the speaking business. Every successful speaker I knew told me to write a book first, then you’ll get gigs. So I turned my seminar outline into a book called The Frugal Globetrotter, and that enabled me to go out and corrupt young minds on campuses nationwide. Tim Cahill and Bill Bryson are my favorite roving writers–equally funny, but different.

JOHN EDWARDS: Was it difficult getting your books–The Frugal Globetrotter, In Search of Adventure: A Wild Travel Anthology, and Globetrotter Dogma published? They say you need an “agent,” but they are difficult to find. Any advice?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I got The Frugal Globetrotter published by cold-calling 300 publishers in the summer of 1993. No agent, just sweat. This was pre-email, so it was all about letters and phone calls. I don’t miss licking envelopes.

I had an agent for Globetrotter Dogma, which sounds fancy . . . but it didn’t mean that I could then go out and buy a few houses.

I recommend turning your book idea into a 2,000-word story that gets published somewhere–then that is the root of your book proposal to show agents.

JOHN EDWARDS: What are your 3 favorite countries, and why?

BRUCE NORTHAM: For visuals, Antarctica–stadium-sized icebergs that shimmer between aquamarine and psychedelic blue, kayaking next to whales that roll by and look at you, and, of course, the affable penguins.

For culture, Southeast Asia–incredible nature, quietude, or party-off-the-hook city life. Whatever you want. You can eat all day and not get fat, and (legitimate) massages are a bargain.

For entertainment, Manhattan, New York, USA, which I consider to be its own country. I don’t go out on weekends when I’m home, but there is great everything, music, food, whatever, from Sunday through Wednesday.

JOHN EDWARDS: What are your three least-favorite countries, and why?

BRUCE NORTHAM: Aruba: I don’t go to Hooters, Outback Steakhouse, or McDonald’s when I’m home in the U.S., so why in God’s name would I go to one of those joints when I’m supposedly traveling.

France: Yes, beautiful women, wine, countryside, whatever–if you don’t speak French, though, you’re toast. Most of the time, I find French men extremely annoying. No further comment.

Open: Anywhere native English speakers say things like “Where’s Tom at?” rather than “Where is Tom?” . . . just a pet peeve. I’m not Mr. Grammar, but I think it’s important to honor a few easy rules.

JOHN EDWARDS: So what is your upcoming book, The Wisdom of Strangers, about?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I had to put that down for a bit with the economic hell we’re in right now–my agent pitched a different version of this book idea around but nothing happened. Example: today I got the word that Best Life Magazine folded. My Arctic Northwest Passage story was supposed to run soon. I’m taking a break from worrying about the freelancer’s toil for now. Taking a break from a life of taking a break, I guess. To stay current, I’ve created a web video series called “American Detour.” Tunisia is finished. I just returned from frozen Burlington, Vermont, to cover the Magic Hat (beer) Mardi Gras. Next up for the travel show series is Honduras.

JOHN EDWARDS: There’s an underlying philosophic edge to your stories. Do you think with so many boho backpacker boomtowns worldwide that modern travel writing is veering more towards narrative essay or practical advice?

BRUCE NORTHAM: There’s enough practical advice out there. How many self-help books can you read before you smile on your own? I think it’s all about entertaining while informing. I think perceptivetravel.com is the best zone for modern narrative essays about travel.

JOHN EDWARDS: What is your travel mantra?

BRUCE NORTHAM: On any journey, the first thing you pack is yourself.

JOHN EDWARDS: What are you excited about these days?

BRUCE NORTHAM: Along with my American Detour travel show series, I enjoy being a street anthropologist . . . . Hey, that might be the title of my next book?

JOHN EDWARDS: Where are you off to next?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I already told you: Honduras!

JOHN EDWARDS: Fantastico. Muy bien. I had a great time on the Honduran island of Roatan, where you can snorkel on the Belize Barrier Reef only 100 meters from shore. Didn’t make it to the ancient mainland ruins of Copan, though. But I’m sure you will. Bring me back an awe-inspiring hand-rolled stogie.

BRUCE NORTHAM: Okay.

About the author:
John M. Edwards has traveled worldwidely (five continents plus). His work has appeared in such magazines as CNN Traveller, Missouri Review, Salon.com, Grand Tour, Islands, Escape, Endless Vacation, Cond? Nast Traveler, International Living, Emerging Markets, ForeWord, Literal Latt?, Coffee Journal, Artdirect, Verge, Slab, Stellar, Glimpse, Big World, BootsnAll, Trips, Travelmag, Vagabondish, Hack Writers, Richmond Review, Borderlines, North Dakota Quarterly, Michigan Quarterly Review, and North American Review. He recently won a NATJA (North American Travel Journalists Association) Award, a TANEC (Transitions Abroad Narrative Essay Contest) Award, and a Solas Award (sponsored by Travelers’ Tales). He lives in New York’s “Hell’s Kitchen.” His future bestsellers, Move and Fluid Borders, have not yet been released. His new work-in-progress, Dubya Dubya Deux, is about a time traveler.

Washington DC: Spy in the City - A New Interactive Game Ideal for Families. This summer, visitors to the nation’s capital can now engage in an entertaining game of Spy vs. Spy.  The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. has launched Spy in the City, the first-of-its-kind GPS-enabled multimedia interactive game that enables participants to see the nation’s capital through the eyes of a spy.

The International Spy Museum is one of my favorite spots in one of my favorite cities. It is one terrific (interesting and rewarding) museum to share with kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. That said, if you have never been to the International Spy Museum then make it your first stop in the city and if you’ve “been there and done that” then standby for a new twist.

Imagine sharing a spy adventure with your kids; embarking on a high-stakes mission around the Capitol grounds, Ford’s Theatre, the National Archives and other points of interest in the national capital to uncover a double agent threatening to divulge security secrets to the enemy. As special agents with unique identities, each player must find out who this double agent is and foil his or her attempts at sabotage.  By finding evidence along the way, following video clues, cracking codes, answering trivia questions and solving flash-based games and puzzles to earn points, users work their way towards unraveling the mystery.  

Create your own urban adventure. The new GPS-based interactive experience Spy in the City™, at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. was created by BarZ Adventures and is designed for individuals, small groups and ideal for families. Spy in the City transforms the nation’s capital city into a virtual game board, with the players themselves as game pieces.  Participants embark on a series of exciting self-guided outdoor missions using espionage tradecraft and intelligence collection activities.

Here’s how it works. Equipped with a GPS Ranger® handheld device loaded with the new Ranger Quest™ game technology, participants follow video clues from SSD headquarters solving Flash-based games to earn points as they work their way towards mission completion. As players approach pre-determined GPS waypoints around the Capitol and other points of interest such as Ford’s Theatre, The Newseum and the National Archives, the GPS Ranger will automatically download clues, information, (and possibly misinformation!) delivered by a wide range of media.  This includes messages from filmed characters—from agents to sources to moles—and documents, codes, audio intercepts, and photos for analysis. This adventure style mission offers participants the opportunity to test their spy skills as they explore DC’s neighborhoods. The International Spy Museum is committed to engaging guests and enhancing their experience, particularly through interactive activities that push the boundaries of available technology. The Museum’s permanent exhibit offers state-of-the-art audiovisual effects, film, and hands-on components, making the tradecraft of espionage real while showcasing the ingenuity and imagination of real-life spies and spymasters. With Spy in the City, the Museum takes this dedication to immersive experience outside the Museum’s walls into the streets of our nation’s magnificent capital city.

Spy in the City was crafted in collaboration with former intelligence officers. It delivers unique missions based on real espionage cases. The adventure options range from one to three hours in length and are recommended for ages 12+. Spy in the City is available only at the International Spy Museum. 

About the Museum. I won’t drag on about the exhibits all of which are fascinating however to take advantage of a visit (definitely for first timers) it is essential to try one of the three clever scavenger hunts available at the museum. Not only will it give you something to share long after the museum visit and hunt are through, it is likely to provide incite about family members. The unique competition includes answering questions, solving problems, and decoding messages with the help of top secret bag of tricks. For sometimes apathetic teens I suggest “Operation Spy”, an active experience for ages 12 and older that allows participants to get in the spy game facing plenty of challenges including low light levels, confining spaces, sound effects, and physical and mental challenges in a race against the clock.  Bonus points: There is also a cool way to stay connected with the International Spy Museum. Each month they produce a SpyCast featuring interviews and programs with ex-spies, intelligence experts, and espionage scholars. The SpyCast is hosted by Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and former CIA operations officer.

Location on the planet. The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC’s historic Penn Quarter, is within four blocks of the National Mall, directly across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, and within one block of FBI headquarters and Ford’s Theatre.  The Museum is conveniently located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station serviced by the red, yellow and green lines. International Spy Museum 800 F Street, NW (202) EYE SPY U ((202)393-7798) or www.spymuseum.org

About BarZ Adventures. The GPS Ranger® and Ranger Quest™ interactive game software are innovations of BarZ Adventures.  Founded in 2005 and combining experts in the fields of computer delivery systems and content development, the Austin, Texas-based company has designed the patented GPS Ranger® and Zoo Ranger® systems, as well as the new Ranger Quest™ gaming software with large venues and their visitors in mind.  The mission of the company is to enhance the visitor experience at high visitation tourist locations using modern technology. For more information visit www.barzadventures.com or
www.gpsranger.com or call (512)732-0135.

San Francisco is a popular international tourist destination, renowned all over
the world for its modern architecture, steep hills, beautiful beaches, Victorian
houses, and artistic culture. It is the fourth largest city of California and
one of the most densely populated cities of America. Because of its Coastal
Location, it is cool and windy almost all year long. Being home to the popular
Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, San Francisco has endless attractions and
activity options ranging from sightseeing, water sports, theaters, hiking,
authentic restaurants to extravagant Nightlife.

Top tourist attractions / Popular places to see in San
Francisco are:

San Francisco Nightlife:
The Vibrating and glamorous nightlife of San Francisco has a wide variety of
entertainment options to offer to its visitors. San Francisco has some of the
most extravagant nightlife with plenty of entertainment ranging from Theaters,
Shows, sexy lounges, vibrant nightclubs to exotic wine bars. Some of the best
places for enjoying the San Francisco Nightlife are 1015 Folsom, Mangarine
Lounge, Beach Blanket Babylon, Bottom of the hill, Bimbo’s 365 Club, Hotel Biron
Wine Bar & Art Gallery.

Golden
Gate Bridge:
It is the most popular and prominent structure of San Francisco. Almost every
tourist who comes to California’s San Francisco Bay Area visits this deep orange
colored magnificent suspension bridge completed in 1937. It was the longest
suspension bridge span in the world at that time and connects San Francisco to
the Marin County.

Alcatraz Island:
Alcatraz is one of the most popular tourist attractions of San Francisco,
offering a close view of the former federal prison, oldest operating lighthouse
on the west coast of America along with gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and
breathtaking views of the coastline.

Cable Cars:
The Cable Cars of San Francisco were designated as historic landmarks by the
National Park Service in 1964. They are one of the best ways of exploring the
city since they pass through many well known sights - Fisherman’s Wharf,
Ghirardelli Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square.

Lombard Street:
The Lombard Street in San Francisco is the most crooked street of America and is
a popular tourist attraction due to its location and unusual sharp curves. Paved
with bricks, it is a steep, hilly street with Victorian mansions on either side.
Millions of tourists come here every year to see this popular street, built with
eight switchbacks on a 40 degree slope.

Golden Gate Park:
It is one of California’s most beautiful urban parks and is 3 miles long by 1/2
mile wide, it is larger than New York’s Central Park. Once covered with sand
dunes, the Golden Gate Park consists of millions of trees today. The Park is
composed of hundreds of attractions including Gardens, Lakes and Museums that
are linked by wooded paths. It also has several fly casting pools and a lily
pond within its borders. Being home to art, culture, scientific exhibits and
lots of recreation, the Golden Gate Park is the third most visited park in
America with over 13 million Visitors each year.

Chinatown:
The popularity of Chinatown mainly lies in its inexpensive and unique
merchandise and food that is not found any place else. It consists of Chinese
temples, art, culture, shopping areas, events and much more. It gives the
feeling of being in one of the markets of Hong Kong. Chinatown is said to be
drawing more tourists than the Golden Gate Bridge making it a must see
attraction of San Francisco.

Fisherman’s Wharf:
Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the world, well known for its historic waterfront, delicious
seafood and beautiful bay views. Watching the California Sea Lions, Shopping,
world class dining, a long coastal row of seafood restaurants, street vendors,
talented street performers and beautiful bay views are some of the things that
have made Fisherman’s Wharf a top attraction of San Francisco.

San Francisco
Zoo:
The San Francisco Zoo is Northern California’s largest zoological park and
conservation center. It houses more than 250 different species of wildlife from
all over the globe including endangered species such as Grizzly bear, Snow
Leopard and Sumatran tiger. San Francisco Zoo is a well organized zoo where
animals with same geographic areas are put together in such a manner that it
does not look like cages.

Other San Francisco Attractions:
The Embarcadero Waterfront Area, Coit Tower, 49-Mile Drive, The Marina District,
Nob-Hill & Russian Hill, The Presidio, Twin Peaks, Union Square and Yerba Buena
Gardens.