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Bonza voyage
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Introduction Bonza Voyage is a humourous, highly praised travel book about Australia, written by author John Watters. Primarily focusing on the author's gap year, the book incorporates a unique three part structure, dealing with pre-departure research, essential acclimatization into an intriguingly eccentric new culture, and finally the exciting adventure of individual travel. By integrating into this society with a voluntary job, Watters aims to reveal Australia’s exciting secrets along with its most exceptional characters, in his brutally honest but affectionate style. As if that wasn't enough he then takes on the challenge of entering the unique psyche of the backpacker and explores the country from entirely different perspective. Synopsis Beginning on the author's first daunting night in Sydney, the book initially focuses on the overwhelming and somewhat confusing array of emotions experienced at such a defining moment in any trip. Sydney Opera house is in front of his eyes and even though its formidable presence is inspiring, it represents an intimidating gateway into the unknown. Perhaps this is the most defining moment in the journey, but before the reader has a chance to dwell, they are taken back a year prior to departure. The following four chapters constitute part one of Bonza Voyage and concentrate primarily on the fight to escape the suffocating grasp of formal education in rural Northamptonshire. Having assessed the decisions that lead to Watters choosing Australia as a suitable destination, he conducts a brief historical analysis of the country before discussing the various travel options available. Section two comprises of a further ten chapters, detailing the cultural impact of arriving on Australian soil and the dramatic transition into working as an outdoor activity instructor for a school camp, situated deep in The Alpine National Park east of Melbourne. Suddenly living in such severe isolation, the author finds himself stranded for three months without television, radio or even mains power. However, as these burdens of society are quickly forgotten about, he starts to revel in the local’s strong sense of community and begins to truly appreciate the humbling environment in which they live. Eventually accepted as an honorary countryman, life-long relationships are soon formed and Watters begins to indulge in the hidden, real Australia with the enthusiastic natives as a guide, creating a powerful attachment which is incredibly difficult to leave. The final thirteen chapters form the third part of Bonza Voyage and concentrate on the individual backpacker experience. Having touched the country as a native, the author then tackles it from a tourist perspective and does so by conducting a tour of east coast - beginning in Cairns and travelling south by bus back to Sydney, whilst getting to grips with (all to no avail) the bizarre world of Aussie Rules football, the ballet at Sydney Opera house, how a town can be called Airlie Beach when it doesn’t have a beach, the Queensland awfully blunt sense of humour and sharing a toilet with thirty four hung-over backpackers on a tiny yacht. Combine that with a heart-stopping skydive, a thrilling scuba experience on The Great Barrier reef, a couple of close encounters with a crocodile and some of the most extravagantly exuberant characters on the planet, and Bonza Voyage really does capture the enchanting spirit of the long distant traveller. Critical Accliam Described by Bernie Keith of BBC Radio Northampton as 'a fantastic read', the book has drawn in a number of favourable reviews from readers, one remarking that it is a "big piece of wit and a great read, very much out of the Bill Bryson mold". See Also
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