Why a Booktrail?
2000s: Did you ever imagine as a child, you could talk to the animals? Well Tom Michell did….both!
The Penguin Lessons
What you need to know before your trail
Tom Michell is in his twenties, free and single and wants nothing more than an adventure. So, he takes off to South America, takes a teaching job in Argentina so he can work during the term and then head to the beaches in the holidays. He immerses himself in the spirit of the country and its culture, even going so far as to riding a Che Guevara style motorbike.
Set against Argentina’s turbulent years following the collapse of the corrupt Perónist regime, the mix of Argentina history told alongside the tale of a travelling penguin, really is quite something.
Juan Salvador is the penguin, who is rescued by Tom from an oil slick in Uruguay just days before he’s due to go back to Argentina. He cleans it up as best he can and then decides he can’t leave it behind so smuggles it back to Argentina.
Back in Argentina, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets. He refuses to leave Tom and the two form a very unique and utterly charming bond.Have the hankies ready – you’ll laugh and you’ll cry.
Travel Guide
“Terrorism was rife; murder and kidnappings were everyday events. Only the army could restore any order, it was thought.”
‘Going to Argentina was an absurd notion”
“This of course was exactly what I wanted to hear and all the encouragement I needed.”
Now this is the adventure of a guy who knows the meaning of the word adventure. He has researched the country before going and is aware of the risks but he goes for the passion of wanting to go.
Before he gets there, he stays in Uruguay, following an amazing stay in Paraguay. It’s on the seaside resort of Punta del Este, where he meets and rescues Juan. Or does Juan rescue him?
Oh the poor penguin as it’s washed, cared for then smuggled out of Uruguay and into Argentina in a series of inventive ploys.
He gets a wash! And that ‘s an adventurer in itself, getting the oil off the wings and putting it in the bidet at the hotel and washing tis with fairy liquid!
As for the motorbike, can a penguin ride pillion? One of the many questions you have to ask yourself when travelling with a penguin buddy.
A real story of Argentina, and a very special penguin who should now be the country’s mascot really.
Booktrail Boarding Pass Information: The Penguin Lessons
Author/Guide: Tom Michell Destination: Punta del Este, Argentina Departure Time: 1970s
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