MC European touring guide - advice becomes handy

[Enn]

One of my driving buddies, Sverre, happens to be also a pretty good writer and he just recently wrote and published a European MC touring guide in Estonian. There are 30 European countries in it, starting with UK and Iberia in the West and ending up with Balkan countries in the South-East, also including Scandinavia, East-Europe and certainly all the continental countries. It is over 400 pages, and it is about the most scenic and interesting routes in these countries, covers history, food, local peculiarities, etc. Very well written and easily readable, not too heavy with facts and details.

Now he found out that there is no similar book available in English, so he got an idea to translate it into English and also publish it in UK & US. So here is where you come in, your advice will be highly appreciated:

1. Do you think there will be an interest into a book like this in your country? What about you?
2. Do you think a book in English English can also cover NA and Aussies or there needs to be a different one in American English?
3. Any suggestions about the publishers who could publish it in your country? Perhaps you can share any contacts? Anybody, by accident, happens to be a publisher himself?
4. All other comments and thoughts would be most appreciated

 

[user 86528]

It's the sort of book I might pick up to read - we do a European trip each year and it would be good to get some more tips. Good old UK English would be fine - NA and the Aussies are still learning it but they just about know enough to get by with a book. Lol.

 

[jjp4674]

Contrary to popular belief, a large portion of the United States is actually literate. English is English is English as far as writing is concerned. Aside from the fact that there is no "u" in "honor" or "armor", it all pretty much amounts to the same in the end.

 

[mcatrophy]

Contrary to popular belief, a large portion of the United States is actually literate. English is English is English as far as writing is concerned. Aside from the fact that there is no "u" in "honor" or "armor", it all pretty much amounts to the same in the end.

There are some differences. Examples: Tell an Englishman to ride on the pavement, he'll take his bike off the roadway and start dicing with pedestrians at the side. We only know what a sidewalk is by watching American TV programmes.

Ask the way to the lifts in an American hotel, you'll get a blank stare. An elevator to an Englishman is something to do with farm machinery.

You put gas in your tanks, we use petrol. We use gas in cookers and for our heating.

So there are meanings of words that are different, possibly confusing, therefore irritating when read.

Speeling iz annuvver matta.

 

[Pepperell]

In America bonnet and boot are types of clothing.

 

[Enn]

Thanks a lot for feedback to everyone

 

[RossKean]

There are differences between English as spoken (written) in England but I seriously doubt that there would be any need to have different versions. (perhaps a glossary of terms that might differ in common usage, but even that should not be needed)

I would find a book like this interesting to read but since I do not expect to be riding in Europe anytime in the near future, I would not likely buy it. I can see that it would be an excellent resource for anyone planning to do extensive touring in Europe.

 

[mcatrophy]

In America bonnet and boot are types of clothing.

Elephants have trunks, not cars. Hoods are worn by disaffected youths

.

 

[jjp4674]

Contrary to popular belief, a large portion of the United States is actually literate. English is English is English as far as writing is concerned. Aside from the fact that there is no "u" in "honor" or "armor", it all pretty much amounts to the same in the end.

There are some differences. Examples: Tell an Englishman to ride on the pavement, he'll take his bike off the roadway and start dicing with pedestrians at the side. We only know what a sidewalk is by watching American TV programmes.

Ask the way to the lifts in an American hotel, you'll get a blank stare. An elevator to an Englishman is something to do with farm machinery.

You put gas in your tanks, we use petrol. We use gas in cookers and for our heating.

So there are meanings of words that are different, possibly confusing, therefore irritating when read.

Speeling iz annuvver matta.

Oh, I'm aware of those differences. It's just that for the most part, one can be figured out from the other.

That being said, I tried to look for rust in my gas tank using a torch and my bike exploded.

 

[user 86528]

Oh, there can be quite a difference/misunderstanding sometimes, especially with humo(u)r!

No offence. Seen this comedian live on several occasions. You gotta understand, like me, he's a Cockney which can be a completely different language!

 

[PhilJet09]

I would buy it just on the hope that I get to use it some day.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I'm interested. I think English/English is fine...probably better than German/English. If I misunderstand something, I would probably read between the lines and use google to help if some cultural differences occur.

I will ride over in Europe some day, and would always look for good motorcycle specific tips.