And away the adventure went from China to the South Pacific and the island nation of Tonga.

Tonga was recently in the news after a massive volcanic eruption and so I thought this was the perfect place to explore and learn more about. On a Facebook group, The Book Hangout Spot, I met Simon Prior who recommended his travel story.

---

Prior’s writing style was easy to follow and I often felt like I was walking along beside him as he told about his adventure. At times the reader is privy to Prior’s inner thoughts and sarcasm as he meets people and enjoys a new location. Including that within the storyline brought the characters and locations to life for the reader.

I loved that he went wanting to see the Queen of Tonga and that led to conversations with folks along the way with additional recommendations and events.

It’s fascinating as Prior’s sense of adventure is just like my mom and dad’s. Growing up they took us to ALL kinds of places and often out of the way and off the beaten path recommendations from locals. And through it we had the BEST adventures. I’ve gained that same love of travel, adventure, and exploration and it goes into every travel experience my family has! Maybe I should write our adventure books….

---

A friend of mine (Wendi Pillars @wendi322 on Twitter) reminded me that I should use visual sketches to help record as I read. So using Wendi’s advice, here’s my first book adventure sketched.

---

I am now ready for Book #5 – I’m still debating which book as I have several coming into the local library through exchanges…. But I’ll update as soon as I have them.