Our Aussie Average Joe Roughs it in Central America

books:


	• The Full Montezuma Peter Moore Bantam, 2005 - 469 pages view larger image
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Our Aussie Average Joe Roughs it in Central America

I discovered Peter Moore's books in a famous bookstore (Munro's) in Victoria, British Columbia. The bright colors of the volumes and kookie pictures on the covers made me want to collect all of them then and there. Space, however, dictated that I select just one. That's how I found "The Full Montezuma." I obviously enjoyed it because I've now tracked down two more of his books (they're not as yet available in the States - a fate partially rectified with "Vroom With A View" hitting our market this spring) on a subsequent trip to Canada, " The Wrong Way Home" and "Swahili For the Broken Hearted."

"The Full Montezuma" is a traveler's tale of roughing it through Central America with a girl Moore started a relationship with just before his departure from Sydney. Referred to as the "GND" (Girl Next Door) throughout the text (we never get to know her name), the story gives a good insight not only into what it's like to suffer through horrible roads on Latin American public buses, but getting to know a lover under some very trying conditions. I think most readers would cringe right off the bat, knowing that nurturing a new relationship in these circumstances is a recipe for disaster.

Moore refers to himself as a cross between Paul Theroux and Bill Bryson. I can see that but would describe his style more as a poor man's version of the Theroux-Bryson mix. I say this not only because his budget obviously dictates doing everything on a very thin shoestring but, also, considering the references he relies on to describe things.

Whereas Theroux might, in his elitist way, name-drop the likes of V.S. Naipal and Graham Greene, Peter conjures examples from the TV cartoon "The Simpsons," and other programs such as "M.A.S.H.", "Seinfeld" and "The Addams Family." Obviously references to American pop culture aren't for everyone but for every person who wearies of being made to feel guilty because they haven't read the classics, I find this refreshing. This is a bloke I can relate to when I want an easy read while on the road myself.

In "The Full Montezuma," Moore and the GND wander through Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica and Cuba. They did the trip right after Hurricane Mitch, a fact that made some of their plans a bit tenuous, giving the folks back home cause for concern. I particularly enjoyed learning what they found in Nicaragua (a country that was too dangerous to visit until recently), Jamaica and Cuba. The fact that Cuba is (ridiculously) a destination that Americans are banned from going to made Moore's experiences even more entertaining. I've long had the feeling that Jamaica should be avoided (except by those going to fenced-in resorts) and "The Full Montezuma" confirms what I've read.

Moore's laid-back writing style makes for a quick and easy read but leaves one hankering for more. He admittedly shoots for some lame humor, a fact that the GND didn't always appreciate, but it makes the guy even more endearing. I get the feeling it would be a bit trying to travel with Moore, as he's loathe to spend a penny over an extremely tight budget. This naturally caused some friction with the GND while on the road and kudos to her for completing the trip. Peter discovers that she's more the sit-on-the-beach, pina colada type, a fact that makes it even more impressive that she tolerated many months of Third World travel, the hard way.

As much as I enjoyed the book I felt it unfair to give a 5-star review mainly because of the numerous spelling and grammatical errors found throughout the text. These should have been caught and corrected by an editor so I don't think it's really Moore's fault. I also found it (maybe unfairly) annoying that the GND was only referred to as the GND. Was this a privacy issue? Whatever the case I think it would have been almost a relief to see her name in print from time to time.

I think America is in for a treat when Moore's books become available here. I wish him the best of luck and great success. He comes across as a really nice guy. He even answers his e-mails, a fact I confirmed twice! Now that's a down-to-earth author. I'm looking forward to his latest work, "Crikey!," a book about traveling around his native Australia with his newlywed wife. Will the guy never learn?!

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Peter Moore?s wicked sense of humour and eye for the bizarre add to the pleasure of this cautionary tale for anyone planning to cross a continent with their significant other. From Mexico to Jamaica, Honduras to ancient Mayan sites and golden beaches, follow the highs and lows of one couple?s journey.