On Being from Nowhere: The diary of an adventure from Italy to China

Three friends in their twenties take a year off to drive from Italy to China, following the ancient Silk Roads. On Being from Nowhere is a travel narrative that explores their identities, the responsibilities of travel, and what it means to travel at a time when borders are closing. The book merges the story of the Silk Roads with those of its modern inhabitants and the adventures of the trio.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2023
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

In 2017, three friends in their twenties embarked on an extraordinary journey. They shunned the traditional career ladder and set off on a road trip from Italy to China, following the ancient Silk Roads. Their adventure, documented in the book "On Being from Nowhere," spans a staggering 23,000 kilometers and takes over a hundred days. The trio traverses sixteen countries, fulfilling a lifelong dream of exploration.

The journey was sponsored by various organizations, who provided them with just enough money to cover the distance between Venice and Beijing. In exchange, they agreed to share news on China's modern-day Silk Road-type initiatives, such as its One Belt, One Road project. This trillion-dollar infrastructure project aims to improve connections between Chinese and European markets.

"On Being from Nowhere" is not just a travel narrative; it delves deeper into the themes of identity, responsibility, and the meaning of travel in a world where borders are closing. As the friends venture east, they confront their own identities and the challenges that come with traveling in a time of uncertainty. They ponder the idea that those who believe they are citizens of the world are, in fact, citizens of nowhere.

The book is divided into individual chapters, each recounting experiences and encounters in Italy, the Balkans, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China. The friends face numerous obstacles along the way, including interrogations by authorities, a broken-down car, and a dangerous storm in the Kyrgyz mountains. Their stories intertwine with those of the diverse cast of characters they meet along the way, offering opportunities for introspection and self-discovery.

Through their journey, the friends explore the rich history and culture of the Silk Roads, while also shedding light on the lives of its modern inhabitants. They witness the impact of globalization on communities and the challenges faced by people living. "On Being from Nowhere" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the world and challenges us to reevaluate our own beliefs and values.

Dimension: 198 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784779801