189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

 

Kafka on the shore - Haruki Murakami

I'm not sure if I'd say I'm a fan of Murakami but I've enjoyed his books in the past. My favorite is Norwegian Wood, a basic choice, and it makes sense since I also really enjoyed the Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki, and that is possibly one of his less magical novels. That's not to say I don't enjoy the magical realism prevalent in almost all his books. It's just that as a reader I'm more drawn to atmosphere and relationships. The later being less developed in my opinion in his stories.

Actually while on this critical ledge I'd like to also complain slightly about his depiction of women, or men's relationship with women. I find it quite creepy how his male characters almost always obsess over the child-like qualities of beautiful women, or even at time teenagers. For me Murakami is borderline paedophilic at this point. Perhaps it's a commentary on our most inner desires, but as a young woman it's creepy.

As for Kafka on the shore I feel like this book is for people with a higher knowledge of myths and esoteric symbolism, both of which I have very little of. The story itself is fine - an odyssey or metaphor for finding yourself and exploring the labyrinth within, but on the levels I enjoy most (atmosphere and relationships) it did very little for me. Maybe one day I'll enjoy the riddle at play, but for now it's simply an interesting read.

226. Go on a trip outside of Lisbon

 

Óbidos is a walled moorish town an hour outside of Lisbon. The main draw of this hilltop location is not just it's characterful winding streets but the plethora of bookshops you find inside, thanks in a large part I assume, to the yearly and world renowned book festival that takes place around October.

I managed to visit it on a particularly sunny day which added to the charm. Underneath the blue skies I was taken in by the wonderfully white walls, adorned with white laced curtains and blue doors, amongst the calçadas or cobblestoned roads. 

Not being a vegan at the time we found a great portuguese restuarant with traditional food that served wonderful lulas and fish. If I had been a vegan however, I think the town would still provide as there was a health food type place outside the walls.

Although Óbidos is small, you can visit the next door city fairly easily (although the bus doesn't come that often). Named Caldas da Rainha, it's a strange place, half market town, half spa town but still pleasant to visit. It is definetly less picturesque than Obidos but it gives you some life and bustle after the quiet.