Words At Large

Eleanor Wachtel in conversation with the extraordinary travel writer Dervla Murphy

Posted by Kimberly Walsh on December 01 at 12:00 AM

Listen here:

Full TiltOn Dervla Murphy’s 10th birthday, her parents gave her an atlas and a second-hand bicycle. A few days later, she decided to cycle to India. Almost 20 years later she fulfilled that ambition.

Her journey took 175 days and cost $175. How did she do it on a dollar a day?

Find out in her account of the adventure, Full Tilt: From Ireland to India with a Bicycle (John Murray Publishers).

The author of more than 20 travel books, Murphy is still avidly searching for remote mountains to trek, less frequented places to visit and unique beers to enjoy along the way. At 77, the famous traveler is something of a phenomenon.

Eleanor Wachtel spoke to Dervla Murphy in October when she was in Toronto during the International Festival of Authors.

First aired November 30, 2008 on Writers & Company. [runs 51:38]

Writers & Company airs on Thursdays at 11:00 p.m. (11:30 in Newfoundland) and on Sunday afternoons (times vary across the country). You can also listen to the show as a podcast.

Comment on this post

Note: By submitting your comments you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be published, and those that are published may be edited for language, brevity, clarity or anonymity. But all will be carefully read, considered and appreciated.

Comments which do not relate to this post will not be published. Please use the Contact Us link for other means of offering feedback.

Items marked with a red arrow [This is a required selection.] are required
CBC Privacy Policy

This is a required field.Name:
This is a required field. e-mail Address
This is a required field. Comments

Radio OneRadio 2R3Sirius