I first started reading A A Gill’s travel articles in Australian Gourmet Traveller. He writes the best stories about travel. He is honest and doesn’t always give places glowing reports. His writing is always interesting and often very funny.
I have just bought his book A A Gill, Here & There and I love it. One of my favourite stories is the one called Big, bold Budapest, especially this bit.
“The city has a deep, abiding rythm. Gypsy violinists lurk wherever two tables are gathered. The ancient syncopated extortionists of Middle Europe, they stalk the alleys of restaurants and cafes with the insouciant mission of mafia hit-men. I watched one large, gold incisored grinning fiddler intimidate a Japanese tourist with lightning bow work flicked past the poor man’s head like a samuri sword. His victim reached into his pocket and handed over his wallet. The violinist picked out three or four of the juiciest notes and bowed before shimmering off like a hungry shark, trailing Mendelssohn behind him.”
I don’t know about you, but I can see this scene unfolding before me and I can definitely see the fiddler sauntering off, happy with the spoils, his gold teeth glinting in the light of a street lamp. I even feel inclined to head off to Budapest to search for him.
Do yourselves a favour and look for A A Gill.