World Hum’s Most Read: May 10-16

What We Loved This Week: ‘The Zen of Bobby V,’ ‘When the Levees Broke’ and Arriving With Our Baggage

How Bad is the Violence in Mexico?

Tony Horwitz Blogs From the Road

Tony Horwitz: Rediscovering the New World

Ben Keene talks to the author of the new book “A Voyage Long and Strange” about travel, American myths and the importance of visiting places where “history happened”

In Patagonia, In Patagonia

Tim Patterson packs his fleece and long underwear, and enters the Twilight Zone where corporate branding meets the multilayered reality of place. 

Should I Quit Law School so I can Travel the World?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

‘The Worst Guidebook Writer Ever’?

Lonely Planet author Robert Reid reviews Thomas Kohnstamm’s “Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?” and weighs in on the controversy surrounding it

Have a Hockey Night in Canada

From Montreal to Sault Ste. Marie, the sport is the country’s greatest passion. Eva Holland explains where to go to indulge—and who you need to know.

Promised Land Closed

And other odd and unlikely signs from around the world. Aficionado Doug Lansky, editor of the book “Signspotting,” recounts his 10 favorites.

10 Sizzling Hot Travel Tips From Sir Francis Bacon

Rolf Potts repackages the 17th century philosopher’s ‘Of Travel’ essay in the manner of a 21st century magazine feature

Melbourne: An ‘International Centre for Literature’?

Well, why not? :)

It seems like just another thing that we have in common with Edinburgh besides both also hosting world-class Comedy Festivals.

There’s even an “Edinburgh Castle” not far from my house in Melbourne’s north - except the one near my house is actually a pub, not a castle ;)

That’s hilarious, Peter. I hope to make it to Melbourne one day soon. I always hear great things about it.

I lived down there for two months last year, and during that time volunteered at the Melbourne Writer’s Festival, a ten-day literary bonanza of programming with authors from around the world. (Including an appearance by Scotland’s own Alexander McCall Smith.) I also visited more than 25 bookstores in and around the city center during my short stay—Melbourne is “chockers” as they say, with a solid selection of literary venues and events. And it’s a really fantastic town Jim, def. one to visit when you make the trip to OZ.