A Kilkenny man, squat toilets and chopsticks

“How many times have you stood outside your door, or looked out the window and realised that all you see is just a little piece of sky? There is so much more than what you see above where you are. Under every little piece is a different culture, a different way of life, new experiences, places to see and a world of opportunity.”

So begins the tale of travel adventures from Kilkenny man Philip Bryan!

Philip’s book, ‘Squat Toilets and Chopsticks’, is set to be published on July 19 by Austin Macauley Publisher of UK.

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He will celebrate the special occasion with two launch parties - in his native Callan and in Kilkenny City.

From Callan, Philip first set out on his travels in 2012, venturing through  England, America, Australia, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Cambodia and finally China, where he was to put down roots for a number of years.

Philip was living in China, where he was working as an English teacher, when the Covid 19 epidemic broke out. From a place he never intended to visit, he came to embrace the culture and has now lived there for eight years.

Among other topics the book discusses culture shock, what it’s like to be a foreigner in another country (Australia!) and what it’s like to be living so far away from home when significant events, like a death, take place within your family.

Philip hopes that his book will inspire others to travel and experience life.

He wants others to realise that there is more to life than just work, and says if there’s something you want to do, get up and do it.”

Stories in the book include how Philip changed from a homebird who never went anywhere, to setting off, on his own, on a trip to New York.

Another theme of Philip’s book is talking about how he deals with mental health challenges and anxiety.

He also looks at coming home to Ireland - and how, after many years of travelling the world, he struggled to fit in at home and felt like a stranger in his own country.

Philip’s book is a look at the highs and lows of international travel, but he concludes that “travelling is perhaps one of the greatest opportunities to live a fulfilled life.”

‘Squat Toilets and Chopsticks’ will be on sale locally following publication on July 19, while launch parties will take place on  August 2 in Fennelly’s of Callan at 5:30pm and another on August 9 in the Club House Hotel, Kilkenny at 7pm.

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