Around the World in 80 Days - Week 3 (Chap 22 - 31)

[Gem , Moderator]

In this week's reading we follow Passepartout to Yokahama after being separated from Fogg. We witness his ingenuity with being able to care for himself while being penniless. Meanwhile Fogg, Aouda, and Fix arrive in Yokahama where Fogg is able to track down Passepartout. Reunited the group crosses the Pacific.

We again see Fix's tunnel vision and obsessiveness with Fogg. Fogg remains unflappable in the midst of insults, an impassible bridge, more insults, a duel on a train, an attack of Sioux Indians, the rescue of Passepartout, and a sledge ride. We also witness Fogg's heroic side once again when, out of duty, he leads the rescue party that goes after Passepartout putting his entire journey at risk.

I think on of the things I enjoy about this book is the comedy of errors, so to speak, the sheer number happenings and obstacles that seem insurmountable as the journey progresses. I don't think I would have the wherewithal to make a trip like this without a plan and lots of reservations. Would you be adventurous enough to tackle something like this?

Do you think you would be resourceful enough, as Passepartout proved himself to be, to take care of yourself in a foreign country, with no money?

What else struck you about this week's chapters?

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

Gem, I like that description, a comedy of errors.
Fix is certainly determined to keep track of Phileas Fogg.

[Robin P, Moderator]

The Americans don't come across as very admirable or even civilized in this section.

[Lori, Moderator]

Robin wrote: "The Americans don't come across as very admirable or even civilized in this section."

Reminds me of the Americans in "Martin Chuzzlewit" by Dickens.

[Gem , Moderator]

Robin wrote: "The Americans don't come across as very admirable or even civilized in this section."

It has always fascinated me to view my culture through the lens of another.

In the story I've noticed the less than civilized attitude throughout the book and have been a bit bothered by it. I did not notice it last time I read it. Strange what we pick up when we re-read.

[Deborah, Moderator]

I haven't yet completed this segment. I must say it was fun reading it while on an airplane headed to my own adventure. I was wondering before this section, how stereotypical the portrayals of the natives in each area are. We see it more once the hit the US, but I bet those in other countries that they've already visited would feel much the same.

Tomorrow I lose regular internet connection, but I will still be reading along. I look forward to catching up as connections permit

[Frances, Moderator]

Hilarious section about the train and the unsafe bridge-poor Passepartout with his most sensible suggestion to have the passengers cross on foot first being entirely shut down by a group of "leaders" accusing him of being afraid. Was this a commentary on the American Way of doing things? The Engineer and the Colonel were the main proponents of the method-which did work but resulted in the total collapse of the bridge behind them.

[Deborah, Moderator]

Frances wrote: "Hilarious section about the train and the unsafe bridge-poor Passepartout with his most sensible suggestion to have the passengers cross on foot first being entirely shut down by a group of "leader..."

I agree about this section. Poor Passepartout.

[Lori, Moderator]

The line saying that when Americans are prudent, it must be with good reason, really cracked me up.

I was intrigued by the description of the sledge with sails. I've never heard of such a thing, but it sounds like fun (if I liked winter, of course)!

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

Lori, I have read children's stories in which they talk about ice boating, a sail boat on ice, but they were simple things for fun, not transportation.

[Abigail]

Ice boating is definitely a thing! Here’s a YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC0I5...

[Gem , Moderator]

Abigail wrote: "Ice boating is definitely a thing! Here’s a YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC0I5..."
That is way cool!

[Deborah, Moderator]

I finished this segment last evening, I really enjoyed how Verne made it a cliff hanger but having them miss the boat by a few minutes.