Fantastic news for the start of the new year…Robert Shepherd and Geoff Motley's new book in the Why Bother? series is now available to download on all platforms! This time, their italian travels have taken them to Florence and this ebook contains their guidance, musings and thoughts on the best places to visit in Florence. You even get two for the price of one in this book with some very handy tips for places and things to do in Pisa.
Once again, Geoff has provided some great illustrations and the book is full of the pair's humorous banter. After reading this, you will truly understand why you should bother with Florence, and sample a slice of Pisa too.
About the Book
"At last, a refreshing guide to Florence, with a slice of Pisa, brought to you by the chalk and cheese of travel writing, Robert Shepherd and Geoff Motley.
Written from the heart and fuelled by local food, wine and a mischievous sense of humour, this book is by two guys who are generations apart and come at Florence from different directions. It does not lead you by the hand, but it certainly whets your appetite, encouraging you to be adventurous and find your own way with a hint or two from the guys.
Absorb what they know, through their banter, style and wit. This is a travel guide with different views, humour, cartoons and useful facts all about Florence and Pisa: that is why you should bother."
About the Authors
Robert Shepherd is a writer and journalist and Geoff Motley is a writer, broadcaster and cartoonist. This is their third in the series of Why Bother? Guides. In an excerpt from the book, they both tell us why we should bother with them:
Rob Shepherd
"Here I am again, the guy with a journalist’s keenness for finding out facts others miss. Every time I ‘go Italian’ I ask Geoff why he hasn’t snapped up a cool pad somewhere given his Italian family history. Italians know how to enjoy life and I love being part of it.
I have to say that out of the books we have written in the Why Bother? series, this was probably the most challenging. I say that because I had visited the other cities on numerous occasions but had only just skirted around the Tuscan gem that is Florence. I also had my wife with me this time, so I had to be on my best behaviour.
It did also pain me to have to follow Geoff's advice when I arrived and so it pleased me no end when I told the old campaigner about some things I noticed myself. Nevertheless, I made the trip with very fresh eyes and saw a lot of things for the first time. A bit like you."
Geoff Motley
"Yes, an English name but a colourful Italian family history. They tell me there was once an aristocrat in the family many, many years ago. Wouldn’t that be useful for getting a decent table in a restaurant? I speak Italian because it was a matter of having to as a lad in north eastern Italy.
I have broadcast for the BBC from Italy back to the UK about Italian lifestyle, even the Papacy. The dynasties of Florence that established banking, plus the ancient family rivalries over centuries have been a constant fascination to me.
The countryside around Florence is great to explore. My Tuscan friends sure know how to have a good time, but always with style and always with a warm welcome. Their apartments are often in very old, historic looking edifices.
History is always in the air. From a 21st century modern kitchen you can look down on a square or narrow lane where medieval bankers and traders argued and swordplay happened at the drop of a silk hankie.
Robert, it is time for my second glass and for your information, the cool pad in Italy tempted me, but the place I liked most had no lift and the trek to the apartment’s door was 129 steps!"
Where can I buy the book?
You can buy Florence: Why Bother?…with a slice of Pisa in the following places:
Amazon iBooks Kobo
The Why Bother? Guides
Once again, Geoff has provided some great illustrations and the book is full of the pair's humorous banter. After reading this, you will truly understand why you should bother with Florence, and sample a slice of Pisa too.
About the Book
"At last, a refreshing guide to Florence, with a slice of Pisa, brought to you by the chalk and cheese of travel writing, Robert Shepherd and Geoff Motley.
Written from the heart and fuelled by local food, wine and a mischievous sense of humour, this book is by two guys who are generations apart and come at Florence from different directions. It does not lead you by the hand, but it certainly whets your appetite, encouraging you to be adventurous and find your own way with a hint or two from the guys.
Absorb what they know, through their banter, style and wit. This is a travel guide with different views, humour, cartoons and useful facts all about Florence and Pisa: that is why you should bother."
About the Authors
Robert Shepherd is a writer and journalist and Geoff Motley is a writer, broadcaster and cartoonist. This is their third in the series of Why Bother? Guides. In an excerpt from the book, they both tell us why we should bother with them:
Rob Shepherd
"Here I am again, the guy with a journalist’s keenness for finding out facts others miss. Every time I ‘go Italian’ I ask Geoff why he hasn’t snapped up a cool pad somewhere given his Italian family history. Italians know how to enjoy life and I love being part of it.
I have to say that out of the books we have written in the Why Bother? series, this was probably the most challenging. I say that because I had visited the other cities on numerous occasions but had only just skirted around the Tuscan gem that is Florence. I also had my wife with me this time, so I had to be on my best behaviour.
It did also pain me to have to follow Geoff's advice when I arrived and so it pleased me no end when I told the old campaigner about some things I noticed myself. Nevertheless, I made the trip with very fresh eyes and saw a lot of things for the first time. A bit like you."
Geoff Motley
"Yes, an English name but a colourful Italian family history. They tell me there was once an aristocrat in the family many, many years ago. Wouldn’t that be useful for getting a decent table in a restaurant? I speak Italian because it was a matter of having to as a lad in north eastern Italy.
I have broadcast for the BBC from Italy back to the UK about Italian lifestyle, even the Papacy. The dynasties of Florence that established banking, plus the ancient family rivalries over centuries have been a constant fascination to me.
The countryside around Florence is great to explore. My Tuscan friends sure know how to have a good time, but always with style and always with a warm welcome. Their apartments are often in very old, historic looking edifices.
History is always in the air. From a 21st century modern kitchen you can look down on a square or narrow lane where medieval bankers and traders argued and swordplay happened at the drop of a silk hankie.
Robert, it is time for my second glass and for your information, the cool pad in Italy tempted me, but the place I liked most had no lift and the trek to the apartment’s door was 129 steps!"
Where can I buy the book?
You can buy Florence: Why Bother?…with a slice of Pisa in the following places:
Amazon iBooks Kobo
The Why Bother? Guides
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