Map Books

The idea for Map Books was born when I was travelling together with Martijn Vermolen in Southeast Asia. Ten books were created. Each book contains one quote and poses one question. The books were given to fellow travellers who in some way has moved the previous possesor of the book, be it a casual conversation, some act they took, or even the way they look. If this person agrees to participate they have to answer the question and then it will be their turn to choose the next participant whom they meet on their journey. These books create a map of perception, an emotional map of people and a map of places. We hope that the books will be returned when complete so we can exhibit and publish them.

We are currently working on the 2nd version of Map Books as we have tweaked the idea quite a bit. We can’t go into any details yet, if it works it will be very exciting.

If you would like to hear more about our idea please contact us at mapbooks2015@gmail.com.

Book of Places

Every place is a goldmine. You have only to give yourself time, sit in a teahouse watching the passers-by, stand in a corner of the market, go for a haircut. You pick up a thread - a word someone you have just met - and soon the most insipid, most insignificant place becomes a mirror of the world, a window on life, a theatre of humanity.
Tiziano Terzani 'A Fortune Teller Told Me'

What place is most dear to you?

We met a lovely couple from Montreal at a coffee shop in Pai, Thailand in March 2015. After exchanging only a few words we both agreed that that we wanted to ask them whether they would accept the Book of Places. As you may have guessed by now luckily they accepted.

Book of Truth

It is a challenge to afford to be yourself. It could even be an art form. (…) Because usually we are moulded without our say, without our agreement and even without our awareness. Wiesław Myśliwski 'The Last Deal'

Can you afford to be true to yourself?

We met Dorota and Florian in Siem Reap while waiting for a bus heading for Don Det (Four Thousand Islands, Laos). It clicked immediately and our morning chat ended up lasting nearly three weeks. We had a great time travelling through Laos with them and we were delighted when they agreed to share their thoughts in the Book of Truth.

Book of Happiness

There wasn’t any limit, no boundary at all, to the future, and it would be so a man wouldn’t have room to store his happiness. 
John Steinbeck 'East of Eden'

Is it difficult to be happy?

We had the good fortune to hear Sarah sing at Open Mic Night's at the One Love Bar in Koh Phangan. Afterwards we got chatting and quickly realised she’s quite a girl and someone who we really wanted to participate in Map Books. Sarah agreed and she kick started the Book of Happiness.

Book of Escape

...to escape involves not just running away but arriving somewhere.
Bernhard Schlink 'The Reader'

Have you arrived?

Stephen mesmerized the crowd on the same night we heard Sarah at the One Love Bar. With a personality to match his ridiculously amazing voice we can't wait to see what he wrote in the Book of Escape.

Book of Escape II

...to escape involves not just running away but arriving somewhere. 
Bernhard Schlink 'The Reader'

Have you arrived?

Valerie was getting ready to leave, we barely made the 10:00 cut-off for breakfast. As luck would have it this little window of opportunity gave us a good thirty minutes of memorable chit chat. Her thoughtfulness and some sharp observations quickly led us to ask her to accept the Book of Escape II and as you will have guessed by now happily she agreed.

Book of Truth II

It is a challenge to afford to be yourself. It could even be an art form. (…) Because usually we are moulded without our say, without our agreement and even without our awareness. Wiesław Myśliwski 'The Last Deal'

Can you afford to be true to yourself?

Travelling not only offers opportunities to learn about the countries that you visit but also of the countries of your fellow backpackers. Just such a moment came when Pablo, who was waiting for his bus, told us a great deal about Argentina's present situation and troubled recent history. 4 hours flew by after which we were a good bit wiser with the added benefit of finding a new home for the Book of Truth II, very appropriate for a law graduate.