What is a "Bark", anyway?

Ah yes, colonialism.
This fine little book follows the route Capt. James Cook took around the world on his three journeys. It is an interesting story populated with great characters, not least of which is the author and his friend Roger Williamson. Similar to the loutish friend that Bill Bryson travels around with this man is apparently only along to drink in new places and hit on new women. Although Cook is reviled in most polynesian societies as the starter of Western influence, (something he is not altogether guilty of as he was often not the first or the worst), the tone of this book tends to lean slightly towards the man. Granted he has impressive credentials and no deficit of guts to travel in the Bark Endeavour - but I believe a more balanced portrait could have been painted by explaining the resulting colonialization and its impact in more detail. Altogether though, this is an engaging and educational read that actually made me want to visit Hawaii, which normally just seems too warm.....

btw - it will be 100 here today..... oy