World of poetry (From York Press)

World of poetry

7:10pm Thursday 27th December 2007

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A POET who gave up his museum job in York to go round the world has published a book telling of his travels.

Graham Relton, 31, has written Around The World In 80 Poems recounting an adventure that he says took 16 countries, four continents, and three hospitals - all in 345 days He says the collection of poems allows the reader to "follow the ups and the downs of life with two novices on the backpacker trail from the comfort of your own armchair".

Graham packed in his job as education manager at the National Railway Museum to embark on his travels with his then girlfriend, Keira. The couple are now aiming to move back to York in the next few months, after getting engaged in Yellowstone National Park, and marrying a month later in Fiji.

He said his book is "a collection of clever observations, the serious and the funny, that will inspire you to either book the next flight to somewhere new or convince you to never go on holiday again."

He said: "Whether you are a globetrotter or a rather-not-er', whether you read poetry everyday or would rather play on the motorway, this book is for you."

The book includes tales of burping Mexicans; aliens in the United States; "Pommie-bashing" in Australia; an earthquake in Thailand; split pants in China and an irate nun in Russia.

Although he has had work published in poetry compilations before, this is the first published collection of his own works, and Graham said it was the realisation of a "long-held dream".

He said highlights from his and Keira's trip included visiting Mexico City. He said: "It was the first place we went to, and it was pretty memorable."

He said the trans-Siberian trip from China to Russia was also unforgettable, while an operation that rid him of a parasite in Thailand was - ultimately - a highlight as well.

After spending four years at the National Railway Museum, Graham now works for the Yorkshire Film Archive at York St John University. He and Keira are currently living in Leeds, but have put their house up for sale and are planning to move back to York as soon as possible.

To help offset the environmental impact of his international flights, Graham is donating ten percent of his profits to appropriate charities, and the book will be printed only when ordered. Copies can be ordered on the amazon website or at local shops including WH Smith in Coney Street, York.

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