The Traveler And The Gate Checkers (Paperback)

~ Ted Lerner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

...leaving locals laughing at Mr. Lerner’s crazy experiences — "The Traveler and the Gate Checkers" is an excellent read. -- BusinessWorld, July 18, 2003

...the book offers a glimpse into everyday Asians' lives, making it an extraordinary book that is unforgettable." -- Asia Times Online, August 9, 2003

A hilarious look at traveling throughout Asia, from sacred cow rest homes in India to bloody wrestling matches in Tokyo. -- European and Pacific Stars and Stripes, August 14, 2003

Because he simply does not go with the herd, he encounters weird characters, extraordinary lives and stumbles upon magical places. -- Malaya, August 4, 2003

Fascinating...perceptive...great descriptive writing!...sit back with a beer and travel through Lerner’s eyes. You will enjoy it. -- The Foreign Post, September 21, 2003

Product Description

For most people, life comes down to a daily chore of pile management. But for a traveler like Ted Lerner, life often revolves around dealing with gate checkers. Gate checkers? Yes, those people given a badge, a stamp and the authority to stop you from getting where you want to go. In this his second book, the American author of the hilarious Philippine adventure, "Hey, Joe," takes to the road in the gate checker capital of the world, Asia. No matter the obstacles, though, Lerner never fails to uncover the juicy stories and one-of-a-kind experiences which can only be found in the world's largest and most populated continent. From the sheer madness, and brilliance, of tortuously crowded India, to the wildly popular and barbaric realm of Japanese professional wrestling, to high class Hong Kong and its notorious, low down landmark, to jaded Thailand and untouched Laos and, finally, revisiting the teeming and seedy heart of Manila, this collection of five original tr! avel tales will bring you decidedly off the beaten path, roaming as few foreigners dare, on journeys as unique as the countries themselves. Part travelogue, part reportage, part outrageously good fun, with everything from sex to death and all the colorful life in between, Ted Lerner's The Traveler and the Gate Checkers presents a fresh and unusual version of Asia. So open your heart and mind and get ready for the ride. But remember; watch out for those gate checkers!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Book of Dreams (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3935508077
• ISBN-13: 978-3935508070
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,852,531 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Traveling with Ted Lerner, January 5, 2007

By	Mark Zika (sierra vista, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After having finished reading 'Hey, Joe' by Ted Lerner I felt compelled to purchase another writing by this author. I'm glad I did for 'The Traveler and thge Gate Checkers' is really a good read. Well written, richer than the first book, Ted lerner takes us into the heart and soul of the places he visits. You can just feel the heat rising from the plains of India as the crushing noise of the wheels hammer on the tracks of the train he and his wife, Au are traveling on as Ted leans out between cars desperately seeking respite from the madness inside. Ted Lerner's ability at describing the experience, what a person must deal with and how he copes and absorbs his surroundings is a delight. You really grow to appreciate the journey these two are on, and Ted's ability to wrap up a section with some poignant humour or a funny remark from Au are wonderful.

5.0 out of 5 stars TRAVELS WITH TED AND FAMILY, August 23, 2009

By	salvacion mendiola ""Island Girl"" (Tinian, CNMI, USA) - See all my reviews

Another good one from Ted Lerner - anyone that travels in Asia will love this one. The gate checkers are everywhere with their big rubber stamps, and if you dislike their power, best not travel to certain countries. The gate checkers decide if you're going in or out, and quite honestly if you'll ever see America again, and they are well aware of their powers. Ted was brave to take along his little girl, but she survived and learned a lot about herself and her loving family, and how things work in other countries. Good job in writing, as always with Ted Lerner. I really enjoy his website, learning a lot about travel and sports, and how things work in other areas. Buy it - an valuable book for any traveler. Mabuhay!

5.0 out of 5 stars OFFBEAT AND FUN, December 5, 2008

By	Joseph H. Race "Jose Mango" (SAIPAN, MP United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a fun, different kind of travel book with the officious, overbearing gate checkers (customs and immigrations) - you know the ones I mean, with the big rubber stamps that have the power to tell you to come aboard and spend money, or go home. I enjoyed the the experiences that Ted and his wife Au share with the readers. He takes you inside many of the well-known places and destinations in Asia, and takes you along for the bus and train rides. I really enjoyed Ted's insights and his knowledge of travel and what to expect on any journey. A well-written book that would be great to take along on a trip or to the beach. Lots of chuckles and frustrations, and lets you in on a secret - EVERYONE has to face the gate checkers - not just you. Buy it - a good one to read on your next journey!