Some people find themselves by sitting still. Ren found himself by leaving.
Rubies and Rucksacks: An Asian Odyssey
New release! Published July 28, 2026.
Wander ∙ Lust ∙ Repeat
He quit his office job in London, loaded up a rucksack, and bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok—a year long search across Southeast Asia for Life, Love, and Meaning.
He wanted heat, risk, crystalline beaches in paradise, and a backpacker nightlife under flickering neons. He got all that—plus hustlers, mercenaries, and a Brotherhood with goat head stew.
The search took longer. And took him further.
Acclaimed by editors. Recognized by judges. Lived by one traveller. Dive into a deeply personal travel memoir featuring stories published by established literary journals and shortlisted in prestigious writing contests. And escape into a world of wanderlust and self-discovery.
“…a vivid, uninhibited collection of travel stories that captures the exhilaration, danger, absurdity, romance, and occasional loneliness of backpacking through Asia…” – Leo Vidal Book Reviews, The Indie View
Seeking Sanook
Publication date to be determined.
This follow up to Rubies and Rucksacks will cover Egypt, Mexico, Central America, and other parts of the world, and will include bonus material from the Asian travels.
ABOUT MEL CHRISTIE
Mel Christie returned to writing travel stories after thirty years working in the tech industry in the UK, Asia, and the US. Originally from London, he jumped the pond and is currently settled in the DC metro area, where you can usually find him practicing Tai Chi with a sword, whenever he’s not on the road or feeding the cat.
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