Infrequently Asked Questions

Um, what’s going on?
Well, James and Jonathan really like observing. And writing. But most of all, writing about observing. So when the two New Zealand friends decided to embark on an Overseas Experience in North America, it seemed fitting that a travel blog should document it.

Kazaam! Enter Knots Tied In Strings.

knots·tied·in·strings

1. literal. A communicative record-keeping device of the Inca Empire (called Quipu) in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, consisting of a series of variously coloured strings attached to a base rope and knotted so as to encode information.
2. noun. The metaphorical title (Knots Tied In Strings) for the travel blog of two New Zealanders travelling and living in North America.

Wait, what on earth is a blog?
My friend, Wikipedia reveals all.

Ah, of course. So where are these guys going?
Knots Tied In Strings goes down like this: From July 2007 James and Jonathan are travelling the western United States of America for three months. Then they’re moving to Toronto, Canada on a 12-month work permit, but will concurrently explore the eastern United States of America. Check out their itinerary and also follow their movements with their mapkit.

OK, and what about this blogging thing?
As Knots Tied In Strings is a tag-team affair, a blog entry will be posted every two-to-seven days with James and Jonathan alternating. You can see the two most-recent posts on the main page, or check out the archives in the sidebar for past posts. You can also view posts solely authored by James or authored by Jonathan, or arranged by any other category in the sidebar. (Make sure you leave comments to dispense your respect!)

I can manage that. What’s the flavour of this operation?
The authors of Knots Tied In Strings employ an introspective and idiosyncratic style to their travel writing. James and Jonathan isolate the interesting and banal personal experiences that arise from travelling, experiencing foreign culture, and generally existing, sometimes attempting to draw conclusions that reflect holistically on humankind. The three Ps—philosophy, politics and pop culture—are the class A drugs of cultural commentary, and Knots Tied In Strings is your pusherman.

Cool. Any other extras?
In addition to blogs and maps, Knots Tied In Strings also links to James and Jonathan’s travel photos at the wonderful flickr website. (See the sidebar).

Wow, I want Knots Tied In Strings in my inbox!
You’re in luck! You can subscribe to Knots Tied In Strings and receive it straight to your email. Far out!

I’m smitten. Can I talk to these young men in private?
Sure! Hit James and Jonathan up at knots.tied.in.strings@gmail.com