Dreaming of Jupiter

By: Ted Simon

Narrated by: Rupert Degas

Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

When Ted Simon rode 64,000 miles round the world on his 500c Triumph Tiger, he inspired thousands of motorcyclists to begin their own adventures, including Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, who chronicled their travels in Long Way Round. Nearly 30 years later, Ted Simon took to the road again to retrace the epic journey he made in his 40s. He meets up with old friends and acquaintances, revisits old landmarks and locations, and rediscovers himself, as well as the world, along the way. Dreaming of Jupiter is a remarkable achievement and a fitting sequel to Jupiter’s Travels, the groundbreaking classic of motorcycle adventure.

©2007 Ted Simon (P)2018 Naxos AudioBooks

Pessimistic version of the first book

I really enjoyed Jupiter’s travels. It was adventurous and open minded. Although it is an incredible feat, this time around there was a great deal of complaining and negativity. You can tell Ted is very much stuck in his ways and was less open this time to enjoy the experience. At the end it was doom and gloom.

Amazing book, Amazing Man

I loved Jupiter's travels and I loved Dreaming of Jupiter just as much. Somehow, Ted Simon manages to marry the magic of riding a motorcycle with the world around him, relating the trials, joys and tribulations of travel. This isn't just an I rode from here to there book fastened on the details of the motorcycle, it's a joyous hymn to doing it all over again no matter how old you get. I am in absolute awe of Ted Simon. As a biker myself, who at the age of 68 stepped off my beloved Triumph, I salute him for his energy, courage, curiosity and perseverance. Long may he wave, so worth a listen.

So Glad He Did it Again

I enjoyed the first book and I also enjoyed this one as well. Although a bit older than the last trip, Mr. Simon, was still able to give us another wonderful account of his journey. Sadly, it was a shame that our current world was not as agreeable or as kind as it was to him the first time.

For me, I think the only thing that I could have done without was the drama and inclusion of his inadvertent/intentional/unintentional acquisition of a new love interest. I was more interested in how the journey of 25 years ago has changed for him and how the "new" bike was for him. It was the tale of the road that interested me more than the drama of love. Let's save that for social media.

This book also had a bit of bitterness in it. I'm not certain if that was a result of age, the change of the modern world or exhaustion. Be what it may, I accepted his annoyance with things in much the same manner as I do with my own personal annoyance of public behavior and bureaucratic stupidity. At times, it made me chuckle because of the similarities. There were also the Political comments I could do without, I'm not interested in anyone's political opinion but I'll lend a patronizing ear, even to Mr. Simon as spat on about the west at times. No biggie, thankfully, they didn't last long.

A great listen and worth your time.

His second journey

Overall enjoyed it, but he seemed frustrated, and at times bitter over the changes. Very different from the first book because in Jupiter's Travels he seemed ever the optimist. He should have applied the same outlook and optimism into this book as he did in the first book or as he with Malu in the story. I know that would be hard as good expectations were set from his first journey. But his optimism came through when Malu entered the scene.

Excellent Follow Up

Marvelous follow up to the first Jupiter. Well read by a fantastic reader and performer. I wish all of Ted Simon's books were available in audible form.

excellent

this is very well read with excellent impressions or accents and people. the book is almost as good as the first. the author holds different views than my own, but his points are well made and hold my attention. however I must say he is borderline supercilious in his views and writing. a sin forgivable given what he has done. e excellent book.

If you liked Jupiter's Travels...

Ted Simon's reprise and revisiting places along his 1973 journey is both lovingly nostalgic and tinted with sorrow at the changes in both himself and the world at large. His personal experiences are once again documented with journalistic reality as well as deep insight and at times abstract vignettes of what goes on in the mind of a solo traveler conspire to pull you in and keep you listening. Rupert's narration is once again amazing, with Ted refering to him as a "reincarnation" of him as his younger self in the first book, and his use of accents and vocal acting bring each individual in the story to life. From Auzzies, to South African, to East Indian, etc. he portrays every accent perfectly, adding a layer of reality and a geniune feel for being 'out there' with Ted. Utterly brilliant.

Fabulous Travel but

Great story spoiled by social justice warrior messages and global warming propaganda. Saddened by this injection

Inspiring

The connections rekindle from the past are amazing! And to think he was 70 years old.

I felt like I was a fly on his shoulder during the whole trip, observing the trials and tribulations

I listened to the audible version of Jupiter’s Travels and also Dreaming of Jupiter, the narrator Rupert Dugas is absolutely marvelous and draws you in to believe you are listening to Ted himself. I’ve seen Ted in interviews and they actually do sound similar with their, shall we say “educated accents”Both audible books were addictive and I’m glad I finally got to hear them. I wasn’t inspired to ride like many others as I’d already traveled from Santa Marta, Colombia to Peru and back mostly through the mountains that took 15 months on a light 200 cc AKT motorbike. I only found Ted after watching Ewan McGreggor and Charlie Borman introduce him on one of their motorcycle trips. I’m so glad I did, I got to relive part of my trip that I’d forgotten through Ted’s remarkable memory and ability to articulate them in his complex, observant, sarcastic, yet hilarious personality which happens to match mine. Some say dreaming of Jupiter is somewhat angry and maybe negative about the state of change around the world but as a fellow traveler on a motorbike I agree with him 100%. Two thumbs up from me.