Key Takeaways
- The author, Janssen, has written multiple books, including "Worth A Detour", which showcases his appreciation for the lesser-known parts of New Zealand.
- Janssen’s humble background, growing up in a mining township with working-class immigrant parents, has influenced his writing style and appreciation for simple things.
- He believes in taking the time to engage with people and slow down, rather than rushing to a destination, which has led to some of his most significant discoveries.
- Janssen’s love for travel and writing has been inspired by his childhood experiences, including regular Sunday afternoon drives with his family.
- His books have sold over 100,000 copies, and he continues to write and travel, albeit more selectively, in his 70s.
Introduction to Janssen’s Background
Janssen, a renowned author, has recently released revised versions of his book "Worth A Detour", adding to his collection of over 20 books that have sold more than 100,000 copies. His success is a testament to his unique perspective and appreciation for the lesser-known parts of New Zealand. Growing up in the tiny mining township of Pukemiro, west of Huntly, Janssen was raised by two working-class immigrants who instilled in him a sense of gratitude and humility. His parents, who came from poor families in the Netherlands, found a new home in New Zealand and were incredibly loyal to the people and places that supported them.
Appreciation for the Lesser-Known Parts of New Zealand
Janssen’s humble background has given him a soft spot for the less flashy parts of Aotearoa. He has a particular fondness for places like the Kaitangata coal mining town and Wairoa, which have faced economic challenges. His appreciation for these areas stems from his parents’ experiences and their loyalty to the people who helped them settle in New Zealand. Janssen believes that his upbringing has taught him to make the most of what he has and to find joy in the simple things, rather than seeking out big and flashy experiences.
Influence of Childhood Experiences
Janssen’s love for travel and writing was inspired by his childhood experiences, particularly the regular Sunday afternoon drives with his family. These aimless drives, which were a common Kiwi institution, allowed Janssen to develop a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around him. His parents would often take detours and engage with the people and places they encountered, which taught Janssen the value of slowing down and taking an interest in everything around him. These experiences have had a lasting impact on Janssen’s writing style and his approach to travel.
Janssen’s Writing and Travel Style
Now in his 70s, Janssen has seen most of New Zealand and continues to travel and write, albeit more selectively. When working on his books, he prefers to travel alone, allowing him to focus on covering a reasonable amount of ground and gathering material for his writing. Janssen has a few favorite weird and wonderful spots from his book, including the absurd toy wall in Eltham and the ‘fence of death’ made of pig skins and skulls in the Macraes. However, he believes that some of the best discoveries come from chatting with strangers on his travels, which has taught him the importance of slowing down and engaging with people.
The Value of Human Connection
Janssen reflects on the importance of human connection and conversation in his life and writing. He believes that taking the time to engage with people, without overdoing it, can greatly enhance one’s life. Through his travels and writing, Janssen has learned to appreciate the value of random conversations with strangers, which have led to some of his most significant discoveries. His approach to travel and writing serves as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and engage with the people and places around us.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Janssen’s story is a testament to the power of humble beginnings and the importance of appreciating the simple things in life. His writing and travel style, which emphasize the value of human connection and slowing down, offer a unique perspective on the world. As he continues to write and travel in his 70s, Janssen’s books remain a beloved part of New Zealand’s literary landscape, inspiring readers to explore the lesser-known parts of the country and to appreciate the beauty in everyday experiences.
