June 12, 2008
You too can travel like Bond – James Bond!
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ian Fleming – creator of the most famous secret agent of all time, James Bond. There are several Bond happenings this year – a new Bond book called Devil May Care was released a couple of weeks ago, and the 22nd movie in the series is scheduled to hit theaters this November.
Bond is particularly well-traveled and has been virtually everywhere in the 21 movies produced so far – from Paris to Iceland, Thailand to Japan, and Egypt to Rio de Janeiro. If you are a Bond fan, the ultimate trip is to the Goldeneye resort in Jamaica. This was once the home where Ian Fleming wrote all the Bond books; it's now been turned into a luxurious resort. It isn't cheap to stay there – the cheapest villa is almost $1,000 (for one night, as far as I can tell, which puts it right up there with some of the most expensive hotel rooms).
I know, London isn’t very exotic, but the city does feature in all the Bond films, even if only briefly. The best view of London is seen at the beginning of The World is Not Enough featuring a spectacular boat chase along the Thames. Several companies offer Bond themed walking tours of London, even complete vacations – this one sounds particularly good. If you are visiting London between now and March 2009, the Imperial War Museum is hosting an exhibition devoted to Ian Fleming’s life and work. And if you are a golfer, just outside London, the Stoke Park golf club was the backdrop for the famous golf scene from the movie Goldfinger.
Another great Bond location is in Switzerland at the top of the 9,000 feet high Schilthorn mountain. The restaurant at the summit holds the distinction of being the world's highest revolving restaurant and also featured as the villain's base in the Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Apart from enjoying the spectacular views of the Alps, you can also enjoy a James Bond breakfast!
Guest entry by Mancunian
Posted by James Trotta at June 12, 2008 11:17 PM | TrackBack
Interesting article..I know my husband would love to go to some of the James Bond movie locations! There is also a book published called "James Bond's London"...can't remember the author.
Posted by: brenda at June 13, 2008 11:22 PM