No Reservations for Bourdain

photo by Adam Pinkney

No Reservation for Bourdain

By Adam Pinkney

On Season two of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation, he visits the enchanted island of Puerto Rico. Bourdain explores the wonderful culture and cuisine of the island. His approach would best be described as “anti-conquest”. This term was coined by Mary Pratt and is a genre of travel writing. Bourdain does not want to conquer or impose his ideals on the existing culture of Puerto Rico, he insists on kicking it with the natives and becoming a part of their family.

Mr. Bourdain did not want to be a lousy tourist, he wanted to live amongst the people and receive the stamp of approval. Throughout the show he kept repeating how he was in search of the “ real Puerto Rico” and did not want to entertain himself with a typical tourist itinerary. Bourdain was somewhat a passive observer, however he definitely wanted to get down and dirty. For example he stepped into the ring with an undefeated boxing champion Miguel Cotto. Luckily for Bourdain, the champ spared his life.

Other adventures of his travel included a search for the mythical chupacabra, horseback riding, lobster diving, music and lots of food. Bourdain enjoyed the locals and they were also pleased to have him around. At the end of the show he told a couple of locals about his adventures on the island and they gave him a stamp of approval.

I enjoyed this type of travel writing Bourdain pursued. It was more of documenting visually with sound and video of his experience in Puerto Rico. I relate very well to his style of travel writing and would not change anything about his approach. I agree with the anti-conquest theme of innocence. For some reason tying in the theme of innocence reminds me of a bible verse. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).