The Whinging Pome: Born to Travel

He’s bold, unapologetic and opinionated. He’s not one to be ripped off.

Often politically incorrect, yet more observant than the most seasoned traveler, here’s here to whinge.

And no one does it better than The Whinging Pome!

The Whinging Pome's Interview with TRBusiness

The Whinging Pome - To The Point

The Whinging Pome is the creation of travel retail (Duty Free) pioneer Paul Topping, a well-known and respected figure in the industry. With this unique character, Topping releases many grumbles, keen insights and ridiculously good-humoured insults on the unsuspecting participants of his varied travelling experiences. Taking no prisoners, yet never personal, The Whinging Pome is your definite guide to travel – especially if you want to know what NOT to do!

Meandering along roads less travelled, spanning 18 countries over 45 stories, the Pome carries on whinging, not least about his wife’s inexhaustible shopping habits. Yet beneath the humour, one sees the truth and often a glimpse of the unique character of the author, as he relays his experiences in life along the journey. ‘The Whinging Pome To The Point’ is relevant whether you wish to leave the confines of a comfortable couch or grab a book as the perfect reading companion on your own journey.

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The Whinging Pome - On The Road Again

The Whinging Pome is back on the road with his often brusk Britishness, humour and whinges. Accompanying him is his slightly eccentric, shopaholic wife “Jezzabel”, whose outlook and influence can be extremely diverting, sometimes jeopardizing the Pome’s well laid out plans, and landing them in fresh adventures.

This is a collection of 53 short stories, that reveals the Whinging Pome’s personal experiences and encounters across 17 countries, from Japan to Uruguay, to France and India. The somewhat irrational confrontations with incomprehensible people along the way has led to the creation of Whinging Pome’s Random Rules, 230 (and counting) witty one-liners and opinionated interpretations on life, travel and people.

Take a journey with the Whinging Pome. Discover what a taphophile does – researching and enjoying visits to cemeteries as the Pome tracks down another field of dead bodies or a famous person’s last location. (Some call it “black tourism“). Establish if you have coddiwompler tendencies (i.e to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.)

This book is also a type of guide to making the most of life and being positive despite “Brick Backs”.

Testimonials for The Whinging Pome - To The Point

Went to bed last night enjoyed the read having picked over five or so stories to read . You are certainly on the point with lots of your writing

Alexander McCall Smith

Acclaimed Author

This book itself is a “terrific package.” It’s informative (especially about places one would never dream of visiting), provocative and amusing; a jolly good travelling companion in fact.

Royston Ellis

Enjoyed reading the book immensely! Every chapter reveals a surprise aspect, a what, a really , or a Oh moment..that gets etched permanently in your mind !The underlying humour in the style of writing, is so evident that it makes "whinging" a likable word !

Darby Raju

Congratulations on a great book. Was my (second) companion on my trip around Australia – while sipping new world wine of course!Namibia and New Zealand now firmly added to the bucket list to travel to. Having travelled with my wife for 3 weeks, for your next book I would suggest a whole chapter on the exercise preparation required for travelling with a companion who loves to shop (but not to carry the bags!)

Nishantha de Alwis

Manager - International Business Development The Janet Group

Dear Paul: Congratulations. Your book was a enjoyable reading. The best compliment is that I finished reading it in 30 days when my average for a book of that size & content is 90 days!
I thought your comments on SL restaurants & casual labour was harsh but I realised later they were from a whinging pome!
Best wishes for the success of your publication.

Derrick Juriansz

25 May 2018

Read the latest stories by The Whinging Pome

Phileas Fogg Society

In the theatre area of London at Bedford Street, l perceive a mystery is about to unfold. I’m excited about visiting the home of Mr. Phileas Fogg, yet I know he is a fictitious character in Jules Verne’s book, “Around

September 17, 2024 No Comments

The Blue Church of Our Lady of Fatima

If you are someone who goes to Victoria/ Digana from Kandy, I hope you have noticed the little picturesque blue church. It’s opposite the Earl’s Regency Hotel, just over the bridge crossing Mahaweli River. On four occasions we have driven

September 13, 2024 2 Comments

Dogs of the Galle Road, Colombo

My morning walks give me a chance to meet the dog community of the Galle Road in what I call the Manhattan stretch. (Kollupitiya to the Kingsbury) I don’t know their names, but I get to chat with a few.

August 31, 2024 No Comments

Fortress a Decade Later

The Fortress Hotel in Kogala first opened in 2007, having being stalled during foundation work by the tsunami. It was and is a five-star hotel, and we were regular visitors in those early days when two amazing Australian managers ran the establishment, there was some empathy and fun with Jezzabel.

August 20, 2024 1 Comment