Travels with a Tangerine - Tim Mackintosh-Smith

A writer sets out to follow in the footsteps of Ibn Battutah - this should be a very interesting book.  Unfortunately, I just can't seem to get into it. I keep asking myself why...  I think for me, there is too much of Mackintosh-Smith and not enough history, culture, flavour of the land.  The author recounts details, but I sense this filter of judgment, attitude, wry amusement.  The subtext is a bit offensive to me - a journey to distant lands to marvel that it is not like home and to poke gentle fun at the outlandish ways.  I will keep trying for a bit, but I don't think I'll be able to finish this one...