Around the World in Seven Months

"Around the World in Seven Months" by Charles J. Gillis is a travel memoir written in the late 19th century. This narrative chronicles the author's journey across various countries, providing firsthand observations and experiences as he explores diverse cultures and landscapes. The memoir particularly highlights the author's travels in Japan and India, capturing both the wonders and challenges he encounters along the way. The opening of the narrative introduces the author’s journey beginning on a train from New York, detailing his comfortable passage through the United States before embarking on a steamer across the Pacific. The author, who seems to have a curiosity for the world around him, interacts with fellow passengers including missionaries and a German army captain. As he arrives in Yokohama, Japan, he describes the beauty of the harbor and the unique experiences of navigating Japanese culture, including local transportation, cuisine, and customs. The beginning establishes a tone of wonder as well as cultural appreciation, setting the stage for a richly descriptive account of the places he visits.