Where you can experience the world of Roald DahlFebruary 25, 2016

Mark September 23 in your calendar, as it will be the centennial year of Roald Dahl's birth. You remembered the read aloud books before you go to sleep, but the details escaped you. No need to worry.

You might have to go to England, where many events will be held. (The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre shouldn't be missed, as a recreation of Dahl's writing shed is on display.) Alas, your family have been to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos last winter. You admired the countryside near Da Nang. You didn't fancy temples, but you had a change of heart when you witnessed the sunset in Angkor Thom. And you were the only one who liked the slow boat. You noticed your father's grumpy look these past weeks. A new scenery will make him feel good. (You should know, as he went on a backpacking adventure for more than a year. The apple didn't fall from the tree, but this would be another story.) Your mother hails from Leeds, and it has been five years since her last visit. You're mulling your other options.

Here are five places where you can experience the world of Dahl:

The couch. If your parents don't want to go on a holiday this winter, then you can watch the celluloid versions of Dahl's stories. Not "The Witches". (You didn't like the final scene, as most of Dahl's tales would end in a bittersweet, if not outrageous, manner.) You liked Tim Burton's adaptation of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", and you don't mind watching it again. After all, Tim Burton's oddball humor would suit Dahl's apparent mean streak.

Your bedroom. This was your sanctuary when you read a book. It would be Adventure fiction, but you wanted a different title this year. (The sequel to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" didn't seem interesting at all.) You also liked to read "James and the Giant Peach" again. (You laughed hard. Nothing wrong with political incorrectness.) You must come up with a list soon.

The university. Why not discuss Dahl's books with your coursemates? They won't mind at all. (A change of topic can be a good distraction from the coursework.) Your housemates might be huge fans of the Englishman, but you haven't found out. Yet. (They passed out during the party last weekend. You were the only one who remained standing.) Unless one of you would study Children's literature, then tell them why everyone (in the English Department) should read "Matilda". Try harder if they seemed uninterested.

The zoo. Roald Dahl was stationed in Africa during the Second World War. He recalled every exotic mammal he encountered in the wild. They would have a voice in his stories. Kids would learn a thing or two from these four-legged characters.

Any place with children. Some kids must go along with adults who don't know how to deal with children. And it may have a grave effect on them. This is your chance to be a kid at heart.

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