What happens when you hire six of some of the best travel writers in the world to go on assignment, anywhere they want, to write about anything they want? Try donkeys in Morocco, treks to the Punjab, and, could this be, Frances Mayes of “Under the Tuscan Sky” waxing poetic about . . . Poland?

Smithsonian mag’s got all six stories, including dispatches from Paul Theroux, Susan Orlean, Frances Mayes, Geoffrey C. Ward and others.

And please, remember this next time you read any blog or article from a travel writer complaining about how difficult their job is, what with all the hassle of transport, homesickness, and illness. When’s the last time your boss waddled into your cubicle and said, “Could you do me a favor, pick anywhere in the world and go there next week and write about it. Oh yeah, we’ll pay you for it, and we’ll guarantee publication. See you in a few weeks.”

Let’s see, where would I go and why. I think I’d choose South India. It’s getting cold here in New York. It’s been a while since I’ve had some really good food. And India’s easily in my top-5 spots for future travel.

Posted on September 18, 2009 by Matt Stabile