Around the World in 80 Days

I started Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days while I traveled across America in 6.  Much like Mr. Fogg, I had some close calls and unexpected issues, which unfortunately brought me home later than scheduled, unlike the heroin of our story.

It's a fun, quick, silly book.  Descriptions are brief and to the point, much like Fogg himself, and it often reads just like a timetable rather than an actual story.  The protagonist is a very likable character, much like Sherlock from the BBC show - cool, calculated, and logical (and though he says he has no friends, easily finds himself loved by those around him).  It's strange to think that the entire book is carried through without much emotional connection to any of the characters, but somehow it's effective in driving home the point of a nail-biter adventure story.

I'm only confused as to why pop culture associates this story to a hot air balloon - none was present in the entire book, save for one mention of this form of transportation which was immediately dismissed.