In this commentary, Simpson observations include much commentary on the degree of "civilization" among various peoples and the results thereof--often not positive, especially with regards to the impact of missionaries on local culture and morality. Simpson also provides economic and trade analyses, linguistic comparisons, culinary critiques, and descriptions of local flora and fauna. [PRBM].
Why Not? After all, no-one had ever done it before. It would be one of the longest of all overland journeys – half way round the world, from the English Channel to Singapore. They knew that several expeditions had already tried it. Some had got as far as the desrts of Persia; a few had even reached the plains of India. But no one had managed to go on from there: over the jungle clad mountains of Assam and across northern Burma to Thailand and Malaya. Over the last 3,000 miles it seemed there were ‘just too many rivers and too few roads'. But no-one really knew … In fact, their problems began much earlier than that. As mere undergraduates, they had no money, no cars, nothing. But with a cool audacity, which was to become characteristic, they set to work – wheedling and cajoling. First, they coaxed the BBC to come up with some film for a possible TV series. They then gently persuaded the manufacturers to lend them two factory-fresh Land Rovers. A publisher was even sweet-talked into giving them an advance on a book. By the time they were ready to go, their sponsors (more than 80 of them) ranged from whiskey distillers to the makers of collapsible buckets. In late 1955, they set off. Seven months and 12,000 miles later, two very weary Land Rovers, escorted by police outriders, rolled into Singapore – to flash bulbs and champagne. Now, fifty years on, their book, ‘First Overland', is republished – with a foreword by Sir David Attenborough. After all, it was he who gave them that film.
‘Inspired’, ‘enthralling’ and ‘stylish’ are just some of the words used to describe the first edition of Bearback. Now in paperback, Pat Garrod’s remarkable story is set to be discovered by even more travellers.. Imagine jacking it all in, packing your life into a 41-litre pannier and riding into the sunset. Bearback is the story of two GPs who did just that, downing stethoscopes to take off on their motorcycle, The Bear, to see the world. Across the deserts of Africa, over the mountains of the Andes, deep into the jungles of Indochina, and beyond the Arctic Circle; 100,000 miles through six continents and 64 countries. A circumnavigation of epic proportion and entirely unsupported, it was to become one of the longest journeys ever undertaken by a couple on one motorcycle, a journey destined to change their lives forever. ‘A remarkable journey. Searching, honest, uplifting’ – Sir Ranulph Fiennes ‘An inspired travelogue, dispelling the myth that remarkable journeys are out of your grasp’ – National Geographic Traveller ‘Belts along at a cracking pace. Stylish and good quality’ - RIDE ‘I didn’t want this enthralling book to end. If you only read one travelogue this year, make it this one’ – Real Travel, Book of the Month ‘We’ve all dreamed about it – quitting the job, packing up the house, and hitting the road for the adventure of a lifetime. Few do it, and even fewer do it as well as Pat Garrod’ – Travel Africa Magazine
When Dan set out to drive his Jeep from the Northern tip of Alaska to Tierra del Fuego on the Southern tip of South America, he had no idea how much the adventure would change his life. Over the course of two years, Dan's expedition spanned forty thousand miles through sixteen countries. Now he will never be the same. After years of saving, dreaming and planning, Dan wanted to find out if an ordinary guy can achieve the extraordinary. With no sponsorship, a modest savings account and a willingness to learn Spanish, Dan threw himself in. Going solo, with no GPS and sleeping in a ground tent, Dan wanted to experience everything the Americas have to offer. From poking lava with a stick and hiking among world-famous mountains to corrupt military and camping with Ecuadorian locals - every day provided something new. With his eyes and ears open to the world around him, Dan met many interesting and thought-provoking characters. With their guidance and prodding, and by using their unique perspective, Dan was able to learn many valuable life lessons. Running to the beat of a different drum, Latin America was the perfect classroom for Dan to view our modern work-a-day world through an entirely new lens.
Travel the Planet Overland was written to inspire others to explore this magnificent rock we all call home and the core message is simply that anyone sufficiently inspired can travel the planet overland. We take the readers hand and walk them through the long term world travelers reality, introducing the different types of overland travelers and the vehicles they prefer based on the fluidity of their cash flow. We then guide readers through the financial and emotional preparations for overland travel and provide the tools for overland travel success!
Join photographer Dan Grec on his epic 999 day expedition circumnavigating the entire African continent. With vibrant images from 35 African nations, Dan beautifully captures the warmth and happiness of everyday people, the wild surprise of safari and the astonishing landscapes found throughout the mighty continent. Covering 54,000 miles, Dan fulfilled his life-long dream of exploring Africa while living, cooking, sleeping and traveling at the helm of his Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. A must for any adventurous spirit, you will be captivated by images of Africa and her beautiful people, and may just begin your own grand African adventure.
