Riding the buses » May I introduce
May I introduce: My drivers in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a gorgeous country, no doubt about it. But you need to travel the back roads to truly appreciate it, past the villages, the jungles, the temples and the majestic trees. The island is only 445 km (277 miles) long and 225 km (140 miles) wide so getting to its corners it not too hard to do. Many roads are being widened and paved although the construction crew can be a little unconventional. I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Good trips, May I introduce, Sri Lanka
May I introduce Tom Harrisson, the barefoot anthropologist of Borneo
Tom Harrisson (1911-1976) had many labels and amateur anthropologist was one of them. He was bigger than life, so it was said, and one who never failed at anything. He wrote a best-selling book about living among cannibals in the South Pacific at the age of 26. When the British were looking for someone to drop behind enemy lines in the remote jungles of Borneo where the ‘wild men’ lived, they chose Harrisson to lead … Read entire article »
Filed under: Good trips, Malaysia, May I introduce
May I introduce: The fairies of Maine, USA
While travelling in Southeast Asia earlier this year, I learned a lot about the spiritual world. Many people there believe spirits are everywhere and outside virtually every house in Thailand and Laos you will find a little temple where the spirits live so that they don’t have to stay in heaven all the time. Great efforts are made to keep the spirits happy, with gifts of food, incense and even vases of flowers. In the countryside … Read entire article »
Filed under: Good trips, May I introduce, United States
May I introduce: Jesús Lopez, my driver in Mexico
When I reflect upon the various drivers who have transported me within countries as diverse as The Gambia, Papua New Guinea and Pakistan, I am struck by the contribution these men have made to my understanding of their homelands and the enjoyment of my time spent there. For many years, the professional services of a driver came with my work assignments. The drivers were responsible, not only to move me about, but also to sensitize me … Read entire article »
Filed under: Good trips, May I introduce, Mexico
