Jeff Shea

This website illuminates my life and adventures. My longing for freedom has led me to over 2600 of the world’s 3978 provinces, to every country on earth and to the summit of the highest peak on each continent (thank heaven for good weather!). In my travels, I learned to respect the intelligence and ingenuity of people of all races and callings both past and present. Come see the world as I see it: as a peaceful place, full of nature and beauty. With the right spirit and intent, we can make our world a virtual Garden of Eden.

DISTINCTIONS: BBC 2017 Travel Pioneer • Journal Articles • Explorer’s Club Flag Expeditions
World Parks Project • Walk Across South America • Jeff Shea Travel Map

Cambodia, Kampong Chaam Prov, Flower Vendor
Chile, Antofagasta, Jeff Shea Reaches Argentina
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, Vendor, 2007 -
Argentina, Jujuy Prov, Cactus Flower
UK, Bexley (London) Prov, Raising A Glass
Vietnam, Lai Chau Prov, Village
Sikkim, Gangtok Monastery, 1984 - To travel legally to Sikkim in 1984 required a permit from Darjeeling, and to travel to Darjeeling required a permit from Delhi. I obtained both. India had recently taken over Sikkim, formerly an independent country. Propaganda slogans were written on the walls of the road leading to Sikkim, such as one that stated, "Sikkim is the Jewel in the Crown of India."
Turkey, Amasya Prov, Landscape
Thailand, Bull Fight, 1984 - Another surprise awaited me in Koh Samui, Thailand: a bullfight! I knew, of course, about bullfights with matadors, but I had never heard about bullfights where one bull fought another! Prior to the fight, the owners prodded the bulls in their testicles to anger them. The bulls' horns were embossed with gold-colored foil. In this photograph some of the spectators take to climbing coconut trees for safety.
Tibet, Xegar, View Of Valley From Top Of Hill, 1995 - Xegar, also known as Tingri, is on the way from Lhasa to Everest's Rongbuk Base Camp. We climbed the hill above Xegar, for the lama said if you could see Everest from there, it was good luck. We were about to head down when the clouds parted and Everest appeared. This photograph shows the valleys and hills below. The monastery that once coveted the ridge up the mountain was destroyed by invading forces.