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
Kayah Woman, 2012
Myanmar, Kayah Province (Division) - 8x10 film
The Long-Neck, or Giraffe-Necked woman are originally from Kayah State in Myanmar. To travel there required a permit. I had seen them before in Mae Hong Son Province in Western Thailand, but there, they are refugees. Like many customs involving disfigurement, this one is dying out. Typically, only the old women wear the neck rings. There is a photo on this site from Mae Hong Son of a girl wearing the rings, but these were removable. The woman in this photograph is one of the last remaining original Long Necked Woman. I found her in a house in a village on the side of the road.
Papua New Guinea, Oksapmin Man With Bird Of Paradise Quill, 1983 - In my journal, I mistakenly described the protrusions through his nose as Cassowary quills. I now believe they are actually quills from one of over forty species of bird of paradise.
Vietnam, Quang Binh Prov, Water Buffalo -
Islas Juan Fernandez, Large Leaf And Walkman, 2000 - One day during my stay on Robinson Crusoe Island, officially known as Isla Juan Fernandez, I took a walk up the mountainside. I was amazed to see an enormous leaf. In order to illustrate its size, I put my Sony Walkman in the middle of the leaf.
Indonesia, Sumatera Barat Prov, Local House
Slovenia, Trbovlje Prov, Lovers Closeup
Azerbaijan, Qazax Prov, Two Trees
Azerbaijan, Ismayilli Prov, Sheep And Mountains
Slovenia, Sentjur Prov, Loving Husband Gathers Boquet
Lithuania, Telsiu Prov, Pretty Cow -