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
Bali, Dancer At Sunset On Kuta Beach, 1983 - The first time I went to Bali was in 1983, after spending six months in New Guinea. By 2007, Kuta Beach had changed dramatically, for the worse, I might add. On my first visit, this dancer stretched on the beach at sunset.
Slovenia, Lendava Prov, House Detail
Azerbaijan, Agcabadi Prov, Lamb About To Be Slaughtered
Papua New Guinea, Gera Chief Castrating Goat, 1983 - Gera's chief castrated this goat. Although this photograph is grotesque, I felt it was important. The villagers clearly enjoyed the proceeding. At first I thought they were cruel and primitive for expressing joy while the poor animal screamed. Then I reflected that in my own modern society, many animals are slaughtered for food, but I am insulated from it. It takes place on ranches and in meat factories, far from the sensibilities of everyday people. In Melanesian society, the realities of survival were dealt with directly. It really was not more primitive, just more direct, hence more realistic. This was revelatory for me.
Slovenia, Cerkno Prov, Country Scene
Slovenia, Skofja Loka Prov, Wall Detail
Cuba, Street Scene, 1997 - One thing that could be said for Havana: there was a certain verve in the city. It looked like someone had built a grand city and then walked away from it for forty years. But it was fun. There were people playing cards and chess, rolling cigars. I asked a young woman for directions. She took me home to meet her family.
Slovenia, Loski Potok Prov, Village
Bangladesh, Sherpur Prov, Crowd Accosts Old Man - I didn't know what precipitated this, but - although not visible in this photo - a crowd of people followed these men. The older man was forcibly brought to a place where he was sat down, awaiting some sort of proceeding.
Bangladesh, Netrakona Prov, Details Fried Fish