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
Bangladesh, Sunamganj Prov, Woman
Chile, Antofagasta Prov, Vicunas
Turkey, Manisa Prov, Early Morning Farm House
Myanmar, Shan Prov, People
Slovenia, Zavrc Prov, Vineyard And Church
Singapore, King Of Saxony Bird Of Paradise, Jurong Bird Park, 2008, IMG_9488 - Twenty five years earlier, the highlanders of New Guinea wore the feathers of the King of Saxony bird of paradise in their headdress. This elusive bird is most easily seen at the Jurong Bird park. But even then, such a view requires patience. Their feathers, when viewed up close, are remarkable, each "branch" in itself comprised of smaller versions of itself.
Papua New Guinea, Huli Feathers 1, 1983 - In this photo there are King of Saxony Bird of Paradise and Red-Plumed Bird of Paradise feathers, cockatoo feathers, parrot feathers and feathers from several other species of birds.
Peru, Inti Raymi At Sacsayhuaman, 1979 - The stone work at Sacsuaman is amongst the most incredible I have seen. As visible in this photograph, enormous stones are fitted one on top of the other. What is not visible here is that, even though the stones are sometimes on the order of 3 meters across, you cannot fit a quarter in between some of them, so fine is the workmanship! This is incredible considering it was made centuries ago. This vintage photograph was taken with a Kodak Instamatic on my second international trip, a six month journey overland across Central and South America. (Photo 110 format from Jeff Shea Travel Archives)
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.
Philippines, Batanes Prov, Road