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
When I asked Er Che Du Ma if she could wear her traditional costume for me, she promptly shut her little store front and went home to change. Here, she stands in front of her front door. Even the house she lived in with her parents was quaint, with a beautiful watercolor on the wall. The people there now marry, but in the old days, the women were the property owners and there was no marriage.
Turkey, Ankara Prov, Landscape
Italy, Pisa Moon, 1989 - On a return trip from Africa in 1989, I drove from Sicily to Holland. On the way, I stopped by Pisa, Italy for the first time. I rushed to get there before nightfall, but was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, a moon rose, presenting me with an opportunity for an unusual photograph of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Germany, Baden-Wurtenburg Province, Traditional Clothes, 2008, IMG_6087 - This Staufen couple said they were celebrating the 1000 year anniversary of a nearby village. The woman sewed all the clothes. She showed me her embroidered stockings. She took me by the hand and led me through their garden, showing me the tomatoes and flowers. Their energy was 100% good and pure.
Taiwan, Penghu Prov, Bay Break - Penghu Island is worth a visit. It has a different feeling than the rest of Taiwan.
Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater, Zebra And Wildebeest, 1987 - Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a thrill to see, for inside it there are most of the big game species in Africa. I long to see the world's natural animal populations restored by preserving vast spaces on the surface of the earth as World Parks.
Thailand, Suphan Buri Province, Lake, 2008, IMG_3140 - A lake with structures no doubt related to fish or shrimp.
Laos, Louangphabang Prov, Farm Girl
Thailand, Phichit Prov, Monk
Antarctica, Jeff Shea at South Pole with Globe, 2001 - This is a photograph of me standing with the South Pole marker globe. Surrounding the globe are the flags of many nations, representing their prescence in Antarctica. This point is like the center of a pie, from which extends the territories of several countries. By walking around this globe, one has technically visited six Antarctic territories: Argentine, Australian, Chilean, French, New Zealand and Norwegian Antarctica. My understanding of the Club's interpretation of Norwegian Antarctica is that, since the southern border of Norway's claim is undefined, one may count the South Pole as having visited Norwegian Antarctica. I arrived at this conclusion after a judgment by the club was made following my query. This is important for Travelers Century Club members, as the club lists each as a separate country. What I do not understand is, since the USA has its base at the South Pole, why isn't there an American Antarctica on the Club's list? In the long run, the thrill of visiting the South Pole is reason enough to go there.