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
Somalia, Mogadishu Airstrip, Dallo Airliner, 2002 - We were invited by Dallo airlines staff to join them on an armed trip from this airstrip into Mogadishu. They also told us of the high incidence of kidnappings. We declined.
Namibia, Himba Portrait, 2000 - This beautiful Himba woman came walking out of the forest to bring her child for medical care. She wore ornamentation typical to the Himba women. I was told that the Himba are the last truly nomadic tribe left in Africa. They live between northern Namibia and southern Angola. Now their way of life is threatened by a proposed dam that would flood their homeland. I was told that if a Himba woman gives birth to twins, she chooses the strongest and leaves the other to die. They make dolls of the lost child as a remembrance. This custom is necessary, for they cannot carry two children as they move from place to place. Himba women were beautiful and gentle.
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Slovenia, Store Prov, Scrap Metal
Rajasthani Water Pipe, 1984
Illustration of Rajasthani Water Pipe - (Illustration by Mike Taylor based on description by Jeff Shea)
In the morning, while people still sleep. What are they dreaming?
Bangladesh, Sylhet Prov, Fishing Nets
Australia, Lord Howe, Balls Pyramid, Side View, 2001 - Balls Pyramid, shown in this photograph, is the tallest stack in the world, at 562 meters of elevation. A stack is a steep pillar of rock jutting out of the ocean. This lies 13 miles from Lord Howe Island, a possession of Austrailia, 440 miles to the east.
Vietnam, Dong Thap Prov, Rickety Foot Bridge
Papua New Guinea, Flying Foxes At Market, 1983 - Flying foxes, or fruit bats, are sold in the market as food for consumption.
Philippines, Tawi Tawi Prov, Salted Fish