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
Thailand, Maha Sarakham Prov, Typical Tractor
Turkey, Manisa Prov, Pide Chef
Azerbaijan, Shamkir Prov, Birds
Latvia, Bauskas Prov, Pole Sock -
PNG, Oksapmin Man With Penis Gourd And Boy, 1983 - Even as far back as 1983, very few men still wore penis gourds. Most of them wore clothing. Oksapmin was a high mountain place at about 10,000 feet of elevation. In 1983, there was no road there. We walked two days from Lake Kopiago, including traversing the Strickland Gorge, to arrive at Oksapmin.
Papua New Guinea, Mendi Widow Side View, 1983 - It seemed that the tradition of wearing these beads while in mourning not only served to notify others of her status but also served to discourage suitors by hiding her body.
Rocks for Sale, 2009 Bangladesh, Sylhet Province (District)
Philippines, Sulu Prov, Man Selling Siasi
Papua New Guinea, Beetle Nut Chewing Prohibited While On Duty, 1983 - I found this notification humorous. At one and the same time it forbids the police to chew beetle nut, then advises them to be discreet if they cannot abide by the order. Beetle nut grows in a small green husk. The white round nut is chewed with lime to activate it and mustard plant to neutralize the effects of the lime. This results in red saliva. Red spit can be found throughout southern Asia wherever beetle nut is popular. I tried beetle nut once and thought it was about the worst tasting thing I could imagine.
Vietnam, Quang Nam Prov, Woman Face -