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
Slovenia, Ig Prov, Blow Brush
Cambodia, Phnom Penh Prov, Cobra Wine
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.
Vietnam, Soc Trang Prov, Temple Steps
Bed with Guitar, circa 1976
Jeff Shea - A drawing of my bed and guitar at home, California
Gambia, Stone Circles, 2003 - The Stone Circles are in eastern Gambia. To my surprise, there are apparently many areas in the vicinity with similar monoliths, reminiscent of Stonehenge. There are more permanent ancient permanent sites in Africa than just the Great Zimbabwe Monument!
Vietnam, Binh Phuoc Prov, GirlCostumed
Slovenia, Ig Prov, House Wall Detail
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Detail Girl Cleaning
Papua New Guinea, Huli Dancers Back, 1983 - These men wear their bilums, or bags made from the bark of the 'tulip tree', while they dance. They wear belts of bamboo or vine around their waists, then stuff leaves in between the belts and their bodies. This 'skirt' is known as 'arse grass.'