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
Vietnam, Ben Tre Prov, Candy Factory
Israel, Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Nepal, Wedding Dance, 1984 - A young woman, Gabrielle of New Zealand, invited me to go on a hike east of Katmandu. We fell in love on this trip and made a decision to meet in Africa a few months later, which we did. In the small mountain village of Kakani, we were lucky enough to see a traditional mountain wedding. They threw rice. After the ceremony, the husband carried the wife off on his back.
Slovenia, Divaca Prov, Railroad Yard
Slovenia, Ptuj Province, Bicyclist, 2006, IMG_4868 - Ptuj is a town that would appeal to the Western sensibility.
Peru, Lilly, Gary Cappa, Monyo And Jeff Shea, 1979 - In 1979, I went on my second great adventure: travelling mostly by land from the USA to Argentina. Gary and I met Lilly and Monyo from Lima. Lilly was his girlfriend and Monyo was mine. They treated us like kings. The only problem was that, being a good Catholic girl, I never "knew" Monyo in the 'biblical sense.' Gary complained of the same problem with Lilly. They were affectionate but it only went so far. After I returned to the USA, Monyo's letters seemed to indicate a greater willingness, but I never saw her again. Monyo's name was really Mono with a tilde over the n. (Photo 110 format from Jeff Shea Travel Archives)
Papua New Guinea, Mendi Widow, 1983 - This woman, following the tradition of her Mendi people, put on 365 strands of kunai beads when her husband died. Each day she would remove one strand. Thus, her mourning would last one year, after which she would be free to marry again.
Bangladesh, Sherpur Prov, One Tree
Ecuador, Steam Train Terminal, 1979 - This photograph was taken from on top of the steam train that still runs from Guayaquil to Riobamba in Ecuador. In 1979, this was an interesting journey, with people piling up their goods on top of the train. In this case you can see a piece of furniture being moved. (110 film resurrected)
Slovenia, Zelezniki Prov, Landscape