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, Jezersko Prov, Blue Flowers
Thailand, Samut Prakan Prov, Dog In T- Shirt
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Petrol Service
Azerbaijan, Agstafa Prov, Landscape
Cambodia, Baat Dambang Prov, Landmine Victim
Turkey, Kilis Prov, Tea Served
Estonia, Harjumaa Prov, Tallinn, Princess Of Nuremberg -
PH, North Cotabato Province, Bridge To Cotabato City, 2008, IMG_9130 - On the left is Cotabato City. I was told it was dangerous, but I felt like it was no differenent than any other place.
Solomon Is, Kwaio Woman Weaving Straw, 1982 - This woman seemed curious about one of our possessions, so we handed it to her. She took this to mean that we gave it to her. The Melanesian people were generally very generous with possessions, possibly an outgrowth of the wantok system. Wantok came from the words "One Talk", meaning one's villagers or greater family. I was told that a person's wealth was based not on how much they had, but how much they had given away. This was a revelation to me. I realized that we strive so much not only to have, but to impress others and to gain their approbation. I developed the concept of Status Structure. Beyond the essentials of survival, people are motivated by what increases their status. So, depending on the Status Structure of their society, one would be motivated in very different ways. Whether the idea that one's wealth was determined by what they had given away was true or not is secondary. What is important is to realize how much nicer our human world would be if we held and lived out the belief that giving was greater than having.
Latvia, Jelgava City Prov, Orthodox Church -