'Backpacking With A Bunion' is a travelogue of discovery and adventure across the countries of S E Asia. The journey begins in Bangkok - where else; and ends up on the island of Flores in Indonesia. My story as a mature 'gapper' is outlined in the Introduction, as well as some of the highlights from my trip. The reader if so inclined could follow my journey on a map - it works quite well as a jigsaw, though I have certainly left plenty of room for flexibility and spontaneity. Travel, like life is not always straightforward, but that's the joy in it. Each chapter is given a descriptive heading to provide a unique flavour to the areas visited. They are roughly in chronological order to give a sense of continuity to my travelling over a period of eighteen months, but could stand alone as set pieces. I have tried to make the book as varied as possible with various quotations, travellers' tales and humour and more serious religious, cultural, political and environmental observations. I have included some facts and figures (where appropriate) on history, geography, transport arrangements, places of interest and personal experiences, thus painting a picture in words of sights, sounds and happenings. The book concludes with S E Asia in a nutshell, a summary of what the traveller might expect and emphasising that travelling changes the traveller. And hopefully reading this book will change the reader's perspective too.
About the Author
I live to travel. It is in my blood. It is when I am at my happiest and most exuberant, confident and full of the joys of life. In my twenties it was Europe by InterRail, in my thirties it was the odd package tour, but in my forties I finally broke free from my humdrum bourgeois existence and headed to Africa. Five months in trucks, buses, coaches, pick-ups and God knows what else, overlanding across ten countries from Nairobi to Cape Town. But I also have a passion for the natural world. My idea of heaven would be somewhere in the rainforest, home to over half the earth's plant and animal species. I've worked in an animal sanctuary, a garden centre and plant nursery, and been involved in Green politics and campaigning. And I'm vegetarian. So I suppose you could say travel, trees and the environment are my bag. South-East Asia was next on the list and this is what the book's all about. With a slight diversion to Australia and New Zealand. Nine countries this time over two years, unfortunately interrupted by falling off a mountain in Australia and breaking my ankle. Backpacking With A Broken Ankle. As soon as I was fit and well, off I went again. Never once was I homesick; if I grew tired of one place, one city or one country I could always move on - and move on I did, following the sun. But all good things come to an end, and back home I came to write up the book - and this is where I am now. And eager to get that backpack on and go travelling. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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