Overview

Whether in a train derailment in the Australian Outback, flying on the world's least customer-friendly airline, or riding shotgun in a massive Scania truck down the Zambezi escarpment, John Burbidge's peripatetic life has been marked by adventure, serendipity and a deep sense of gratitude. Join John as he finagles a press pass to an international cricket match in Jamaica, narrowly escapes being chased by a wild pig in a Central American rain forest, and makes the sand sing while dancing in Egypt's Western Desert. As you do, you will engage with characters so compelling that you'll swear you've met them too. More than just titillating and polished travel writing, this collection of insightful and nuanced tales reveals one who dares to risk, trusts the unknown, and celebrates the diversity of the world's cultures and the unique individuals who comprise them.

Full Product Details

9780578698144

Table of Contents

Reviews

A writer I admire brings freshness and humor to his world travels. This book is especially enjoyable because we don't have to go anywhere to appreciate it. He's been there for us! - Peter Goers, ABC Radio host, Australia Burbidge leads you on a whistle-stop world tour of travelers' tales rich with exotic locations, colorful characters and extraordinary adventures. These are gems indeed, mined from a life lived as journey, filled with compassion and humor. - Martin Gilbraith, former president, ICA International, UK Not only has John Burbidge gleaned meaning from his encounters with danger and uncertainty, he has appreciated the people he's met and brought them vividly to life. - Sandy Conant Strachan, author & artist, Costa Rica This is not a travel book. It's an encounter with life at its depths, lived with an open heart and mind and great sensitivity. - Robyn Hutchinson, former primary school principal, Australia Hard to pick a favorite in this collection in which no story disappoints, as Burbidge so insightfully shares his interactions with people and places. Perfect for satisfying curiosity, expanding one's perspective, and enjoying many entertaining hours. - Terry Bergdall, former CEO, ICA-USA In these from-the-heart reminiscences of encounters with ordinary people John draws us in as he breathes life into their souls and celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. - Melvin Dedoncker, former secondary school teacher, India Already a sensitive biographer and memoirist, John delivers here a series of observant and entertaining snapshots from a well-traveled life. - Suzanne Falkiner, author, Australia

These terrific tales of travel from around the globe find Australian-born, US-based writer John Burbidge swapping Perth, WA for Chicago, hitch-hiking in Africa, praying to Lord Ganesh on the way to Rajapur, derailed while crossing the Nullabor and being pursued by a wild pig in a Central American rainforest. - Will Yeoman, The West Australian Already winning accolades for Best Travel Writing at this year's Solas Awards for his wonderfully funny and engaging 'King of the Road' chapter, Burbidge has crafted one of my favourite books to date on the subject of travel. - Terry Larder, Out in Perth A writer I admire brings freshness and humor to his world travels. This book is especially enjoyable because we don't have to go anywhere to appreciate it. He's been there for us! - Peter Goers, ABC Radio, Adelaide More Than Halfway to Somewhere is a fascinating glimpse into the kind of travel I've never done. While The Spouse and I are flexible and adaptable independent travellers, we plan our itineraries meticulously...where we're going, where we're staying, what museums and galleries we'll visit and sometimes even which restaurants we want to go to. But John Burbidge's travels have been much more adventurous and infinitely more serendipitous. - Lisa Hill, ANZ LitLovers LitBlog Already a sensitive biographer and memoirist, John delivers here a series of observant and entertaining snapshots from a well-traveled life. - Suzanne Falkiner, author, Sydney A world traveller myself, I enjoyed reading More Than Halfway to Somewhere immensely. I liked the book's episodic pattern and I share John's view that the main joy of travel is getting to know people and how being away from home creates unique new opportunities. This is a convincing and entertaining book, beautifully written, and a rewarding read for any traveller, whether armchair or on the road. - Dr Susan Boyd, author of Not Always Diplomatic

These terrific tales of travel from around the globe find Australian-born, US-based writer John Burbidge swapping Perth, WA for Chicago, hitch-hiking in Africa, praying to Lord Ganesh on the way to Rajapur, derailed while crossing the Nullabor and being pursued by a wild pig in a Central American rainforest. - Will Yeoman, The West Australian Already winning accolades for Best Travel Writing at this year's Solas Awards for his wonderfully funny and engaging 'King of the Road' chapter, Burbidge has crafted one of my favourite books to date on the subject of travel. - Terry Larder, Out in Perth A writer I admire brings freshness and humor to his world travels. This book is especially enjoyable because we don't have to go anywhere to appreciate it. He's been there for us! - Peter Goers, ABC Radio, Adelaide More Than Halfway to Somewhere is a fascinating glimpse into the kind of travel I've never done. While The Spouse and I are flexible and adaptable independent travellers, we plan our itineraries meticulously...where we're going, where we're staying, what museums and galleries we'll visit and sometimes even which restaurants we want to go to. But John Burbidge's travels have been much more adventurous and infinitely more serendipitous. - Lisa Hill, ANZ LitLovers LitBlog Already a sensitive biographer and memoirist, John delivers here a series of observant and entertaining snapshots from a well-traveled life. - Suzanne Falkiner, author, Sydney A world traveller myself, I enjoyed reading More Than Halfway to Somewhere immensely. I liked the book's episodic pattern and I share John's view that the main joy of travel is getting to know people and how being away from home creates unique new opportunities. This is a convincing and entertaining book, beautifully written, and a rewarding read for any traveller, whether armchair or on the road. - Dr Susan Boyd, author of Not Always Diplomatic

Author Information

Australian-born John Burbidge has visited more than 40 countries and lived in four. His homes have included a Chicago ghetto, an Australian Aboriginal community and Indian villages. Graduating from university in 1971, he joined an international NGO that pioneered people's participation in community and organizational development. After playing many roles from facilitator to fundraiser to communications director, he left after 30 years to pursue his own writing. He is the author of an acclaimed biography of Australian writer Gerald Glaskin and a memoir of coming out as a gay man in India. He lives with his husband in Washington state, USA. Website: www.wordswallah.com

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