OUR BOOK

Our Book – “Trekking the Globe with (Mostly) Gentle Footsteps”

Forward and Acclaim for “Trekking the Globe”

Forward and Acclaim for “Trekking the Globe”

Forward By Robin Esrock Travel writer and star of the TV series Word Travels Broadcast on OLN, City TV, and National Geographic International and Travel Columnist for The Globe and Mail Irene and Rick Butler are not of my generation. Yet, as a devoted traveller, it’s easy to recognize fellow members of the tribe. We share a strong desire to explore our planet’s beauty, people, creatures, and culture—and to tell others about what we find. I, too, have packed up my things, picked up a backpack, and set out to see the world. I have walked some of the...

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Australia Excerpt from “Our Book”

Australia Excerpt from “Our Book”

AUSTRALIA NATURE WORLD Hervey Bay, north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. “You don’t want to miss Nature World,” said everyone we surveyed. We were told it was brimming with fauna unique to this part of the world. Molly, our chauffeur and guide for the excursion, stuffed us and six other enthusiasts into the Nature World van. The grounds we entered reminded me of a farmyard, with not much focus on trimming shrubs and grasses along the dirt paths, and mismatched sections of wire fencing. The enclosures, however, were large and provided with shade and amenities specific to each...

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Beijing Excerpt from “Our Book”

Beijing Excerpt from “Our Book”

Our gusto for Beijing began with our first walk of many down Wangfujing Dajie, the city’s prestigious pedestrian shopping street. While we were swept into the explosion of neon and glitz, we knew these young women with fashionably scant outfits, men in expensive business suits, and families carrying loads of purchase were not true representatives of typical Chinese living standards. Midway down the street we noticed an exceptionally lengthy line-up and wondered what the attraction might be. To our surprise, it was a McDonald’s, complete with a clowning Ronald entertaining the crowd. Inside the mega-proportioned eating area, people were...

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India Excerpt from “Our Book”

India Excerpt from “Our Book”

Rajasthan We entered the land of the Maharajas, and the legendary cities built by these kings. Women passed by, richly adorned with chudas (arm bangles), bichiyas (toe rings), and lobe-stretching earrings, and men stood around sporting heavy moustaches waxed into flamboyant curls on each side. Vivid oranges, lime greens, brilliant reds, fuchsias, and sunflower yellows flashed before our eyes, not only in the women’s skirts and head shawls, but also in the men’s turbans—with up to 16 metres (52 ft) of material wound like coiled snakes, each colour signifying marital status, religion, caste, or occupation. It is a land...

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Germany Excerpt from “Our Book”

Germany Excerpt from “Our Book”

“PROST to München!” we toasted Munich, the big city with small town ideas. Gemütlichkeit is what Germans call the convivial atmosphere of Bayern’s (Bavaria’s) capital. Even the uptight northern Germans come here to unwind in the vibrant setting of beer gardens shaded by giant chestnut trees, cavernous raucous beer halls, and endless eateries serving hardy, homey fare. On Sundays and holidays, most shops outside of the central area are closed. It is a day for locals as well as visitors to walk through gardens, take in some of the many museums, or stroll through the Marienplatz, Munich’s most famous...

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