Travel Year

A brilliant ensemble of the world's most visionary scientists provides 25 original never-before-published essays about the advances in science and technology that we may see within our lifetimes.

During his 29th year, spending just $19,420.68, less than it would have cost him to stay at home, Adam Shepard visited seventeen countries on four continents and lived some amazing adventures. "It's interesting to me," he says, "that in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, it's normal for people to pack a bag, buy a plane ticket, and get 'Out There'."

An idyllic childhood takes a sinister turn. Rumors of a serial killer haunt the neighborhood, families pack up and leave town without a word of warning, and the country begins to unravel. Policemen stand by as protesters overtake the streets, knowing that the once awe-inspiring symbols of power they wear on their helmets have become devoid of meaning.

A Year in the World is vintage Frances Mayes, a celebration of the allure of travel, of serendipitous pleasures found in unlikely locales, of memory woven into the present, and of a joyous sense of quest. An ideal travel companion, Frances Mayes brings to the page the curiosity of an intrepid explorer, remarkable insights into the wonder of the everyday, and a compelling narrative style that entertains as it informs.

You are sure to laugh when a Nevada housewife, struggling through her own midlife crisis, shares her experiences while teaching in China. Through a plentitude of cultural nuances and interesting characters, Salyer details her touching and provocative journey leading to a greater appreciation for everything American. Whether you desire to teach abroad, make a life change or merely satisfy your own curiosity, this story is filled with the truths of one woman's journey and teaching experience abroad.

Simon Majumdar is a man on a mission, and he might just be hungry enough to accomplish it. Setting out in search of the ultimate meal, he travels to every corner of the globe - from China to Brazil and from Finland to Japan. He tries everything, from mouldy shark in Iceland (not very nice) to kare stew in the Philippines (almost unimaginably delicious) and befriends (and sometimes fights with) some extraordinary characters along the way.

Peter Mayle started it all with A Year in Provence, inspiring Rick Steves, the Lonely Planet crew, and all the France Travel Guidebook creators that were to follow. One guy who was not influenced by these fine folks was the author of this book. Simply because at that time, he didn't know they existed! But not to worry. San Francisco filmmaker Christopher Strong had his own Tour de France dream: to spontaneously cycle the French country backroads. With no fixed itinerary. Tasting the land and the people as well as the food and wine.

After 30 years as a mountain rescue volunteer, the author invites the listener to look in on 42 of his search and rescue operations, some of which made international news. As a bonus, two more stories are included just for fun. Most rescue missions end successfully, though sometimes with a patient in need of medical attention, some end sadly. All are interesting.

Our First Year: Sketches from an Alpine Village is the true story of an American couple's first year living abroad in northern Italy. Told through short, often humorous sketches, this book introduces the reader to life in Italy's South Tirol region through the eyes of newly arrived American residents. Centered in the small alpine village of Tret, the people, language, and customs here come to life through a personal narrative of everyday living.

Entering high school at Foxworth Academy - a school for the ultra-smart, athletic, and wealthy - Brett Logan is your typical shy freshman. But that is about to change. For years rumors have circled about what goes on in Mr. Martin's ultra-secretive history class, and past students have all kept quiet, leaving Brett to wonder what really goes on. Until now.

At 25 years old Stephanie Yoder was already fed up with the monotony of 9-5 life. After much agonizing, she quit her stable desk job to backpack around Asia. During a year of travel through Japan, China and South East Asia she became a minor Chinese celebrity, was attacked by giant parrots and met the love of her life. In A Year Without Make-Up, Yoder chronicles some of her craziest adventures along with providing helpful tips and encouragement for others looking to make a life change.

In 1943, Austrian adventurer Heinrich Harrer escaped from a British internment camp in India and traveled through the rugged Himalayas seeking refuge from the war. He ended up in the Forbidden City of Lhasa in Tibet, with no money or permission to be in the country. His intelligence and his European ways intrigued the curious young Dalai Lama, and Harrer became his tutor and trusted confidant.

A disastrous experiment sends Sally Shagwell spiraling through time, though whether into the past or the future is not immediately clear. A dinosaur attack places her firmly in the Jurassic period, but there are primitive people running around here, too, in rather revealing loincloths, and if Sally knows one thing, it is that humans and dinosaurs never coexisted.

You want to see the world: but you also want to help make it a better place. With so many aid opportunities on every continent, how do you find the one that's right for you? Whether you want to care for tropical birds in Costa Rica, work with disadvantaged children in Morocco, or raise money for research projects in the UK, this handy audiobook will answer all your volunteer questions.

Your gap year stretches ahead of you, begging to be filled with sun-drenched beaches, treks through exotic landscapes, and thrilling exploits. How can you plan the adventures to make the most of your time out? This essential guide is crammed with exciting ideas from around the world, from abseiling to zorbing, diving with sharks to learning yoga from the masters. Discover how to make your gap year truly unforgettable.

When I was 12 years old, my father, brother and I walked 372 miles from Umhlanga Rocks, just north of Durban, South Africa, to Lourenco Marques in Mocambique. On the trip, my father kept a very brief diary, jotting down what we did on each day and revealing some of his thoughts and feelings along the way in a matter-of-fact style so typical of him. I made a copy of his diary when I was still a boy and have always treasured it because of what the trip meant to me. In this audiobook I want to share about how my father, through the adventures he took us on.

Ever since leaving his San Francisco business to his associates, filmmaker Christopher Strong has been doing what many of us dream of doing: cycling the French Country backroads with no fixed itinerary, tasting the land and the people as well as the food and wine. As a result of those memorable meetings with exceptional people in amazing places, Christopher Strong has morphed into: The Bicycle Gourmet. He has more than a few all tales to tell. In this audiobook, Christopher has selected his personal best. Close your eyes, open your ears, and glide down the French Country backroads.