Strolling Through Three Counties

This book is Ian Falkner's masterpiece, a refreshing strolling adventure through three counties. Three people and a dog go on a short walk around the countryside of Edenbridge. Later, they penetrate into the depths of Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The author's words help paint a vivid picture in the mind's eye and ignite the reader's imagination. This book points out some of the most interesting landmarks and viewpoints that he and his friends come across. With information about routes, historical contexts, roads and path names, this gift of a magical and unforgettable tour acts as a useful guide for those who have the spirit of an adventurer and the attitude of an explorer.

Transit to India

Changing times bring changing outlooks but even back in 1984, well before the plethora of today’s health and safety laws and risk-averse attitudes, an overland school trip to far-off India was considered somewhat extreme. And doubly so, given that travel through Iran was unavoidable despite Iran at the time suffering the upheavals of the Ayatollah Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution and engagement in a bloody war with neighbouring country Iraq.

The idea behind this 10000-mile, eight-week journey was to present a ‘retired’ old school Ford Transit minibus to the charity ‘Lepra’ to aid its life-saving work among India’s rural poor. Ten pupils aged 12 to 16, accompanied by two teachers, made up the delivery crew, in so doing possibly making the longest school minibus trip ever undertaken. One of the boys travelling (aged 15 at the time) said recently: “Surviving all the adventures and hairy incidents, all I can say is that I set off as a boy and returned as a man.”

Unpacking Italy

Tony Gates has a love affair with Italy. This book shares the affair with you. He has visited Italy more times than he knows. He brings to this “unpacking” of Italy the experience of many years, enjoyment of its many cultures, fascination with the events which brought a united Italy into being, deep appreciation of its art, and engagement with its people and places.

This is not a guidebook. Tony wants to take you to the heartbeat of Italy, a journey which looks carefully at the events and scenes along the way and listens attentively to the pulse beats of the Italian peninsula. The journey reveals that there is really more than one Italy. Greeks, Romans, Etruscans, Umbrians, Normans, Lombards, French and many others have ensured that.

Where once Latin held pride of linguistic place, numerous dialects remain, pointing to the variety that is the Italy which the author shares with you. His hope is that you will find an exciting Italy as you join him on the journey.

Tony wishes you Buon Viaggio.

Panic Stations at Ski Stations

Conor MacNamara rode more than fifty of the greatest climbs in the Tour de France to try and conquer his fear of heights. In the end, Conor suffered a breakdown and discovered that he suffered from a panic disorder and required treatment. This book documents Conor’s experiences in detail.

Chasing Our Dream in La Rochelle

When the newly married Gillian and Bill leave Britain for rural France, little could they imagine the adventures they will have: from expert house renovation to wily language-school owners, to becoming involved in village life. The pair embrace all that comes their way, especially Bill, whose eye for the French ladies becomes legendary.While the newly christened 'Gilly-Anne' makes her debut as an English teacher in a school at La Rochelle, Bill tackles their new investment: a ruined house with no water or electricity. Fortunately, they are helped generously by their new neighbours. So many customs to discover, so much to explore in their camping van before the couple finally succeed in making France their home.New author Gillian Broome has written about her experiences with whimsy and humour. For those who have sought a new life abroad or are dreaming about one, her book will be a source of inspiration"”or laughter.

China - Behind The Mask

China Behind the Mask is not only an interesting, informative and enjoyable read but gives a thorough description of life in present-day China from the point of view of the author, an Australian English teacher, who lived in China for more than ten years. Not only does he provide a unique flavour of Chinese culture, but also presents a thorough analysis of the current political situation within China and how Chinese attitudes influence its relationships with other cultures and countries. Part travel guide, part biography, part history, this book covers many aspects of China, particularly in relation to Australian life and culture. Some entertaining comparisons are made, which illustrate the divide between West and East in considerable depth. Personal anecdotes abound, bringing the book to life and ensuring that the reader is informed and entertained in equal measure.

Jamaica

Jamaica: The Land We Love introduces the real Jamaica and will show you the way Jamaicans live their life.

Working at the End of the World: An Antarctic Diary

This honest, terrifying as well as humorous account of travelling and working in the magnificence of Antarctica will allow the reader to visualize and feel the harshness and beauty of the great white continent.The main body of the book is the diary account of a two-person deep field research trip. This is about being out in the remote mountains and glaciers facing up to extreme adversity in the coldest place on the planet while retaining one’s sense of humour; the psychology of spending time tent-bound in extreme isolation with just one other person and an honest reflection at the sad moments while being in a storm-bound tent, dwelling on life back in England. There is humour throughout, and the real and honest fear that one feels when in truly dire situations hundreds of miles from safety. The opening chapters look at the author's six-week ocean journey from England to Antarctica on the research ship ‘The RRS John Biscoe’.