Dave is undertaking a rather unique adventure, in his very own style. Quite simply, he is looking for a new home, a place to live. This provides a unique perspective distinct from the average adventurer, who sees the world in a very different light More than just passing by, Dave looks at a place, its people and circumstances in much more detail. While I have come across places and thought to myself, “I would have liked to stay”, it was never really an option. I found Dave’s accounts fascinating and was interested in his opinions, being keen to put questions on the subject of travel and adventure to this particular wanderer
1. Do you believe your experiences have had a positive effect on you?
Overwhelmingly. 5 years ago when I set out I was experienced already, but it was minimal compared to what I have em-massed over that time period. I wrote about my 5 stages of long term travel here. While not all were positive, I have learned from them, which in itself is a positive. And that is a key factor to my journey, learn not just from mistakes but also from the things that work, this is major positive that's standing by me no end.
2. Have your experiences changed the way you view other cultures? Humanity in general?
This is a great question that burns deep down within me. The answer is yes, or course. But not all to the positive, at least to the outside world. As an example, in West Africa I learned very quickly that the politically correct terms of the west mean little there in day to day life. Black is black, white is white. Things are said there by everyone that just would not be excepted anywhere in the west. But there, it's normal. As such you must adapt and except this cultural difference, otherwise you won't make it.
However over the last year or so of travel with the emphasis on social integration I have noticed some disturbing facts. The poorest of the poor that I have met have been some of the best people to talk with and share time with. Whilst the upper middle class have become less so. I know I can walk into a slum in any city and ask for help, I will get it, people look out for each other there. If I walk into a big city and ask for help ... well I have a hard time getting people to even say hello.
Before my journey I would not have thought that so much. It's a huge subject that would need more time to explore and discuss, but yet my views on culture and humanity have changed. And again, for the positive.
3. Would you encourage others to a embark on a similar journey/s to your own?
Go for it! I worked, saved and fought tooth & nail to do this journey my entire life. Made sacrifices that boggle my mind even today as I think back. But there are thousands of others, if not millions who are doing the same everyday throughout the world. The only difference is that I am writing my journal online. The others; from the young girl collecting plastic bottles in Manila's garbage dump to the guy sitting in his sterile corporate cubicle in New York may well be trying the same thing. Saving, dreaming and planning. The key here is that you have to initiate. Dreams are fantastic, but you must make the effort into making them come true. And I can promise you that there is no failure in giving 100% in trying to accomplish these dreams. But, you must physically put your nose to the grindstone, get up, and make it happen yourself!
4. Do you believe if more people would experience extensive travel it would have a positive net effect on a community overall ?
Without question. Instead of giving your young college graduate a car, give them $500 and a plane ticket to somewhere overseas. Then tell them to come back in a year with $1000. Okay, it's a shortened example. But what this graduate will learn over that course of the year as they struggle to make do with that initial money, and no other funding, as they quickly learn the harsh realities of learning a new culture, finding work, and becoming a part of new community will develop them, in my opinion, much further than their degree.
What's more, when they do come back, and as they make their way back; they will have with them the education of a traveler who has seen and experienced things others may never have. This will benefit them for the rest of their lives as they will have the experience of learning not just from themselves, but other cultures and communities to back them up as well. Extensive travel envelopes a person in a way that enables us to share the positive and negative aspects that other community's around the world have learned. If we can share this with others, then we are opening up a new realm of positive experiences for all.
5. Do you see a future for adventure and exploration within humanity?
Yes, humanity has always explored new places and in the process had adventure. We can see this throughout our history. Without this initiative half the world would not have been discovered. Human beings need stimulus to survive, travel and exploration pushes us forward. The stimulus we get from adventure and exploration educates us and makes us better for it. We may have mapped the world, but there are still unexplored oceans, hidden jungles and new ways to travel. This is where you will find the new pioneers of travel as we try to bring our global culture forward. And, for the people who like to make their dreams a reality, we've only just begun with the solar system we all live in.
Dave, 'Longest way home' - February 2010
