Backpacking With A Bunion: A Journey of Discovery and Adventure in South East Asia by Terry Grigg

I live to travel. It is in my blood. It is when I am at my happiest and most exuberant, confident and full of the joys of life. In my twenties it was Europe by InterRail, in my thirties it was the odd package tour, but in my forties I finally broke free from my humdrum bourgeois existence and headed to Africa. Five months in trucks, buses, coaches, pick-ups and God knows what else, overlanding across ten countries from Nairobi to Cape Town. But I also have a passion for the natural world. My idea of heaven would be somewhere in the rainforest, home to over half the earth's plant and animal species. I've worked in an animal sanctuary, a garden centre and plant nursery, and been involved in Green politics and campaigning. And I'm vegetarian. So I suppose you could say travel, trees and the environment are my bag. South-East Asia was next on the list and this is what the book's all about. With a slight diversion to Australia and New Zealand. Nine countries this time over two years, unfortunately interrupted by falling off a mountain in Australia and breaking my ankle. Backpacking With A Broken Ankle. As soon as I was fit and well, off I went again. Never once was I homesick; if I grew tired of one place, one city or one country I could always move on - and move on I did, following the sun. But all good things come to an end, and back home I came to write up the book - and this is where I am now. And eager to get that backpack on and go travelling.