After four years studying for a dubious degree all Tim English wanted to be was a ‘man with a van’. Fortunately, just as the thrill of shifting Granny’s aspidistra and trying not to chip the family china began to dwindle, he fell into another job behind a slightly larger wheel. Dumping the Transit for a truck, he swapped the streets of London for the backroads of Africa and South America.
From the Touareg settlements of the Sahara, through the Pygmy camps of the Congo, to the Indian villages of the Andes, Tim and his various truckloads of travellers cruise the razor-edge of tourism. Blossoming romances and simmering tensions shadow their progress, but as they navigate their way through some of the world’s more intractable conflicts, Tim ponders how the injustice and determination they witness might just change the groups’ lives forever.
A stirring reminder for those who have been there, a taster for those who are thinking of following them, Overlanding balances high drama with low humour in prose that is sometimes shocking, always touching. The story of the ultimate road trip, the pages are packed with as much excitement, adventure and disaster as the journeys themselves.
Reviews:
The sheer joy and excitement of reading "Overlanding.."lies not just in the far-flung cultures and countries brought so vividly to life, but also in the way adventure brings people together or brings them apart. In turns hysterical, brutal, informative and always honest, it has opened my eyes to the unpredictable collisions that take place when people and travel combine across huge landscapes as varied as Africa and South America. If, like me, you have wondered why anyone would pile into a truck with a gang load of strangers and head towards danger and the unknown, read this startling book and you'll find out. See you there! - Mark, London.
"Overlanding - The Ultimate Road Trip" provides the reader with a real picture of what an overland trip is all about.... it gives a realistic insight into the life on the road, the lifelong friends you make along the way, the different cultures and problems that may be encountered. Adventure and excitement at every turn of a page, no gloss and an easy read.
As a person who organised and participated in an Africa Overland trip in the late 80's - it brought back some wonderful memories for me. It has made me realise that whilst Africa is changing daily, it remains fundamentally the same, retaining adventure, excitement and charm. Africa has "something" extra special which draws people back time and time again." - Vera Cheal
From the Touareg settlements of the Sahara, through the Pygmy camps of the Congo, to the Indian villages of the Andes, Tim and his various truckloads of travellers cruise the razor-edge of tourism. Blossoming romances and simmering tensions shadow their progress, but as they navigate their way through some of the world’s more intractable conflicts, Tim ponders how the injustice and determination they witness might just change the groups’ lives forever.
A stirring reminder for those who have been there, a taster for those who are thinking of following them, Overlanding balances high drama with low humour in prose that is sometimes shocking, always touching. The story of the ultimate road trip, the pages are packed with as much excitement, adventure and disaster as the journeys themselves.
Reviews:
The sheer joy and excitement of reading "Overlanding.."lies not just in the far-flung cultures and countries brought so vividly to life, but also in the way adventure brings people together or brings them apart. In turns hysterical, brutal, informative and always honest, it has opened my eyes to the unpredictable collisions that take place when people and travel combine across huge landscapes as varied as Africa and South America. If, like me, you have wondered why anyone would pile into a truck with a gang load of strangers and head towards danger and the unknown, read this startling book and you'll find out. See you there! - Mark, London.
"Overlanding - The Ultimate Road Trip" provides the reader with a real picture of what an overland trip is all about.... it gives a realistic insight into the life on the road, the lifelong friends you make along the way, the different cultures and problems that may be encountered. Adventure and excitement at every turn of a page, no gloss and an easy read.
As a person who organised and participated in an Africa Overland trip in the late 80's - it brought back some wonderful memories for me. It has made me realise that whilst Africa is changing daily, it remains fundamentally the same, retaining adventure, excitement and charm. Africa has "something" extra special which draws people back time and time again." - Vera Cheal
