Interview With An Explorer
By Scottster88, 11th Oct 2010 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutTravelOther
An interview with a young, inspiring explorer. Inspiration for those planning or dreaming of global adventures and travels.
The Introduction
First of all please note that I performed this interview a couple of years ago for my Myspace blog. I still feel the inspiration from the interview today, so I have decided to share it with you.
One of my biggest dreams is to travel the globe and discover new things, learning about cultures and their traditions. At the moment I have very little idea how to achieve this ambition, so I decided to interview a young explorer I met by chance. British/French Sam Parker is 22 years old and has been exploring the globe since he was 20, giving up his degree studies at Oxford University to achieve his goals. Even though myself and Sam are a class apart we have become good friends, here Sam agrees to an online interview.
The Interview
So Sam, why did you decide you wanted to travel the globe?
Well I was born in Kenya, a splendid place, where my parents and grandparents lived at the time. My grandmother, who was a vet, was an explorer herself. She loved nothing more than exploring the African wilderness, studying all kinds of creatures and taking part in the traditions of local Kenyan tribes. So I was inspired by my grandmother, my childhood hero. My parents moved back to England when I was about twelve because of my father's job. I had already finished exploring London by the time I was thirteen, and I wanted more, so I begged my parents to take me on outings almost every weekend to places such as the Stonehenge. By the time I was a young adult I felt restricted by my residence in England, so I decided to drop my degree in sociology and explore the globe. My first stop was my birth country, Kenya.
How far have you managed to travel?
I've been to several parts of Africa, Asia and South America. I've visited various landmarks, both ancient and modern. I've also been to Egypt, which I will be returning to shortly this month.
Cool, so where is your favourite place to travel?
I am fascinated by ancient cultures, I would say my favourite travels are Egypt and Peru.
Where do you plan to travel to next?
Well I'm heading back to Egypt this month; I've been invited to stay with a good friend there. After that I hope to visit Japan and learn about the Japanese culture.
Wow, so any good memories?
Yeah, loads, I've had great fun being part of many traditional celebrations in many cultures and tribes, I've spent a week in an elephant sanctuary and of course how could I forget being chased by chimps? Everybody I meet are always very nice people, the food is great and the knowledge is infinite.
Sounds good, but exploring isn't always full of goodness I hear.
No, not all the time. There are some negatives of travelling, firstly, well, I don't know about everyone else, but I get really homesick and miss my family back home, but my determination and their support has enabled me to push on. Other than that I was recently threatened to leave Zimbabwe under President Mugabe's orders, for what reason I'll never know. I have witnessed some cruel crimes committed against human beings such as slavery, I have seen for myself the effects of poverty and the inhumane practices cruel people commit against animals.
What does it take to travel the world? I'd imagine it's costly?
Yes it is quite costly, but I manage to get around by sponsorships and grateful donations from my accepting father. I would say that to travel the world you would need a strong determination to keep going, it is a fantastic adventure, but like everything else it has it's ups and downs, there will always be a struggle to reach your goal, but when you get there it will be worth all the trouble. You also need a lot of courage to face the unknown.
Absolutely, so would you recommend exploring the globe to other people?
Yes, definitely, go for it! The best way you can learn and discover wonderful things is to see it for yourself. There are plenty of things to see and do out there, there are no limits, usually, and you're free as a bird.
Well thank you for sparing what little time you have. Where do you think a first-time explorer should travel to first?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak about my travels, for new budding explorers Kenya should be your first stop.
Comments
14th Oct 2010 (#)
I was 3 months old when I went on my first trip
across the ocean.
My dad was in the Air Force, for 22 years.
I don't know if it is just in you or like with some one
like me,
we were born into it.
I just know, I love to explore and see new things.
Thanks for sharing.:)
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