Synopsis "Do You Speak English? a Journey, or Three, Overseas"
A fun, light-hearted version of our adventures overseas. In 1999, 2005 and 2007 we went to Australia, Singapore, Europe, Hong Kong, Honolulu, California, Vancouver, Egypt, Turkey and England. We travelled on a budget, part planned, part 'see as we go', and still managed to do everthing we wanted to. There were many dramas and pitfalls, but many memorable experiences. Not only can you read about our adventures, but you can visualise it with the many photographs. The book will either inspire you to follow in our footsteps, or eagerly wait for another story to read.We travelled with our two teenagers, then as a couple and lastly as volunteer workers. Whatever we expected to happen, didn't; whatever we didn't expect, did. We discovered that travelling as backpackers was the best way to travel to see and experience the true life of the country. Each pitfall taught us something, each good experience a memory forever.Sometimes we travelled alone, sometimes with a small tour group. Both had great advantages and allowed us to experience things in varying ways. Whatever your age, income or fitness level, you can do this too. Jump out of your comfort zone into a world of dreams. If you want to take something to your grave, make it memories, not things. Travel is the best investment anyone can make - it will change your perception of life forever.REVIEWS FROM READERS: What a hoot. I now feel as though I have known you both for ages. I classify you as a cross between Nino Cullotta (an Italian Australian who wrote "They're a Weird Mob" in the 60's) and Barry Crump. I found it a real easy read but thoroughly enjoyable - you have a wicked sense of humour.John Mudgway, Wellington, NZI found it a very nice and easy to read book. It contained funny stories and I had a few good laughs. It gave some good insight in some way of traveling, for example your adventures in your work-for-stay holidays were interesting and learning chapters. So it is not only comedy but also learning. So I strongly recommend your book and I hope it will be a great success.Ton van Gelder, Aalkmaar, HollandI would definitely recommend your book to people that haven't travelled. I found it so interesting and the prospect of travelling is now so much more exciting. It was great to read about someone else's real life experiences. Great book!!Cole McLachlan, Napier, NZI loved the book, it was a fast moving, rollicking, down-to-earth story of epic trips told as they really were to the traveller, not how the travel agents like to tell us they were. If I was planning such trips myself, I would use this book as a reference... where to go, what and what not to do. There was so much information about the everyday things...loos, weather etc, not just the tourist attractions. Enjoyed every moment of a good read. As an Aussie, loved and understood the language used which is down-to-earth and amusing.Annice Henderson, Perth, AustraliaHaving read Liz's book, I found it a wonderful source of information on how to be an intrepid traveller. When I travel overseas, I like to be organised, know where I'm going each day, where I'll be staying etc. However, after reading the book, I decided that for my big OE I would try to be a bit more adventurous, spontaneous and take on a "try anything" attitude. Boy oh boy, it certainly made the holiday completely different in that each day could be totally fun-filled or it could be quite scary, depending on the activity undertaken. I found the way Liz described everything, whether it be a bus or train ride, accommodation or food etc, gave me a good insight into her experiences. Having never been to Greece before, I was looking forward to experiencing this country and trying the Greek food which was just as Liz had described it. I'd certainly recommend Liz's book as a good read and have loaned it to others who have also commented that they enjoyed it.Rosie Halligan, Christchurch, NZ
