John Smith, Australian born, never accepted the status quo, sociable and a compulsive writer of amusing emails to long term friends, left home with £65 ($200) and a ticket to Hong Kong with no immediate job prospect and then worked his way around the world primarily in Advertising in South Africa, Europe, Canada, achieving award winning financial success in the USA, sharing his life with beautiful women and stray dogs. Returned home to become a papaya farmer and dabbler in real estate. Retired at 50 for further adventures in Australia, travelling cross-country in a beat-up van and sailing in wild weather, kayaking with crocodiles
At 70 decides to settle down and find a wife and is suddenly diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. Realizing that life is short he decides to make some drastic changes and seize the day. He pursues an Internet Romance with a Doctor in China, marries and returns to Australia but divorces 20 months later. Then goes to Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, finds a new companion, brings her home to another unfortunate relationship.
He has an unusual talent for writing disarmingly candid emails chronicling: insightful and amusing observations about daily life in interesting and/or dangerous places; different cultures, customs, food, lifestyles; quirky people; medical issues; dogs; sailing and camping in Australia. John criticizes the subculture of Western exiles who exploit Asian poverty. This book includes an autobiography, compelling essays and emails, often written under primitive conditions, many cliff-hangers leaving anxious friends waiting for the next update.
A lifetime of unusual and often amusing adventures and misadventures: sailing an out of control Sampan in Hong Kong Harbor into a US Aircraft Carrier; arriving in South Africa, giving his travel-stained clothes to a washerwoman who never returned, driving a tour bus in Europe, exploring Majorca with his mother on a motor scooter, writing a book in Mexico, seeking romance in Asia, experiencing life on a primitive farm in Laos, thwarting a con man in Phuket and many more.
John now lives alone in Noosa, Queensland, Australia
He is an avid reader. A kayaker. A chronic writer of emails updating his many followers on his latest adventures and misadventures.
You can contact him on this site and follow him on Facebook
He hopes you enjoy his book
