Description
This memoir describes the author’s experiences and adventures as he worked abroad in 16 different countries as diverse as Saudi Arabia, Burma, and Sri Lanka from 1971 to 2021. Each chapter includes a map positioning the country geographically and starts with interesting points of its history and politics. Filled with anecdotes, humour, and descriptions of work ranging from volunteer teacher to team leader on UN agency projects, this memoir answers the question “What if?” for older readers, and “Why not?” for university-age young persons.
arthureshears (verified owner) –
Review by Rebecca W., Canada (Originally posted on AMAZON)
Overseas Adventures: From Afghanistan to Zambia and points in-between is a remarkable story detailing the author’s life working in development. It spans an astonishing 16 countries and nearly 50 years. In that time, Arthur saw upheaval and extraordinary change in the countries he visited and lived in. Choosing to work in development, Arthur was part of that change, seeking out areas where he could share his expertise, and improve systems and ways of learning so that others could benefit.
I think the title of the book says it best, though. This book is ultimately about adventures – adventures in exploring work opportunities, in new cultures, new foods, new people. Adventures in going into a different country, pinpointing how you can help make things better in some way, and then setting out to do exactly that. Arthur shares tales about the fascinating people that he met along the way, the challenges and rewards of developmental work, and offers an inspiring vision of a career that not many people think of these days.
Things did not always go smoothly—there were hospital trips, tropical diseases, attempted kidnappings and explosions that were a bit too close for comfort, but these adventures are what gives life such flavour and depth. It is a truly inspiring book and if I had read it twenty years ago, I would certainly have been winging my way abroad on my own adventures.
arthureshears (verified owner) –
Review by Peter B, Canada (Originally posted on Amazon)Overseas Adventures, by Arthur E. Shears, was an enjoyable diversion during a long winter’s weekend. The descripions of warm sunny climates and lovely tropical beaches made my heart happy. The adventures that Mr. Shears experienced and describes were alternately amusing and perilous, and made for entertaining and riviting reading. It was also helpful and interesting to have maps and facts included about the various countries that Mr Shears worked in. His hard work in helping further the education of the underprivileged in these countries should be acknowledged and applauded.
Thank you for sharing your work and travel exploits with us, Mr. Shears. May your travels continue!
arthureshears (verified owner) –
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a tale of travel adventures!!
Ken Pickthall, Reviewed in Canada on May 9, 2023 (Amazon)
Arthur travels and works to serve the people in many communities in some amazing parts of the world! The book keeps your interest as you learn of the funny, and somewhat dangerous “misadventures” of the different cultures he encounters. At the end of the day, he has contributed to the growth and development of the people in these far away lands…quite an accomplishment for the boy from Cape Breton!