The book is for light-hearted travellers in pursuit of the funny side of life, but whom are equally intrigued with the world around them, and with reflections over time. Such travellers are perhaps trying to comprehend the "meaning-of-life," the Monty Python way; whom enjoy a sprinkle of good 'ol English irony and a hint of sarcasm to emphasize the humour in various events.
In pursuit of the "holy grail," Dr. TJ has travelled to 105 countries and territories, covering six continents, over six decades. Thus, as per "The Traveler's Century Club" (TCC) guidelines updated in 2014, he became a member in January 2018. RL is not far behind, having travelled to 71 countries and territories. Together we have travelled to some 66 countries and territories over 15 years, but have yet to find the elusive cup, the "elixir of life". But in reference to Monty Python we did encounter a proletarian mud-mover, a gaggle of virgins and a black knight... where "none shall pass." More of this surreal state-of-mind later.
Our hope that as you read on and travel through six decades across the world and back again, that you will be able to reflect on your experiences and journey. Where
were you when the Berlin wall went up in 1961 or came down in 1989? Did you feel for the Germans? Did you cheer when England beat them in the 1966 soccer World Cup? Where were you in 1997 when Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris? How did you feel? Did you experience the eye of hurricane Hugo in the fall of 1989? What about 2013, when the Dow industrial index hit a 5-year high? Were you on the beach or still crying over the 2008 loss?
Together, we can journey through our lives, share some great places to visit and laugh at some unusual events. Maybe you will reflect on the wonders of the world we live in, tolerating the people that get in the way! Despite our many adventures to date, we have only travelled to 40% of the Lonely Planet's "Ultimate Travelist" (2015) of their 500
top destinations. We will continue on our journey because the world has so much to offer and enjoy.
Read, T. J. and R. L.: - "The book celebrates the travelling adventures of an analyst and an artist, where together anything can happen. The Analyst - Tony has spent most of his working career in technology, either as a corporate executive or through his consulting practice, "Read & Associates". He is also a visiting professor at various universities, with several published papers on the subject of IT investment value, IT strategy, and PMO. Tony is also the author of The IT Value Network: From IT Investment to Stakeholder Value (J. Wiley, NJ, 2009). He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Management Science, and subsequently earned an MBA and a M.Ed. in Organizational Change Management. In 2005, he earned his PhD in Information Systems and was elected into the Honor Society of Computing Sciences, being awarded the Upsilon Pi Epsilon. Tony is a dual UK/USA citizen, residing in Canada. He regularly travels for speaking engagements at various conferences and corporate events. His mantra is "Value IT" both at work and play. Away from work, he values the laughter and happiness of his soulmate in their international adventures. The Artist - Rhonda, MSc, LTTA MA, BMus., celebrates 35+ dynamic years as a professional performance artist, mentor and writer with extensive experience in music, theatre, film, and writing - both at home and abroad. As she matures, she has reinvented herself as a music scientist, with pioneering efforts to further music as preventative medicine and for disease management. Rhonda is passionately curious, and is a constant student of life. She loves to coin new words, puzzle, and create new approaches toward problem-solving. She adores animals, plants and nature, and has been known to fight for environmental injustices and animal causes. She also loves to read, teach, hike and photography. She strives to be a phenomenal kitchen chemist, even though she is known to occasionally set the fire alarms off. After surviving multiple car accidents, she believes her true purpose and best work is still on the horizon. Though, having met her soul-partner later in life, she now truly feels complete in order to achieve it."
