The true story of Brian, a self-confident chef travelling with determination and focus, until he meets a Japanese girl who confuses everything.Commitment and dedication to his work in developing countries has always seemed to be enough, but after feeling a profound connection followed by rejection, Brian reflects deeply on past behaviours, unsure if his eagerness to see intimate relationships work has matched his willingness to move on.The challenges are compounded as he tries to get to know his newest encounter by email and chat, while he travels and researches culture and cuisine, meeting a diversity of inspiring people in Europe, Africa and Asia along the way.Will personal growth and understanding be worth the effort, or is the high road leading to an airport the smarter way to go?http: //SexTravelFoodLife.wordpress.co
Born in Toronto, Canada, Brian Johnston decided to retire from corporate work at the age of 25, dedicating his life to the exploration of his passions. After enjoying success in finance, IT and project management, Brian's focus swung over to his creative side. He depleted his savings and retirement fund while studying fine arts and design for three years, graduating with most of his portfolio sold to private collections. In 2001 Brian had his first contact with the world of international development work, the opportunity for much deeper connections with communities and foreign ways of living. At that moment he found his calling, forever discovering means to unite his life, technical skills, and learning with volunteer activities that allow him to contribute and interact with societies for mutual benefit and growth. While working and traveling in countries where meals can often seem repetitive, Brian missed his hometown's easy access to diverse ethnic authenticities; he decided in 2005 to combine his love of languages with his hunger for good food, earning his diploma in French cuisine as the only non-native speaker in his class. From 2007-09, he spent two years researching culture and cuisine around Asia, Africa, Europe and South America, volunteering in restaurants and staying for free with locals who taught him their traditional dishes and customs. He is working on a number of books that share his experiences and contact with the world through the perspectives of the people he has met along the way. Brian has volunteered across Africa, Asia and Latin America as a teacher and advisor on projects as diverse as IT, gender, popular education, social arts, and urban planning. In 2009/10 he volunteered in Namibia, working with underprivileged women to create sustainable livelihoods through crafts, cooking, and the improved operation of a tourism-focused restaurant. His long-term plans include starting a project focused on practical income generating opportunities, through the sharing of his culinary knowledge and small business skills; he hopes to diversify flavors and preparation habits by mentoring motivated low-income earners to sell unique, healthier meals, providing cost free space, equipment, soft skills coaching and business management support. After traveling to more than seventy countries around the world, Brian's favorite hotspot is Medellín, Colombia, where he plans to build his humble training/cultural centre and a place to call home.
