Stone Soup
In 1984 and 1985 I hitchiked through 29 countries. I spent a total of $2500 U.S. This is the complete story of my adventure.
Prequil: I graduated from VCU In 1982 and got my first PERMANENT full time job. I quickly discovered that, for the most part, work was a lot less fun than school.
Story Line: I had a strong desire to retire while still young enough to really enjoy the life style. The prospect of 40 or more years of hard labor did not apeal to me. I was involved in a long term relationship, but unmarried. No kids. No mortgage.
I decided to see how far and wide I could travel before going completely broke. I was motivated. Again, the end of the money meant being forced to return home and serve my sentence of roughly 45 years "hard labor".
After 9 months of work and planning, I quit my full time job, and both my part time jobs. This was in early 1984. I sold everything I owned (and I do mean everything including my bed, record collection and TV).
I bought a one way ticket to London, a backpack, a small light weight tent and some sturdy hiking boots.
Why Stone Soup? By the end of my first month or so of travel, I found myself relating to that old fairy tale. If you would like a clue, here is the short version of the story;
A poor soldier was passing through a village. He offered to feed the entire village upon a wonderful feast of Stone Soup. Dutifully, he gathered many stones, carefully choosing only the finest stones for the soup.
Then he begs and borrows all the other necessities from the villagers. A large kettle, some onions, a bit of beef, and so on. Everyone enjoys the feast very much. The soldier is fed, the villagers are happy and all is well with the world.
Sometimes fairy tales come true. I began my adventure on 4/28/84 with great expectations, an open mind and a micro budget.
This then, is the Story of Stone Soup, my version.
I specifically grant consent for the use of these materials exclusively for the private use of individuals only. Please direct all commercial, civic, group or special use requests to me for prior approval. I claim my right to international intellectual property rights and protection on this, the 27th of August, 2000.
That said, I hope you enjoy browsing the galleries and experiencing my journey. Bon Voyage :-)
