Short of taking monastic vows or trekking into the Kalahari, a freighter passage might just offer what our relentlessly connected age has made difficult, if not impossible: splendid isolation.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.
Ah! Young people, travel if you can, and if you cannot - travel all the same!
Travel can also be the spirit of adventure somewhat tamed, for those who desire to do something they are a bit afraid of.
In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without passport; whereas Virtue, if a pauper, is stopped at all frontiers.
Travel, which was once either a necessity or an adventure, has become very largely a commodity, and from all sides we are persuaded into thinking that it is a social requirement, too.
I go once a year to the Serengeti to see the wildebeest migrations because that means a lot to me, but I avoid Olduvai if I can because it is a ruin. It is most depressing.
Connecting with people, getting things done - that's what makes the travel worthwhile.
The Kalahari is brilliant - and easy to visit.
My undertaking is not difficult, essentially. I should only have to be immortal to carry it out.
Travelling is almost like talking with those of other centuries.