One of the benefits of being a teacher is the summer vacation. Despite having to work after the students get out, and report back before they do, it's still a nice break to revitalize, relax, and catch up. If you're like author Larry Shortell, you pack as much adventure into your summer breaks as possible. His book, Summers Off: The Worldwide Adventures of a Schoolteacher, is an inspiring story of the joys and challenges of travel - and how very important it is to travel. Shortell's sense of humor keeps him (and us) laughing at the craziness that can happen when you're in a new place. He also develops a great sense of himself, of the world, and brings that back to his students. His chapters include tales of scuba diving, insects, animals (both human and non), mermaids, places around the world, food, gestures, honeymoons, human nature, and adventures galore. It's an exciting read, and one that will inspire YOU to travel, as well.
One of my favorite sections of the book talks about an experience Shortell had while underwater:
This snorkel excursion made me think about an adage I had learned about not judging a book by its cover. Contrary to initial impressions, this harsh, foreboding wall, which many people passed by and dismissed as not worthy of a second look, was actually a mural of interesting and unique life.
Not too long ago, I also would have dismissed this area as not worth my time. I needed noise and excitement and had little patience for anything else. Developing as a diver has allowed me, or more accurately, forced me to simply shut up and listen. It has also forced me to slow down, simply because it is difficult to fight against so much water pressure and weight. Once I started slowing down and making slow, delibrate moves in the water (and on land), I was able to observe small things, skittish things, and hidden treasures. Diving became my natural Ritalin and a tool to learn what I needed to really be able to "see" all that the world has to offer.
checking out the people in Papua New Guinea
Ultimately, Summers Off is a guide on exploring the world for yourself, an inspiration to enjoy ALL the moments of travel, to turn life into one joyful learning experience, and to pack adventure in wherever you go. Love it!
We caught up with Larry and asked about his book, inspiration...and his next book! Here's what he had to say...
WE: Please tell us about your book, Summers Off...
LS: Summers Off is a collection of my favorite stories from my travels in the last 15 years. There are adventures like skydiving, bungi-jumping and ziplines, from 26 different locations around the world like Fiji, Kenya, and Australia.
WE: What inspired you to write this book?
LS: I started as a novice traveler, so misadventures just seem to happen. I have lots of stories and everyone I shared with told me I should write a book. It wasn't until I did my masters thesis, to explain why travel has helped me as a teacher, that I gathered all my experiences and lessons and then focused on compiling them into a book.
WE: How have your travels inspired your teaching and students?
LS: It seems like any lesson that comes up whether it be history, geography, or even writing, I have something to add to it or enhance it based on what I have experienced through travel. I feel like I help make the lesson come alive or bring color to it for them. Secondarily, traveling in the summers definitely recharges my batteries and ensures I start each year fresh.
WE: You talk about not judging a book by its cover - what real-life examples of this can you share with us?
LS: Without pinpointing a specific people, I have learned that regardless of what stereotypes have been thrown at me, I believe the vast majority of people I have gotten to know are good, honest people who value friends and family, and that the stereotype is usually that of the minority and not the majority.
ice climbing in Massachusetts
WE: Do you ever feel like digging more deeply into a culture, and living like a local?
LS: As much as I enjoy learning about other cultures, I am used to and love my own. The only thing I would change is the business of it. I long for a more simple life. I don't feel I need to change cultures for that, just states, I'm thinking Hawaii.
WE: What money-saving tips do you have for fellow teachers, to do their own traveling?
LS: Make traveling a priority, and save or budget for it. Make your own coffee each day, if you love Dunkin Donuts, buy a pound and brew it yourself for about 10 cents per cup. Bring your own lunch each day. Stop eating out for dinner so much. This alone should save the average teacher about $50-$100 per week. By June you have yourself enough for a nice vacation...providing you book the trip yourself!
visiting Lhasa monastery in China
WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
LS: Book two is in the making.
My dream is to be able to travel, write, and take photos for a living. As much as I love teaching, I need to get out of the classroom and into the Jungles!
All photos courtesy and copyright Larry Shortell