Seven League Boots: A short review

Today, there are masses of young people attempting relatively similar feats all over the world. If it is not seven years, it is seven months, but the backpacking dollar has gained such significance that economies are adapting. The solo backpacker has become the icon of foreign dollars in many eyes, most especially the otherwise impoverished. I recall reading Tony Wheeler's description of the change in Thailand since the 70's.

Tony Wheeler founded a great travel publishing house, The Lonely Planet, upon the success of a single guidebook he published in the '70s describing the then paradise of Thailand. While Thailand is no less beautiful today, the incredible growth of tourism there has left a very harsh mark upon the experience of Thailand that many, including Tony, seem to berue a little. I reflect, occasionally with a little irony, upon the fact that Lonely Planet has, if anything, contributed to the popularisation of Thailand over the years and, hence, to the change the latest edition remarks upon. As backpackers flock to other countries in search of the pristine, the entire world will slowly be enveloped by the phenomenon of budget and adventure travel, in much the way Thailand already has been.

But, so far, I've painted a rather unjust picture of Wendy's accomplishment, I suspect. To be sure, the world of travel has changed, but her hitch around the world was still an extremely impressive affair. Even today, it would be impressive, if somewhat different, in in character.

She suffered Malaria, and Dengue Fever and other ailments. She was robbed, and molested, almost raped on several occasions. In spite of the impressive support she received underway, she wandered from one place to another, often not knowing where she would stay or how she would get there. She stirs a very romantic notion of travel within me.

Above all, her attitudes embody that spirit of hitching that I've come to love so dearly. She is a true hero in my eyes. It is well worth citing her closing remarks:

'If I was prepared to sleep anywhere, fight heat, cold, mosquitoes and eat local food, then I was accepted and protected by the people with whom I travelled. Trust begets trust, respect begets respect, was one of the primary lessons I learned'.

Above all, Wendy accepted people wherever she went. She accepted things without judgement that would challenge most of us very deeply. She was travelling to discover other people

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