Author Bio - Stephen Tapply

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Author Bio - Stephen Tapply

Steve discovering the real reason for the colours at Kelimutu

I had already travelled through most of Europe with my paraglider, so in 2001 I took it to India on a very cheap two week package tour. I planned to stay longer but knew that if I hated it, I already had a flight home. Concerned friends warned me about culture shock, abject poverty, food poisoning, scams and undrinkable water. My eternally supportive family, however, were unanimous. "You won't be on the plane home," they said.

Of course they were right. Nearly two years and seven countries later, having fallen hopelessly in love with Southeast Asia, especially India, Nepal and Indonesia, I finally went back to the UK. Once I'd reminded my family what I looked like, I acquired a new, larger passport and returned for another two years of paragliding, trekking and travelling.

In May 2005, following three months in China with a side trip to Japan, I'll take the Trans-Mongolian Express from Beijing to Moscow and on to St. Petersburg, then travel through the Baltic States and Poland back to Europe. Almost immediately, I'm then planning to leave on my next two-year trip - this time to Central and South America. But I really ought to be home in August when my parents celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary.

I only hope they don't expect me to interrupt my travels every 50 years.

Feel free to email Stephen at namaste_pen at yahoo dot co dot uk.


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