I did the Hippie Trail from September 1978 to March 1979 traveling overland from London to Katmandu. I took a year of sabbatical from teaching, was single (35 M). Reading your book brought back memories and after re-reading my own journal of that time, I'm reminded of the importance of that special time and experience in my life.
I joined a group of 25 travelers mostly from UK, America, Canada, Australia, NZ. The bus tour company was called Pennworld Travel and in 1978 cost me about $3500 for the six month journey. We traveled with our own gear complete with tents and cooking supplies, rough camping most of the way. Our welcome hotel/hostel stays were rare, and we shared responsibilities for food shopping, cooking and meal preps. The driver/guide had done the trip several times and gave good information and border crossing help along the way. From the time we were in Kanduhar, Afganistan until we reached Katmandu, we were on our own means as the bus we traveled on broke down, so arrangements and more breakdowns were dealt with. This led to a more dangerous and eventful journey exposing us yet giving a closer experience with the culture and the people. When friends asked what was my favorite place, my answer has been wherever was the farthest way from home was the most interesting. My life was changed by this journey and I returned to teaching and my future with a new perspective. Thanks, Rick, for this book and your sharing of that time in your life.
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