Romancing the Impossible: Traveling the World Without Money

by Clarke Straughan

Book Overview

Romancing the Impossible is much more than a travel book. It is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration on travel and life. Few people have done what Clarke Straughan did. The book is akin to Mark... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0615234682
• ISBN13: 9780615234687
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Travel Treasure Publishing
• Length: 329 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An AMAZING true story! And truly an inspiration!

Only the incredibly good karma of a true Texan, like Clarke Straughan, and a bit of fate, could have resulted in this amazing chronicle of adventures! I know this because I am a Texan who loves to travel, usually on my own. In fact I was reading Clarke's book while traveling around Thailand, and if there's one thing I've noticed in my own travels, it's that Texans are, hands down, the friendliest people in the world. We just can't help it! I really enjoyed this book because, not only did it inspire me to want to see as much of the world as possible, but it reminded me so much of the magic that can happen when you just put yourself out there, often on roads less traveled, halfway around the world, definitely out of your comfort zone. Any traveler can tell you, that it is often not what you know, but whom. Clarke, being the open and loving Texan that he is, made so many great connections and friends, throughout the world, that helped him along his way. Each and every one a gift, not just because of the lifelong relationships and good times, but the experience of other cultures by living among the locals, is priceless and one, I know, Clarke has never taken for granted! Clarke's journey took place at a very special time in history. The world was a different place, but he teaches us that there is never a better time to discover the world, live your dreams and that ANYTHING is possible! - Natalie Stone Fellow world traveler

Fantastic, inspirational true story

I met Clarke when he spoke at Book People in Austin, Texas, recounting some of the adventures in his book. This book is an amazing chronicle of an amazing life. I am so glad Clarke had the foresight to journal his journey, so that, some 35 years later, he could share it with the rest of us. I was so impressed with him that I asked him to come speak to my entrepreneurial group ([...]). He knocked their socks off, and was motivated at least one person to finally get off center square and start their own venture. Clarke is a charming man, and a captivating speaker, with a motivational message, one made even more inspirational because it is true. I recommend him as an author, speaker, and as a person. -Curtis Guilbot Author, Speaker, Coach [...]

A choice pick that should not be missed

Nothing in the world is free, but it doesn't mean you need a pile of cash to do anything. "Romancing the Impossible: Traveling the World Without Money" is a combination memoir and advice guide as Clarke Straughan tells his story on how he dared to see the world without having the money to back up his adventures. Straight and inspiring, he hopes to motivate others to try for the journey as well. For those taken by wanderlust but have empty wallets, "Romancing the Impossible" is a choice pick that should not be missed.

Spellbinding Read

"Romancing the Impossible" by Clarke Straughan took me on an exciting seven year adventure to exotic places around the world. Clarke's willingness to take risks and to immerse himself in different cultures made for a spellbinding read. His outgoing personality and ability to never meet a stranger took him a long way on the diverse and intriguing path throughout his travels. His colorful descriptions along with photos made this book very compelling. I recommend "Romancing the Impossible" to anyone with a sense of adventure, curiosity, and an avid interest in different lifestyles and cultures throughout the world! Ginny Mosley

Book of the Year for world travelers

I have never enjoyed reading any book by someone I know as much as Romancing The Impossible by classmate Clarke Straughan. For 20 years or more at class reunions, we have begged Clarke to finally record his memoirs about spending seven years traveling the world like his hero, Richard Halliburton. The book is subtitled "Traveling the World Without Money." Clarke was able to support some of his adventures by working in famous hotels in Honolulu, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, China, Thailand and Rome. And then he did every other kind of job one can imagine, including laying railroad track with aborigines in the southern deserts of Australia. He sprinkles his detailed account of every stop with clever asides and a running joke about his perennial sea sickness on 21 ship voyages and the redundant cholera shots he kept getting. Clarke kept a daily journal of people's names and places that is exquisitely accurate and precise. He includes a map of where he went from stop to stop so we can trace his experiences which he has broken down into 57 chapter vignettes and an Epilogue. Those of us who knew him in our student days recognized that he was an affable, intelligent, handsome young man. What I didn't know is that he would become an occasional photo model, a dance teacher, and a linguist in French, Spanish and Japanese, among other diverse and unusual professions ¯like selling light bulbs door-to-door in Australia. He got to know royalty, movie stars, the rich, and countless commoners - all of whom adopted him like a long lost friend or family member. He danced with head hunters, meditated in Buddhist temples, stayed in one of the oldest monasteries in the world, and worked on an Israeli kibbutz on the Sea of Galilee. If I tried to tell you about everything he did and the world affirming attitude he has exhibited, it would take 328 pages - the length of Clarke's book itself. These days Clarke is a motivational speaker. Hearing his stories firsthand has been a real treat. Reading about his amazing odyssey is a must. Get yourself a copy ASAP. Needless to say. I am very proud that Clarke calls me his friend, a relationship I hope to enjoy for many more years. The next time he wants to take off, I hope he'll take me along. Sam Hopkins Jacksonville, Texas