Why is this book entitled Travels and Travails? Through the stories I hope to amuse and inform the reader against a background of experiences and thoughts recounting my travels. Some of the stories are funny, some are sad, some show anger, and some are (I hope!) interesting. What makes this book different? This book covers travelling through life as well as places. Most travel books highlight sights to visit, how to get there and what you're likely to pay once you arrive. This book focuses on the people, what life is like living and visiting other lands, and of course, both funny and serious events that transpired during those visits. Consider it a modern day version of Innocents Abroad. I believe in the good within most folks, and the book shows how good natured most folks are. I love to travel. I love to visit new places. I love being alive in an exciting and interesting world. I am at a stage in life where my "broad shoulders" have begun to sag, my belt line is slightly larger and my hairline definitely shorter. But, I still love to travel, and when I am not travelling, I work as a Travel Guide in Nova Scotia. Isolationism is not healthy for you or for the world around you. Get up and go!