Through Travel and Error Thoughts...

UMM - Urban Male Magazine - "The Top of Europe"

2009-10-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

Have a peek at my latest article, "The Top of Europe". Copies are on the newsstands from now through December 2009. Pretty damn hot cover to boot!

THE TOP OF EUROPE

Live 88.5 FM "Start Up" Interview - September 8, 2009

2009-10-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

My second time chatting with the Live 88.5 Start up crew...although there were some new and improved faces this time around! (Nothing personal Kornicky and sorry Dave, I wasn't referring to you)

Our talk will focus on ways for you to take advantage of your traveling budget (tips, places to visit, ways to travel, etc) and stay on the road for as long as possible.

As always, my motivation is to get you to put on a pack, take off and explore this trippy planet of ours.

Live 88.5 FM "Start Up" INTERVIEW

CTV - "News at Noon"Interview - August 12, 2009

2009-08-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

Great talk with Leanne Cusack...Discussing some of the cheaper ways to travel as well as some of the truly beautiful destinations on the planet.

PART 1

PART 2

UMM Article - OFF THE BEATEN PATH

2009-06-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

Do you want to make the most of your buck on the road? If so, then check out my article, "Off the Beaten Path" in the current edition of UMM.

The magazine is available on the stands from now until September.
Click on the sexy link to have a peek at what I have to say...If you want to know where to visit (I recommend some hidden gems), you will have to pick up a copy.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Q107's "Derringer in the Morning" Interview

2009-05-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

John Derringer, Bill Hayes and myself have a great conversation about my book...We talk about some of the problems and dangerous places that I came across, quash some of the misconceptions about backpacking and visiting 3rd World countries, as well as get into some of the funnier moments of traveling naive and without a clue...

Part 1

Part 2

More Confessions...Chapter 27. CULTURE SHOCK

2009-05-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

They say that "all good things must come to an end." However, 'they' can often be clueless idiots.

I had zero intention of letting the magical and educational experiences of the past two years come to an end. Despite being forced to return home to deal with a family dilemma, I knew that my time in Canada was going to be short....I would be back travelling soon enough.

Nonetheless, my return was met with a lot of uncertainties...the main one being whether or not I would be leaving the airport in handcuffs...

More Confessions...Chapter 27. CULTURE SHOCK

More Confessions...Chapter 26. THE EMAIL

2009-05-10T02:10:00.000-07:00

Between my incredible job running a pub, living on a beach and having Southern Africa as my playground, one could say that life was pretty good. Even the 'stressful' moments, such as being in a bus accident, ultimately proved to be incredible experiences and fascinating stories.

It couldn't stay this sweet forever...

It didn't.

A simple email from home would dramatically change my perspective, attitude and future travel plans... A simple email would unlock the cage that I had so wonderfully stored my anger and frustrations within...

Chapter 26. THE EMAIL

More Confessions...Chapter25. LIVING IN REALITY

2009-05-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

A common theme seemed to pop up anytime I contacted anybody from home. Friends and family were both curious when I was coming back to Canada...when I was going to come back to reality.

This was a question that I didn't have an answer for. I wasn't even sure if I understood what 'reality' was supposed to be. I knew that the past two years of traveling had taught me a lot about life and, more importantly, myself.

Life of a beach, watching the sun rise over the Indian Ocean each and every day is a pretty sweet 'reality' by my definition...

Chapter 25. LIVING IN REALITY

More Confessions...Chapter 24. HOLD THAT THOUGHT BABY...HOW BIG?!

2009-04-27T07:05:00.001-07:00

The past few chapters have been a tad hectic...interesting, but hectic. This one, however, touches on a lighter side of my travels.

I've always been an athletic guy and have relished every opportunity on my travels to try a new sport or to push the adrenaline button. Having said that, I never learned to surf. Despite living on the Ocean and having many friends who were surfers, I spent next to no time on a board. The reason why I avoided the teaming-with-life Indian Ocean and the joys of surfing might not be what you expect.

Chapter 24. HOLD THAT THOUGHT BABY...HOW BIG?!

More Confessions...Chapter 23. B to C (Part 2)

2009-04-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

I thought the bus accident was bad...getting stranded with dead bodies while all of your worldly possessions driving off into the night is even worse...Could my journey from Malawi to South Africa become any more disastrous?

I hoped not...

Chapter 23. B to C (Part 2)

More Confessions...Chapter 23. B to C (Part 1)

2009-04-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

If you thought that my journey to Malawi was an adventure, then the voyage back to South Africa will truly blow your mind. The hurdles and challenges that I faced during this torturous, unfathomable and tragic journey were, without question, the most difficult that I had come across on my travels.

However, the struggles and predicaments also provided me with a taste of the power of positive thinking and how this simple mindset can help overcome even the most improbable circumstances.

Chapter 23. B to C (Part 1)

More Confessions...Chapter 22. FINDING MALAWI

2009-04-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

The harder it is to reach a destination, the more rewarding that destination ultimately becomes...

My journey to a tiny, remote Malawian village certainly provided many unique and challenging hurdles to overcome, slaughter and, in some cases, wash off...

Despite the copious amounts of "space chicken", the adventure was an experience that will never be forgotten.

Chapter 22. FINDING MALAWI

More Confessions...Chapter 21. A to B (Part 2)

2009-03-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

The second installment of my journey from Zimbabwe to Malawi picks up right where the previous one left off...me and a pile of hookers and dodgy pimps. Welcome to Lilongwe!

The rest of the adventure to Nkhata Bay was just that...an adventure. One of the beauties of African travel is that you never know what might happen along the way from A to B.

Chapter 21. A to B (Part 2)

More Confessions...Chapter 21. A to B (Part 1)

2009-03-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

The worst part of traveling is the actual travel...getting from one place to the next. However, when you use "African transportation" to get from A to B, a whole variety of unbelievable and unpredictable experiences makes the voyage anything but 'the worst part'.

Okay...there might be a few rough and uncomfortable times but, overall, the journey unforgettable part of the trip.

My adventure from Zimbabwe to Malawi was just that...an adventure. So much so that this tale had to be divided into two parts. I hope that you enjoy the madness of Part 1.

Chapter 21. A to B (Part 1)

More Confessions...Chapter 20. TRUST

2009-03-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite stories. "Trust" is a tale about an eye-opening encounter that I had while traveling through Zimbabwe.

The experience taught me that there are good people to be found all over the world, even in places and situations where you might not expect to find much goodness and honesty.

Don't let the insanity and actions of Zimbabwe's dictator, Robert Mugabe, be any indicator of the true character of this country's people.

Chapter 20. TRUST

More Confessions...Chapter 19. BLAME CANADA

2009-03-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

With a two-month break from my pub duties in Chintsa, I had loads of time to go explore Southern Africa.

My plan was to travel to Malawi.

However, making Canadian political history in the most unlikeliest of ways, was NOT in my scenario.

Oh well, this was Africa...anything could happen.

Chapter 19. BLAME CANADA

More Confessions...Chapter 18. SHIT HAPPENS

2009-03-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Some say, "seeing is believing". I'm here to tell you that just seeing something with your own eyes doesn't always explain the unfolding madness.

I wasn't sure if I had I lost the plot or if my 'experimental days' were finally catching up with my perception of reality.

Common sense and basic logic said that what I was witnessing had to be a figment of my imagination...

Incredibly though, it wasn't.

Chapter 18. SHIT HAPPENS

More Confessions...Chapter 17. THE CHASE

2009-02-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

I thought that I was living in paradise. Life in Chintsa was as sweet and care-free as I've ever had it. Borderline perfect...

Then something happened that burst the Utopian bubble which had shielded me from some of the tougher realities of South Africa. Was it time for me to go?

Chapter 17. THE CHASE

OTTAWA METRO NEWS Article

2009-02-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

February 19, 2009 - Article by Tracey Tong

METRO NEWS

BOOK SIGNING

2009-02-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

I'll be at Kanata Chapters signing books and talking about all of the lovely and warm tropical destinations out there on the planet...It may be cold outside but you can let your mind wander off somewhere hot and sunny.

Where: Kanata Chapters

When: Feb. 21, 09

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

More Confessions...Chapter 16. WERNER

2009-02-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

One of the incredible perks of my job in South Africa (and traveling for that matter) was that I was in an fantastic position to meet people from all over the world. Literally thousands upon thousands of travelers passed through the Skebenga Bar during my time...backpackers representing all walks of life and the four corners of the planet.

However, of all the people I have met, one in particular stood out. Werner was a unique individual...okay, strange individual for many, many reasons. Leading the list of Werner oddities was his terrifying encounter practically ripped from the pages of science fiction...one that he said he had experienced on multiple occasions.

Chapter 16. WERNER

K-ROCK 105.7 FM INTERVIEW

2009-02-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

K-Rock 105.7 FM Interview with Kornicky and Lisa Ray

A great duo...two travelers at heart who like to get into some of the wilder and wackier moments of my time floating around the world.

The interview in its entirety can be accessed on Kornicky's blog.

http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/krockmorningkrew/

More Confessions...Chapter 15. A TRANSKEI BUY

2009-02-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Although Chintsa was my South African 'home', there existed a remote village nestled along the lush, pristine and stunning Transkei coastline that ultimately became my South African 'refuge'.

Mpande, a very special and very powerful part of the World, exposed me to a simpler way of life... a way of life containing ideals and principles that we in the 'West' have regrettably forgotten.

Chapter 15. A TRANSKEI BUY

More Confessions...Chapter 14. MONDAY

2009-02-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This reading might make you want to pack in all in and run for the coast. I don't hold anything back in this one...I'll give you a glimpse into the type of lifestyles that do exist out there on this incredible planet of ours...the type of lifestyle that I was able to find in South Africa. Some of you may get jealous when you hear about my dreamlike experience. Instead, I urge you to use my tale as a source of motivation to follow your passions.

Chapter 14. MONDAY

More Confessions...Chapter 13. WHO KNEW

2009-01-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

Even though I had learned not to have expectations on my travels, there was no way to predict the impact that Chintsa, South Africa would have on me nor was it possible to foresee how this magical spec of paradise would dramatically change my life.

Chapter 13. WHO KNEW

More Confessions...Chapter 12. EXPECTATIONS

2009-01-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

When I arrived in South Africa, I had zero expectations...well, I kinda expected to be mugged but that's it...climate, culture, hot water, no idea? Thankfully, I wasn't mugged and my ignorance about this distant land proved to be beneficial for I was completely overwhelmed by the magic of South Africa.

Furthermore, this story deals with arguably the most incredible and life changing event of my travels...Being in the right place at the right time stars in this tale.

Chapter 12. EXPECTATION

More Confessions...Chapter 11. A NAME FROM THE PAST

2009-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Getting out of Tenerife safely was my one and only concern. However, once I had done so, I needed to figure out where I was heading next. A random thought of a random encounter determined my next destination. As it would turn out, this distant land would play a dramatic role in my future travels.

Chapter 11. A NAME FROM THE PAST

More Confessions...Chapter 10. GANGSTER'S PARADISE

2009-01-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

Although I was able to settle into Tenerife, I was never able to properly relax. There were many factors that contributed to my unease...most notably, my employer.

Chapter 10. GANGSTER'S PARADISE

More Confessions...Chapter 9. ACTUALLY, THE FLOOR WASN'T THAT BAD

2008-12-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

My dubious arrival in Tenerife included dealing with heroin addicts, sleeping in caves and living in brothels...Needless to say, this was quite and eye-opening section of my travels which helped shed some of my naivety.

Chapter 9. ACTUALLY, THE FLOOR WASN'T THAT BAD

SKUNK MAGAZINE REVIEW

2008-12-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

Dec. 30, 08 - SKUNK MAGAZINE - One of Canada's premier ganja magazines has its say about 'Through Travel and Error'. My first magazine article! The review can be found in their 4.8 edition, which hits the stands December 30th.

SKUNK MAGAZINE

ONLINE RADIO INTERVIEW with the Unstoppable Frankie Picasso

2008-12-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

Jan. 06, 09 - Online Radio interview with the UNSTOPPABLE FRANKIE PICASSO - Motivational coach Frankie Picasso will sit down with me for an hour to discuss my book, what it took to leave home, what kept me going and why I think we all have the power to find happiness.

NOTE: The interview will be streamed live on the Internet. The four corners of the planet will have a chance to poke me with thoughts and questions...awesome. Of course, should you miss the live airing, the show can be downloaded at any time thereafter.

Broadcast location: BLOG TALK RADIO (BTR) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/missionunstoppable

Time: 8:00 PM EST

Interview Download: Institute for Quantum Living and Conscious Design http://www.instituteforquantumliving.com/through-travel-and-error-confessions-of-an-asylum-seeking-canadian/

More Confessions...Chapter 8. GET A JOB

2008-12-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

Anyone who travels for an extended period of time will inevitably have to deal with the fact that they have spent all of their money and will have to find work. My financial predicament hit me much earlier than I anticipated and finding employment proved to be a bit more difficult than I had hoped.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlfTlMDPpsY&feature=channel_page

More Confessions...Chapter 7. A YANKEE MOMENT

2008-12-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Americans are, more often than not, the butt of most people's jokes, their reputation around the planet isn't the greatest and, generally speaking, the Yanks are quite clueless about the ways of the world...However, Canadians also come from that North American bubble and we too can be quite daft about the World.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOU1an2-i-I&feature=channel_page

More Confessions...Chapter 6. THE PRAGUE EXPERIMENT

2008-11-28T06:07:00.000-08:00

Traveling alone definitely has its perks. Thanks to a cross-continental journey, a travel romance and a ton of Ouzo, I was able properly understand the true definition of the word 'freedom'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7umWFm8tUg

More Confessions...Chapter 5 GET LOST

2008-11-12T05:50:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam...one of my favourite cities on the planet. My time is this liberal city exposed me to much more than coffee shops and ganja.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8vFXpi5YRA

More Confessions...Chapter 4. WHY NOT?

2008-11-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

Anybody who has been to Ireland knows that the Irish can (and like to) drink. This story is about my adventure to Dublin and the night of madness that ensued. Yes, alcohol was certainly involved...among other goodies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbBA09hmfQk

More Confessions...Chapter 3. RUNNER

2008-10-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

A lot of 'firsts' in this chapter...My first night out, my first drink, my first hangover and, most importantly, my first taste of freedom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmioVDR4SAA

Ottawa Xpress Review

2008-10-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

Cormac Rea of the Ottawa Xpress reviews "Through Travel and Error: Confessions of an Asylum-Seeking Canadian".

http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/books/books.aspx?iIDArticle=15763

More Confessions...Chapter 2. THANK-YOU ANDY ROONEY

2008-10-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

This week's installment examines the reasons why I decided to leave the 'velvet' comforts of home and explore the world...Curve balls and a serious temper lead the decision making process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtaxBZNwh4w

More Confessions...Chapter 1. THE FIRST HURDLE

2008-10-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

Day one on the other side of the World...I knew that I was going to experience a variety of emotions and lessons that first day.

However borderline panic and the realization of incredible ignorance were not anticipated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XllY1MDJ32Q

More Confessions...FOREWARNING

2008-09-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

As the title suggests, this chapter serves as an advance warning to some of the ups and downs that I faced when writing this book...

You should get the idea fairly quickly that I can be a tad daft at times.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=wWwoxoLgBoM&feature=related

More Confessions...Welcome Message

2008-09-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hello World...Welcome to my online readings for my first book, "Through Travel and Error: Confessions of an Asylum-Seeking Canadian".

Once a week I will upload a chapter from the book. This week is my introduction message...explaining about myself, the book and what these reading will be all about...

Enjoy!

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=HNC3NxDG6To

BOOK SIGNINGS - PINECREST & RIDEAU CHAPTERS

2008-08-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Come down and gab about the places you've been and the places that you want to go. I'll have some pictures of some of my favourite places to further get your travel juices flowing.

...Oh yeah, I'll be signing some books as well!

WHEN: September 26th - 6:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: PINECREST CHAPTERS (OTTAWA)

WHEN: October 4th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
WHERE: RIDEAU CHAPTERS (OTTAWA)

Looking forward to seeing you!

Matty

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/

The WORD ON THE STREET Book and Magazine Festival

2008-08-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Canada's BIGGEST book festival to sign some books, talk about the world of travelling and hopefully get some ideas as to where I should go next! See you there!

When: September 28th - 11:00am - 6:00pm
Where: Queen's Park, Toronto

All events to the Word on the Street are FREE!

http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/toronto/home.asp

The OTTAWA CITIZEN'S REVIEW

2008-08-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Katie Daubs' review of "Through Travel and Error: Confessions of an Asylum-Seeking Canadian". Ottawa Citizen - Aug. 9, 2008

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/features/great_getaways/story.html?id=b356f687-d431-4c3a-97ec-968440ee78cf

The Hitchhikers Guide to Southern Africa

2008-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

For a fantastically diverse and unique look at some of the beauties, hidden gems and wonders of South and Southern Africa, check out "The Hitchhikers Guide to Southern Africa".

http://www.theguide.org.za/

Anybody heading to this part of the world would benefit from checking out this site! These guys 'get it'.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND APPEARANCES

2008-08-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something to do this fall (and you will be in the Ottawa area), I ve scheduled readings at a few libraries in the area. I'll read some of my favorite sections from "Through Travel and Error" and will answer questions and engage in discussions about the world of travel afterwards. In interested, signed copies will be available for $25.

Sep 16, 2008 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM - Ottawa Public Library - CARLINGWOOD BRANCH
Sep 23, 2008 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM - Ottawa Public Library - NEPEAN CENTREPOINTE BRANCH
Dec 11, 2008 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM - Ottawa Public Library - MAIN BRANCH - METCALFE ST.

I'll be sure to remind you as the dates get closer. Enjoy the rest of the summer.

"Start Up" interview - Live 88.5 FM - July 10th, 2008

2008-07-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

All photos* taken by Matt Hamilton.

*Obviously the ones with me in them (risking my life) were taken by others (Michelle Seguin, Lynne Farrenkothen)

CBC Radio Interview - June 25, 2008

2008-07-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

"Morning Show" Interview - June 26, 2008

2008-07-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Daytime Ottawa interview - June 24, 2008

2008-06-27T14:12:00.000-07:00