Here's my review of John Burbidge book More Than Halfway to Somewhere that I've posted five-star on the Goodreads site as well as on Facebook:
Being associated with Order:Ecumenical for 30 years, Burbidge lived a rich life of adventure and service. He was a fresh traveler from his native Australia and anxious about what he was getting himself into: American culture, ghetto society and the initial existential impact of The Order's communal style struck him as a baptism of fire that “doesn't come close to describing it.” Later, as he became involved with advancing Institute community development programs around the world, he describes roller-coaster highs and life-threatening lows as well as vibrant human exchanges. As he hitchhiked Zimbabwe he had colorful conversations with a Yorkshire truck driver who welcomed him to stay a few nights with his family. Then there are hassles with Nigerian “Err-ways” and other zoo-like experiences at international airports. He describes balancing acts as he rode buses in India, Nairobi slums and much amazing and sometimes unexpected hospitality wherever he went. Strange foods such as raw crocodile. He emphasizes that travel is about people, not places and how travel is a learning experience. Overall, truly an engaging read. (Disclosure: I knew Burbidge when we were Ecclesiola colleagues [he would say “mates”] during a summer Ecumenical Institute research event.)