Today we speak with Brad Yonaka. He is a geologist who has traveled to over 140 countries for work and pleasure. He is a prolific writer who writes about his experiences around the world.
He also conducts numismatics research for auction houses and he published a book on the topic - Variety Guide to the Silver and Copper Coinage of the Mexico City Mint 1732 - 1771.
As he grows older, Brad says, he has little interest in “settling down” and plans to continue traveling with his family as long as he physically can.
We talk with Brad about his travels in Mali and read his story - The Monkey Hunter - A Tenuous Life in the Land of the Dogon.
From the show:
“…I actually don't know the definition of exotic. I mean, exotic is whatever seems furthest away from what you are, I suppose. When I was about 11 years old, I lived in Ethiopia, and that, I guess, would be an exotic place for me and my family to be …”
“…American life is what it is. I understand that it's very easy to fall back into it when I go back to the States because I've come back many times after long absences and readapted to living in the United States. But it is very formulaic in that I feel like there's not really much to learn there …”
“…One thing that will change, and obviously I've been watching it change, is the familiarity of people in these countries. Even fairly isolated countries know a great deal about things going on outside of their country because everyone's got a cell phone… and that's kind of changed things in a bit. I think it's actually made people a bit less interested in meeting travelers …”
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