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More copies of this ISBNThis title in other editionsWhatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guideby Peter Allison
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:A hilarious, highly original collection of essays based on the Botswana truism: "only food runs!" In the tradition of Bill Bryson, a new writer brings us the lively adventures and biting wit of an African safari guide. Peter Allison gives us the guide's-eye view of living in the bush, confronting the world's fiercest terrain of wild animals and, most challenging of all, managing herds of gaping tourists. Passionate for the animals of the Kalahari, Allison works as a top safari guide in the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta. As he serves the whims of his wealthy clients, he often has to stop the impulse to run as far away from them as he can, as these tourists are sometimes more dangerous than a pride of lions. No one could make up these outrageous-but-true tales: the young woman who rejected the recommended safari-friendly khaki to wear a more "fashionable" hot pink ensemble; the lost tourist who happened to be drunk, half-naked, and a member of the British royal family; establishing a real friendship with the continent's most vicious animal; the Japanese tourist who requested a repeat performance of Allison's being charged by a lion so he could videotape it; and spending a crazy night in the wild after blowing a tire on a tour bus, revealing that Allison has as much good-natured scorn for himself. The author's humor is exceeded only by his love and respect for the animals, and his goal is to limit any negative exposure to humans by planning trips that are minimally invasive — unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way! Review:"At age 19, Australian-born Allison headed to Africa for challenge and adventure, planning to stay no more than a year; having found work as a safari guide, he's still there some 13 years later. In this fun, fearless memoir, Allison shares his experiences taking 'guests' through the African wilderness, trips that often don't go quite as planned-due especially to the unpredictability of the animals around them. Allison is a skilled, funny and vibrant storyteller, dishing arcane bits of wisdom like an expatriate Alligator Hunter: 'I understand a little bit of monkey language, and "kwe" is a sound I listened for. It was an alarm... full blown monkey conniptions were reserved for leopards.' A hilarious chapter recounting a troubled thousand mile trek through the Kalahari Desert finds Allison trying to wave down a passing truck in the middle of the night: 'I realized that the driver would have seen what looked like a very animated sage bush with pasty white hands growing from it... he'd probably go straight to a witch doctor... and ask if there was a curse on him.' Along the way, Allison examines his fellow guides, the struggle with exhaustion, getting lost and the temptation to make frequently visiting animals into pets, as well as some poignant asides on love and death." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Review:"Allison's infectious enthusiasm for both the African bush and his job showing its wonders to tourists is readily apparent, making for a fast and very entertaining read." Booklist Book News Annotation:Allison is not only gifted as a safari guide but also as a writer who
delivers hilarious insights about living in bug-ridden tents,
managing naked royals and determining exactly what type of mouse is
invading one's boots. Along with information most of us will only use
on safari, such as how to approach a pool filled with hippos, he
includes truly useful tips such as how to tell whether a charging
elephant is only joshing or if your heirs will have to rinse off his
feet to collect your remains. Some of the most bizarre critters are
the human ones, but Allison's reflections on the magnificent animals
of his workplace are witty, lyrical and moving. Allison includes
exceptional maps and photos.
Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Synopsis:A hilarious, highly original collection of essays based on the Botswana truism: “only food runs!” Synopsis:Welcome to the African bush, where the animals are fierce, the tourists can be wild, and only the food runs! Whatever You Do, Dont Run is a hilarious collection of true tales from top safari guide Peter Allison. In a place where the wrong behavior could get you eaten, Allison has survived face-to-face encounters with big cats, angry elephants, and the worlds most unpredictable animals—herds of untamed tourists and foolhardy guides whose outrageous antics sometimes make them even more dangerous than a pride of hungry lions! Join Allison as he faces down charging lions—twice; searches for a drunk, half-naked tourist who happens to be a member of the British royal family; drives a Land Rover full of tourists into a lagoon full of hippos; and adopts the most vicious animal in Africa as his “pet.” Full of lively humor and a genuine love and respect for Botswana and its rich wildlife, Whatever You Do, Dont Run takes you to where the wild things are and introduces you to a place where every day is a new adventure! Synopsis:A hilarious, highly original collection of essays based on the Botswana truism: only food runs! Allison presents the guides-eye view of living in the bush, confronting the worlds fiercest terrain of wild animals, and managing herds of gaping tourists. About the AuthorPeter Allison is originally from Sydney, Australia. His safaris have been featured in National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, and on television programs such as Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures. He travels frequently to speaking appearances, and splits most of his time between Botswana, Sydney, and San Francisco. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
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Languages » Foreign Languages » Spanish » Science and Mathematics » Nature Studies » World Wildlife
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