<p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">In</span><em style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)"> I've Always Paddled My Own Canoe</em><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">, author Meurig Jones recounts how in 1971, he embarked on his journey of a lifetime, leaving the quiet Welsh village of Llandinam to explore the world with travel companions he met via an advertisement in the Guardian newspaper.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">Meurig's adventure begins&nbsp; in London, and then on to Dover, where a ferry to Calais takes him and his mates across the Channel to a world of adventure. Each mile trekked deepens their experiences as they navigate not just geography, but also newfound friendships.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">Meurig's odyssey spans Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Australia, revealing a host of diverse landscapes and cultures. He explores historic cities, admires landmarks like Isfahan's grand square, and navigates vibrant Tehran. His adventure takes him across Afghanistan's enigmatic landscapes, weathering sandstorms and visiting ancient cities like Herat and Kabul. In Pakistan, he becomes immersed&nbsp; in local customs amid mounting tensions, and ultimately arrives in Delhi, India during a period of turmoil before concluding his journey in Australia.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">Both a&nbsp; travelogue and a chronicle of self-realisation, </span><em style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">I've Always Paddled My Own Canoe</em><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">&nbsp; is a captivating blend of adventure, challenge, and, ultimately, self-discovery.&nbsp; </span></p>