What do you do when you turn 40 and life goes wrong? Head out on a big adventure and help as many people as you can!
To escape from modern life and do something different had always been Phil Beswick’s dream. Spending a month as a volunteer at a Nepalese orphanage led to him questioning his life’s values and making him determined to turn that dream into reality. So, giving away most of his possessions, he escaped from his suffocating career to set out on a passionate yearlong journey of self-discovery and adventure, helping others around the world. On his travels he took part in various charity and voluntary projects including house building in Sri Lanka, working in an animal rescue centre in Thailand and teaching English in Cambodia. His adventure culminated in an inspirational 798km pilgrimage across Northern Spain, raising money for a charity close to his heart.
‘Soaring with Eagles, Flying with Turkeys?’ is his account of that journey, a true story encompassing every human emotion from tears and laughter to humility and compassion – a truly inspirational story that demonstrates just what the human spirit is capable of
Professional Reviews
One Man's Journey Searching for Purpose, May 15, 2013 By David Lyons
I bought this book based on a recommendation from a family member and the fact that the author was from my home town half a world away. Phil Beswick was in his early 40’s with an accomplished career in the British Civil Service, recently married to the love of his life and living in their ideal home complete with the G10 Jack Russell Terrier dog. Life was good and a dream vacation to New Zealand just around the corner. Then, without warning, his wife pulls the plug on the marriage and Phil’s life comes crashing down around him.
The book details Phil’s journey from his darkest moments of despair living the shell of his old life in the empty marital home to picking himself up, shedding off the old skin and beginning tentative steps towards finding his true life purpose. His steps take him across Asia, Australia, New Zealand and a pilgrimage across northern Spain. Along the way he runs into some interesting characters, takes on a number of volunteer assignments, and raises money for a charity. Perhaps the most important person Phil meets along the way is his true self.
This is not some glamorous adventure story but a brutally honest yet often humorous account of one man’s struggle to make sense of it all. While Phil’s story is unique, it connects with anyone who may be searching for purpose beyond the facade of our daily existence. Whether you are just starting out and looking for direction, whether you are trying to make sense of where you are now, whether you are entering your encore years determined to live a more purpose-centric life, or just like to read a humorous adventure travel tale, Phil’s book is a must read.
Fabulously written, will have you laughing out loud in places!!, 15 Feb 2013 By Em
Phil is a former colleague and friend. After a life changing event he took stock of his life and made changes I could only ever dream of having the courage to do! A wonderful true story of his life and experiences over the last couple of years. A true inspiration, this story just goes to show you that it's never too late to grab life by the balls and change it for the better. Looking forward to him penning about his future adventures!! You won't be able to put it down.
Awesome, 1 Mar 2013 By Ribbit
Absolutely brilliant book , clearly written honestly from the heart. It makes you feel like you are actually part of the journey, and wish that you were !
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Reviews for "Soaring with Eagles, Flying with Turkeys?"
Having been lucky enough to have met Phil while on this trip in a tiny ferry port in Bali Indonesia and again on the gili islands my review may sound a Little bias .
However having told so many friends about Phil and the book , the response I've had from them is equally as positive without having shared any of them great adventures around asia.
AN INSPIRATION 6th July 2013 Scot Gibson
The book is an absolute delight to read and has really helped me since my return to the UK after travelling around the world for over a year.
Written with incredible honesty this book has both inspired me and spurred me on to do more and as a fellow traveller it made me laugh , cry and brought back so many incredible memories of my own trip .
All I can say is thanks Phil your a top guy . thanks for the memories
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