Publisher's Synopsis
The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO-SACO) is a volunteer organization that utilizes Canadian business professionals to help developing nations in capacities related to their domestic business expertise. After more than three decades of work as an urban planner, David Smith began a second career in volunteer service, sharing his expertise on urban and strategic planning, environmental management, and economic development and poverty reduction issues to developing regions in several countries around the world. This book chronicles Smith's volunteer work, from the humdrum to the hopefulness to the harrowing-not exactly "Temple of Doom" harrowing, but adventurous and risky all the same. With his recounting of these many high-adventure situations, some more dangerous than others, Smith offers to readers a memoir of how his life became much more exciting after turning 60, as well as an uplifting and inspiring reminder of the value of volunteer service overseas.
Included in this book's mini-travelogues are stories from Smith's travels to Honduras, the Philippines, Colombia, Suriname, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Jamaica, and China. The ups and downs of his voluntary assignments are described in this book, especially the satisfaction that comes with helping people in developing countries. Along the way were many surprises and unanticipated encounters that were truly amazing: experiences and adventures while travelling; survival during life-threatening situations; unique features and the cultural distinctiveness of different areas; rewards, successes, and challenges of volunteer work in difficult situations; and observations related to urban planning, sustainability, and climate change action.
