I must say that I would be very interested in how the author views this experience from his perspective in 2011. Although he is not the only explorer to go through tribal initiation rituals, the ritual of scarfication he submitted to seems quite extreme for even the best of them! Returning to England with a raised pattern on his skin resembling that of a crocodile must have shocked more than a few people!Having read several of his books, I admire his approach to adventure, relying on his ability to enlist the aid of people he meets along the way. His comfort zone is very large, and his openness no doubt appeals to the indigenous populations. He does not present himself as a larger-than-life character, nor does he adopt a macho facade. He is a human among other humans, which is precisely why I enjoy traveling with him.