TIM ALBERT writer and trainer
TIM ALBERTwriter and trainer

My latest talk: By Greyhound Bus around America - half a century apart 

This time I felt I was travelling through parallel universes

What is going on in America?

 

In this talk I look at the great country from an unusual perspective – two road trips on Greyhound buses half a century apart. I draw on diary entries and original photos (no selfies!) to show how in 1969, as a 22-year-old student, I was blown away by the sights I saw and the people I met.

 

In 2019, by then a retired journalist, I was ambushed by a crazy notion to go back and do it again. It was too good an idea to pass on, though I quickly realised that I would have to make allowances for a 72-year-old’s antiquated skills and aching body.

 

On the second trip I took photos on my mobile phone and wrote a book. I still loved the country and its people, though this time the divisions were so bitter and so resolute that I felt I was travelling through parallel universes.I came back with many questions about the country’s future, and this invariably leads to an interesting discussion at the end of the talk.. 

'It brought back some happy memories - plus some scary moments in bus depots late at night' - Sue Eggleton, treasurer, Roatry Club of Shepperton Aurora

 

'A very interesting talk about the changes that America has experienced in the past 50 years, some good and some not so good - a great insight into how things are and what the future might bring'. - David King, speaker secretary, Bookham and Horsley Rotary

Business stuff

Timing: The talk normally runs for about 40 minutes

 

Speaker’s details: I was a journalist on national and medical newspapers and magazines, and after that ran a business teaching written communication skills to health professionals. I have written four books on medical writing and a memoir. I am an experienced public speaker and former chairman of Mole Valley Speakers Club.

 

Standard fee: £75 (£50 Zoom)

Mileage: 35 ppm for distances over 10 miles

Previous talks have included:

Princes Risborough U3A Travel Group, Wonersh U3A, CHelmsford U3A, Cobham WI, Merrow Afternoon WI, Dorking U3A, STrent Bridge Rotary, Dronfield U3A ,WImbledon Society, Sherborne St John Women's Fellowship, Thorley U3A

 A Boomer Visits America Coast-To-Coast By Greyhound Bus: 1969 And 2019 - Forbes magazine

Slow travel by train: getting there is part of the journeyMore Time to Travel

BBC Radio Surrey: to hear my interview with Sarah Gorrell about my USA bus tours, click here

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© Tim Albert 2023