An Interview with Doug Spencer: Author, Film-maker and World Traveler

IRENE: Join me for a candid interview with Doug Spencer, published author, film maker, world traveler and Gemini Award-nominated director. Doug, thank you for joining me on Around the World Travel Blog.

DOUG: Thanks Irene for the invitation to speak to you and our fellow travelers.

IRENE: How did you become interested in travel? 

DOUG: My father was an adventurer who wanted to join the Air Force during WWII as a means to travel. My mother died young. She was 27. She left behind four children, including me. My travel is an homage to my mother. I’m living her fantasy life because I know that she would have wanted more out of life than just raising kids.

IRENE: Where was your first travel adventure?

Christmas in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

         We spent a fabulous five days with family in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where southern hospitality knows no limits.
         We had been in Tuscaloosa back in May and witnessed the aftermath of the devastating tornado that had hit the area in April, 2011. Today, while much of the debris has been removed, many homes remain in desperate need of repair. Some are abandoned, without indication of returning owners. Some of the homes have been rebuilt or are in the process of being restored. None-the-less, it is a long journey back to the oak-lined streets that are now bereft of much of the splendour of these graceful trees. Read the story, 40 Seconds, which was inspired by the events of the tornado
         But all is not doom and gloom.