Customer Reviews

At Sea At Sixty: Reflections from a Round the World Voyage

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
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"At Sea at Sixty" is more than an excellent travelogue. It represents a unique view of several cultures found at different ports around the world as seen by a husband/wife team of experienced travelers. Though the authors share essentially the same American cultural values, their viewpoints illustrate their quite different personalities. As a male reader, I was gratified to read Patrick's blunt (and often funny) impressions of what he saw. As a hopeless philosopher, I enjoyed Catharine's constant questioning as to the meaning of what she saw. It was refreshing to read two impressions simultaneously of what were essentially the same impressions.

When I finished this book, I felt that I had been on an around the world voyage myself. I felt educated. I learned anew that Americans are a very small minority on this planet.

As a footnote, I must say that I received a benefit which the authors may not have fully intended. I received a clear image of a successful marriage. I saw very different people who had obviously learned how to let each other exult in their own personality, while finding and traveling common ground. I saw mutual respect. Marvelous.

This is a highly readable book which will make you laugh, make you think,challenge your assumptions about the world, and reflect about the value of travelling to other cultures. Pat and Catharine, the engineer and the artist, have done something most unusual.They wisely have written chapters alternately using their own voices...describing then reflecting upon the meaning of the people ,places and cultures they encounter on their "Semester at Sea" journey with hundreds of undergraduates. They and about 50 other "older" students join the journey and provide seasoning for the whole trip.P and C complement each other superbly, a ying and a yang completing the circle.This is one of the most interesting, thoughtful, provocative,insightful and fun books I have read in decades.If you are worried about aging, this book is the perfect antidote. I wouldn't face a typhoon and 45 foot waves but I am sure glad the Roaches did!

I would recommend this book to anyone who wonders if there is "life" after 60 (or even 40). The authors' passion for life and adventure is heard in the book's stories. There is a clear and united voice even though the book's chapters are alternately written by differing points-of-views, one from the artist (Catharine) and the other from the scientist (Patrick). Gives young people a perspective on life beyond a career.

This is a thought provoking and insightful book by a well educated professional couple. Yet one feels to be traveling with them. Gracefully blending vivid descriptions of their daily experiences on an educational cruise around the world with comments relating to human nature, culture and religion, this is a most delightful book to read and think about. With intolerance (or worse) so much in the news, reading this book is a refreshing reminder that "we are all one" to The Other.