Why One Man Is Walking Around the World With His Dog

Summary

Tom and his dog Savannah have embarked on an extraordinary journey, walking across 35 countries and covering 18,000 miles over five years. Inspired by the fleeting nature of life, Tom left his New Jersey home at 26 with minimal belongings. Adopting Savannah in Texas, they've faced numerous challenges, from harsh climates to Savannah's near-fatal tick bite. Their adventures highlight the kindness of strangers and the universal human desire for connection and family, as they continue their trek from Antarctica to Europe, currently in Azerbaijan with 7,000 miles to go.

Takeaways

• 🚶‍♂️ Tom and his dog Savannah are on an epic journey, walking across 35 different countries, covering 18,000 miles over five years.
• 🎵 The journey was inspired by a desire for adventure and a deep immersion into different cultures and human experiences, sparked by the realization of life's brevity after the death of Tom's friend Emery.
• 💼 Tom left the comforts of his New Jersey home at the age of 26 with minimal belongings, seeking to be off the beaten track.
• 🐾 Savannah joined Tom on his journey in Austin, Texas, after he decided a companion would be nice during his solo walks.
• 🇲🇽 Mexico was the first foreign country Tom walked through, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
• 🌎 The pair faced numerous challenges, including extreme weather conditions in Costa Rica and health scares for Savannah in Chile.
• 🤝 Tom discovered the kindness of strangers, who often provided help and hospitality during difficult times, highlighting the universal values of community and support.
• 👟 The physical demands of the journey are evident, as shown by the wear and tear on Tom's shoes after two years of walking.
• ⛵ They took a break from walking to travel to Antarctica by boat before resuming their journey in Europe.
• 🏞 The script mentions the beauty and warmth of various countries, including Italy, Croatia, and Turkey, each offering unique cultural experiences.
• 📍 Currently in Baku, Azerbaijan, Tom and Savannah have two more years and 7,000 miles to go to complete their journey.
• 🌏 Tom's reflections on the journey reveal a deeper understanding of the world and himself, recognizing the commonalities among people across different landscapes and cultures.

Q & A

Who is the main character in the video script?

The main character is Tom, who embarked on a journey with his dog, Savannah.

What was the motivation behind Tom's decision to walk across different countries?

Tom wanted to experience humanity in the most immersive way possible and to make the most of life after the sudden death of his close friend Emery.

How many miles has Tom and Savannah walked together?

Together, they have walked 18,000 miles over the past five years.

What was the first foreign country Tom walked through with Savannah?

The first foreign country they walked through was Mexico.

What challenges did Tom and Savannah face in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, they faced extreme heat and humidity, walking through the jungle without wind, making the walk very tough.

What health issue did Savannah encounter in Chile?

Savannah almost died from a tick bite in Chile, but was saved with the help of locals who got them to a vet.

How did Tom's perception of the world change during his journey?

Tom realized that despite the surface-level differences, the universal desires of people to make a living and spend time with family are the same everywhere.

What did Tom learn about the kindness of strangers during his journey?

Tom learned about the power and beauty of kindness through the help they received from strangers, such as a restaurant owner in the desert who provided food and shelter.

How did Tom's journey begin on his 26th birthday?

On his 26th birthday, Tom packed a sleeping bag, an extra pair of shoes, and a few essential items, and left his New Jersey home to start his adventure.

What did Tom and Savannah do after their journey in Antarctica?

After their journey in Antarctica, they took a boat and then picked up their walk in Europe, continuing eastward.

Where are Tom and Savannah currently located, and how much more of their journey do they have left?

They are currently in Baku, Azerbaijan, with 2 years and 7,000 miles of walking remaining.