Touching The World cover art

Touching The World

A Blind Woman, Two Wheels, 25000 Miles

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Touching The World

By: Cathy Birchall, Bernard Smith
Narrated by: Sherry Baines, Philip Bretherton
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About this listen

Touching the World is the extraordinary story of Cathy Birchall, a blind woman, who set off with her companion Bernard Smith, to become the first blind person ever to circle the world on a motorbike, an 18 year old BMW R100. What transpired has become an inspirational worldwide story that challenges people to question their own self-imposed boundaries. From desolate and dangerous mountain roads, difficult border crossings and numerous mechanical breakdowns, to climbing Wayna Picchu (first ever blind woman to do so) and riding an elephant mounted from the front (via its trunk!) - not to mention a poignant visit to the Centre for Blind Women in Delhi where they talked to women abandoned by their husbands, and an (inadvertent) overnight stay in a Kosovan brothel - this book has it all, travel, adventure, triumph over adversity, and through it comes a real sense of just what it means to be blind. Their heart-warming writing reflects a vivid account of the world, often hilarious and always positive.

©2012 Panther Publishing Ltd (P)2012 Panther Publishing Ltd Travel Writing & Commentary Witty
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Thank you Bernard and Cathy for sharing your truly amazing, courageous and awe inspiring travels. This listen has been a magical journey of highs and lows touching on very real emotions which I'm sure will reach most who read or listen to this brilliant travel journal of our time

Amazing !

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I really struggle to find books I enjoy, but this I just couldn't put down. At first I was nervous by the time initially shown for how long the book would last, but as we got into it, I wish it would keep going!!
There were times where I'm in fits of laugher and chuckling away to myself.
A brilliant story for both bikers, and non bikers.
Written in such a relatable, funny way. Thank you for allowing us to go along this journey with you.

Sensationally brilliant.

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I really enjoyed this book, I enjoyed listening to it being narrated rather than reading, I have both copies.

Really good read

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I really got a feel for what it was like to make this journey and felt like I was part of it.

Amazing story and excellent performance

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What an amazing book. Truly remarkable in every sense. Honest, open, moving. This is absolutely a book for everyone, whether you ride bikes, ride pillion, or not. Utterly absorbing and inspirational. And amazing insights. Thank you.

So moving

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