James Holman – the traveler who amazed the world (7 photos)
Traveling around the world in our time does not surprise anyone. Their performed on a yacht, on a bicycle and on foot, at speed and on a bet. In a word, there would be a desire and means. This man had them, but something else was missing, but something very important. 
Born in the ordinary English city of Exeter in 1768 boy James Holman. As a teenager, James joined the Navy and built a good career, rising to the rank of lieutenant. And then the young officer health began to fail - due to frequent immersions in water, joint problems. The arthritis was cured, but problems began with vision. 
James Holman
The sailor was written off and given a pension. And it seemed the poor fellow is blind (and James lost his sight in just a few weeks) was doomed to eke out a miserable existence for the rest of his life, but he turned out to be from a different test. And he became what he became.
Blind Traveler 
To begin with, he learned to walk with a cane and entered Edinburgh University. Braille had not yet been invented, therefore the unusual student could not read or write. But be careful listened to lectures. As a result, the man’s memory became almost elephantine, which helped James in later life.
Doctors recommended that he change the climate to a milder one with for the purpose of improving health. The choice fell on France. And since there were funds limited, there was enough money to cross the English Channel. So Holman set off on foot. Constantly getting lost and taking wrong turns, but along the way, making an incredible number of friends and even having affairs - his appearance allowed him to do this.
After the French resort, the man went to Italy, managing to visit all the iconic sights except art galleries. And in 1822 he published travel notes, which he wrote on "night alphabet" used for military encryption, and for earned money decided to go on a trip around the world along the route Petersburg – Siberia – China.
Choice and Challenge 
"Road to Omsk". Illustration from James Holman's book about travel 
"The Cossack and the Siberian Tiger." Illustration from James Holman's book about travel
But he did not lose heart and went to Africa. With everyone associated diseases, unsanitary conditions, dangerous animals and no less dangerous insects. However, the human population of Black the continent was not distinguished by its cordiality. 
"Forest fire in Brazil." Illustration from James Holman's book about traveling around the world
After Africa there was Brazil, Ceylon, the coveted China and outlandish Australia. In total, the Blind Traveler visited 200 countries. And at the age of 45 he settled down at home, enthusiastically describing his adventures. Then there was another attempt to get to Europe. But health let me down, and I’m no longer particularly an unusual traveler were interested. And some even accused him of lying and quackery. James died at the age of 70 at his London home. 
Why was this necessary? The question is, in general, fair. It’s just that the irrepressible thirst for life, will, and strength of character played a role and fortitude. In addition, knowledge of the culture of new countries took place more deeply, because the Blind Traveler compensated for the lack of vision in other ways, sometimes finding the information that sighted people travelers might have thoughtlessly missed out.
What about the difficulties? They have always been there. Holman simply tried not to notice them and advised others to do the same.
