Longitude and Latitude, with Attitude: One Man's Quest to See the Entire World

by Rufus McGaugh, Anthony Ambrogio (Editor)

Rufus McGaugh knew early on that he wanted to see the world—all of it. And, later on, he did just that. Longitude and Latitude, with Attitude chronicles Rufus’s 49 years of travels around the globe to every country in the world. It relates his experiences, both harrowing and humorous, in entertaining and amusing (sometimes even instructive!) vignettes. Rufus, a Vietnam vet who was awarded the Purple Heart in 1970, became a Vietnam vet against the war, got a college degree, and taught social studies at Brownell Middle School in the affluent Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe for 39 years. During that time—and before and after—he spent his summers, vacations, and retirement fulfilling a life-long dream to travel to every corner of the Earth. He has visited countries near and far, well known and obscure (including the closed regimes of North Korea and Libya). He has met interesting people, seen fascinating sights, and observed unusual events. He has been hassled by the authorities in Russia (twice in one day). He was arrested—and later stalked by a leopard—in Zimbabwe. He met Miss America (well, Miss South Carolina) in Vietnam, outfoxed (or so he thought) a tailor in Hong Kong, and broke both arms bicycling in Cuba. Longitude and Latitude, with Attitude is the unpretentious, often comic, frequently informative chronicle of these and other adventures and misadventures he experienced on his journeys. Other wanderers like him—and armchair travelers everywhere—will be captivated by it. The lively writing is supplemented by more than 50 pictures that inveterate photographer Rufus has taken in the course of his trips.

Genres: Travel

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2018

Reviews

[Connie Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a bit strange the way I became aware of the author Rufus Mcgaugh . It started when I noticed that his sister Barb McGaugh Ptaszek was active in several Facebook groups that I was also a member of. It seemed like she was friends with a lot of my friends from high school (a long time ago). I messaged her when I read in one of these that she lived on a street that was right around the corner from me. We were in the same graduating class at East Detroit High School. When she mentioned in a post that her brother was an author, I had to check it out!

So, of course, I downloaded:

Longitude and Latitude, with Attitude: One Man’s Quest to See the Entire World by Rufus McGaugh

Immediately afterwards. It was a hoot! Who would have thought someone from my blue collar neighborhood was a high school teacher and author with a goal of traveling to every county in the world. He starts the book with accounts of experiences in Viet Nam that had me laughing out loud. (Disclaimer, some things may have seemed funnier to me knowing where he was from, but as long as you can deal with a good dose of sarcasm, anyone should see the humor). I also learned quite a bit.

I haven't met Rufus and Barb yet, but plan to.

What do you have to say for yourself, Rufus?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Rufus McGaugh was the Social Studies teacher of my children at Brownell Middle School. I remember that my son, in particular, loved to hear his many stories of his travel adventures. Because of his unique way of teaching Social Studies, my children both scored many A+ grades on geography tests, and he gave them an interest in other countries. Rufus allows us to share in his adventures in this book. I especially enjoyed the last chapters which were more detailed about his later travels.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: this book was written by my absolute favorite junior high school teacher, so I admit to being a bit biased.

Not your typical travel book, but not your typical travel goals, either. When I travel, it's because there is a specific place I want to see, something new I want to do. Rufus' goal was to hit all 251 countries on Earth. This means that he's gone to place that I would pass on, maybe because I don't know anything about it, or because I do know about it, and would prefer to avoid it (see: Libya).

Also, most travel books spend the majority of their time talking about the unique aspects of the places visited. Less so with "Attitude," which could be alternately titled, "Rufus' Misadventures Throughout the World." Yes, there are descriptions of breathtaking scenery and fascinating artifacts, but there is a lot more of, "how I narrowly escaped prison, death, and dismemberment (not necessarily in that order)."

Which actually makes it a fun read. If you go into it thinking, "what's he going to do NOW?" it's a rollicking ride. That works much better than reading it in an inspirational fashion, because this is NOT a suggestion on how to travel. When I was going through Europe, I thought my budget squeaked from being so tight. I am a rank amateur compared to Rufus. However, I am encouraged to dig out my journals from when I was there to make a share-able record of my own adventures.

[Sarah Pongracz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book written by my step-daughter Robin's 7th grade Social Studies teacher at Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Rufus McGaugh is a self-proclaimed Hodomaniac, someone who has an abnormal love of travel, who set a goal to visit the entire world. It took him 50 years to visit all 50 states, all 7 continents, and all 251 countries in the world. This book is a selection of some of his more memorable adventures.

[HYP · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read

I had the honour of attending Brownell while Rufus was still teaching there back in the late 90's. It was great being able to read some of the extended stories of his travels. Rufus inspired generations of kids to travel and explore and embrace new cultures.

[Jenn Kurrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

#32/2018 .. Rufus is the best teacher I’ve ever had and Ioved this book. I am also super mad at myself for not staying in touch with him!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Now I want to pack my own bag!
Really enjoyed the stories and humor.
Insanely jealous of his adventures.
Read and E.njoy

[Paula Birac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reading adventure!

The author is known to me through 2 of my children who loved his classes and consider him to be their favorite teacher of all time!

[Monica McGaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author recounts his adventures and mishaps while
traveling throughout the world. Author is quite hilarious and will
have you crying with laughter---
Humor with travel/adventure

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

He gets points for visiting EVERY country in the world. The premise is so interesting but the writing is not. Apart from it being written in a guess-what-goofy-thing-I-did cocktail party anecdote style, it just wasn’t even well organized so you could see where he went.