Back in the days before internet, email, and Skype. Back when a bogus collect phone call home was enough to let your loved ones know you were still alive. Back when postcards had a 50/50 chance of arriving at the correct destination; I got a gift.
In 1986 my sister sat by my side a small furry brown package with large white eyes and a heart that beat out of his chest.
He was as innocent and green to the ways of world travel as I was yet he was now under my care. The responsibility of this however, was lost on me. I was invincible and therefore by association, so was he.
We set out from Auckland on April 12th of that same year prepared to take on whatever the world threw at us.
We were going to have a blast and explore the planet.
My furry friend and I road-tripped through the United States taking on a southerly route. We encountered huge canyons, lone Indians, crazy Texans with huge slices of toast. We stayed in Las Vegas hotels that would later be demolished by explosives on live TV.
That would be the Landmark Hotel.
We skied black diamond runs in a place called Purgatory and one of us drank a little too much local brew at high altitude. We saw Andrew Jackson, listened to the players of Preservation Hall, and got a swift kick in the head by a Hurricane…at least that’s how it felt the next day.
By the time we arrived in New York city he had become the center of attention from all those I was now traveling with. His place of honor was a perch atop the rear view mirror. Depending on how bumpy the ride was he could look forward and see what was about to be, or he could look back and resume his lofty role and spearhead the topics of conversation.
He was in his element; a traveling Kiwi!
After leaving the U.S. we made our way to Europe. Here we settled for a couple of months at the Tom Cribb pub where I was a barman, cook, and general dogs-body. Then it was back on the road.
Our focus was Greece, Italy, France, and Holland. A single sleepless, bone jarring 72 hour bus trip from London to Athens set us on our course.
After Europe we traveled through South America and it was here in a market that he received his official name.
Again the center of attention in a market that sold everything from dried llama fetuses to bowler hats, an old Bolivian lady made him a string bracelet adorned with the name she felt most appropriate.
Emblazoned on a sky blue band with pomegranate red lettering was the name Bruce!
We set our sights next on the African continent and then Asia. In Laos he once again became a focal point from new friends who even today, some six years later, ask about his well-being.
He and I have traveled the world and amassed thousands of miles across 60 countries. Both of us getting our stuffing shifted in the process but that was to be expected I guess. For over twenty-seven years now we have trotted about the globe.
This trip to Cambodia was definitely not our last.
Flat Tires and Slow Boats 
Hehe that little guy is so cute! Great photos, you made it interesting 🙂
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Bruce, you rock!
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Wow, he’s only three years older than me and visited all these cool places! Is it weird to get jealous on a kiwi bird? 😆 He’s adorable and the pictures featuring him are great! 😀
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I love how Bruce has been to all these amazing places! 27 years! Lucky bruce 🙂
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He has certainly been around.
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So lovely there in Europe! My son did something similar when he brought home a “pet” owl from preschool. He had to take pictures with it everywhere he went. He had a blast 🙂
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Hello Tim
Bruce remind me of a cartoon character in sesame-street , it was a big furry elephant in brown color.
But what a nice way to keep the memories with you. It shows your love to your sister. I am amazed to know that you have traveled 60 countries of the world. All the best with your future travels.
Nice pictures and a great companion.
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Bruce, you have a really cool travel blog going on here. Great usage of photos with your copy. Your posts also have personality. I’ll be back.
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Look forward to your return Matt and many thanks. Bruce
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Bruce is getting a chance to see the world which is awesome.
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What a sweet traveling campaign. Your story reminds me a bit of the film, Cast Away, with Tom Hanks, where his companion is a volley ball named, “Wilson.”
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A little jealous that Bruce is out seeing the world while I’m stuck in the office but I’m definitely inspired. Nothing like a place called “Purgatory” to make me plan a little ski trip.
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Bruce had been so privelleged, travelling the world that much and without cost!!!! I wish I was Bruce, without the shifting of my stufiings. Quite a relaxing post Tim, loved it.
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Thanks Welli. Yes, it’s amazing the amount of the world he has been photographed in. But his stuffing has definitely moved.
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I find it always helpful to roam with a better looking traveling companion. I can see you feel the same way Tim. Good luck on your next journey.
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Hey Tim. Bruce sounds like a great companion and I doubt you even need to buy him a ticket
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He’s a Free Bird!
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Hi Tim! What an awesome blog you have here. Thanks for stopping by mine & I look forward to reading more from you! 🙂
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Bruce is awesome! Oddly enough, I was just reading about Kiwis a few days ago. An interesting choice for a country’s national bird 😉
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There is a whole mythology surrounding the Kiwi and how it saved the forests of Aotearoa from a destructive disease. Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand. Glad you liked it Jeri.
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Awww, I think I have a little crush on Bruce. I’ve been looking for my own “mascot” to feature in pictures and that can easily travel.
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I will let him know. 🙂
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This is Jay. I bet Bruce was a great wing man. I may just be a little bit jealous of Bruce since he had been to more places than me.
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He has been to a lot more places than most. We have both had pretty good lives with nothing to complain about.
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Hi Tim,
What an awesome feeling to have something like your furry friend especially as a memory created by your sister. What a special way to treat the gift with respect. I am sure it reminds you of your sister every time you see it.
Thanks for sharing!
-Kumar
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He sounds like the perfect travel companion! My regards to Bruce…
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What fun to have this furry travel companion. I like all the photos you’ve taken with him. I’m sure your sister does to,.
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The people, places and things your companion has seen and heard. I would love to sit down and talk with him some time. Maybe you too Bruce!
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If you have any questions Edward I am sure he will be happy to answer them.
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What a great travelling buddy – and boy that’s one big furry friend! Sounds like you’ve had a real blast together. Speaking of which it’s really a trip to remember some of the hotels that you once saw in Vegas that are now blown up. I wish I’d been able to go in the ’70’s but didn’t make it there until early nineties so there wasn’t too much of the old strip left. But the Pioneer was still there and the Sands.
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Nice segway re the blast. It is a bit of a trip thinking back on LV at that time and then seeing the hotel implode on television a couple of years later.
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Maybe you two should make a movie (or a book) – The adventures of Tim & Bruce 🙂
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Bruce & Tim, surely…!
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The saga continues…
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Love Bruce and how you explore the world. Are you stil travelling or have you now settled down somewher? Am asking because after a couple of years of travelling non-stop we usually get enough of it and want to stay in one place.
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We have tried to settle on one spot but it doesn’t seem to stick. One day. For right now we are seeing all the world has to offer when time permits. I (we) once traveled for four years straight and never got tired of it. At least I didn’t, and if he did, he never said a word.
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Both of you seem to compliment each other so nicely! He is lucky to have got a caring buddy like you! 🙂 Best of luck for the trips to come!
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Thanks Tuhin, much appreciated. I think we have both been pretty lucky over the years.
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Love it. Bruce sounds like your own personal Flat Stanley. BTW, have you and he ever heard this one: Question: What’s the 8th wonder of the world? Answer: A Kiwi with a return ticket.
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I had to look up who Flat Stanley is Suzanne but now that I know I would have to agree. I like the 8th wonder reference and also very true!
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What a pleasure to read about your journeys and enjoy the photographs, too. How lucky you are to have a constant companion who doesn’t complain, talk back, and can keep your secrets, too!
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It is fun and he does keep secrets for sure. Glad you like the stories Laurie.
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That was a truly fun read. I’m sure Bruce was a hoot to have along. I do hope he continues with you for a very long time. He is now a big part of all your adventures. 🙂
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Thanks Susan. I am sure he will around for a long time. In fact I can’t imagine him not coming along on my travels to where ever.
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Tim, I love Bruce and feel very connected as I happen to live in Bruce County. Wonderful pictures, great write-up.
Lenie
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There’s a Bruce County, that’s brilliant!
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Aren’t you lucky that Bruce agreed to travel with you! I think he is the perfect companion, never complaining or second guessing, I’m thinking. Attracting attention so that you get to meet more new friends. Nice.
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He definitely attracts attention and you’re right. I cannot think of a time where that worked out badly for me.
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Your Kiwi is probably the original roaming gnome! The Europe trip is breathtaking. So much beauty. I have been to Germany and Italy, love the landscape. Looking forward to your next journey!
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He could very well be…take that Travelocity!
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Good old Bruce! This is my fave post by far, but I am biased because Bruce and I became acquainted in Laos!
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Ahhhhhh, Bruce!!! He was indeed a feature of the Laos trip, send him our love!
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He is sitting right here with me Alexa as we plan our next journey.
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