Embracing Bewilderment: A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey—An Unconventional European Summer Twisting into a Mind-Bending Excursion through Southeast Asia

by Cory Mortensen

A (VERY) FLEXIBLE PLAN, A LUST FOR ADVENTURE, AND A ZEAL FOR EXPLORATION

CORY MORTENSEN shares his wanderlust with his readers as he embarks on a new voyage, starting this adventure among the unique and diverse landscapes of Iceland. He explores the historic and amazing off-the-beaten-path wonders of different cultures and beautiful vistas throughout Europe, making friends, facing unexpected dangers, and gaining perspective among Europe’s many hidden surprises.

When a quick call home results in a detour to Hong Kong to help his uncle with a business deal, it led to a diversion to Southeast Asia and the Philippines. From wise fortune tellers to huge killer bees to automatic weapons to magnificent foods and customs, this part of the journey was among the most unfamiliar and curious of the foreign lands.

Wonder ■ Humor ■ Adventure ■ Gratitude ■ Acceptance

Navigating between supreme adventure and unwanted obligations, straddling the surreal and the real, Cory chose his own adventure. All he needed was his passport, a 70-lb pack crammed with all his worldly possessions, a very flexible schedule, and the insatiable desire to roam freely.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2024

About the author

Born in the small town of New Prague, Minnesota, and raised amidst the sun-soaked landscapes of Scottsdale, Arizona, Cory Mortensen embarked on a unique journey that shaped both his life and literary career.
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Choosing an unconventional path, his journey began with dropping out of college to immerse himself with a job on Wake Island, gaining valuable experiences that would later infuse his writing with a distinctive perspective. Returning to the United States, he started a dynamic career as a project manager for several prestigious architecture firms, coupled with a venture into real estate by flipping houses.
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The allure of exploration took center stage when Cory made the bold decision to sell everything and traverse the globe for two transformative years. This period of travel not only broadened his horizons but also laid the foundation for a successful entrepreneurial endeavor. Cory established and grew a business into a multimillion-dollar venture, eventually selling it to pursue a shared dream with his wife, Kate.
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Marriage to Kate marked the beginning of another adventure as the couple once again divested themselves of possessions to embark on a two-year journey through South America. During this time, Cory and Kate not only explored the breathtaking landscapes but also dedicated themselves to volunteering and trekking, fostering a deep connection with the communities they encountered.
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In 2020, Cory Mortensen penned "The Buddha and the Bee," a captivating work that became a bestseller and earned acclaim with numerous book awards. This success was followed by the publication of "UNLOST," a top 100 bestseller and recipient of multiple book awards, further establishing Cory as a notable voice in contemporary literature.
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Cory's writing seamlessly weaves together the threads of personal experience, cultural exploration, and a profound sense of purpose. Their work continues to resonate with readers worldwide, offering a unique blend of storytelling that transcends boundaries and inspires a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Reviews

[Philip C. Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read his other books and they are all great stories. He holds your interest, makes you laugh, and imparts some hard to believe historical facts which are true. Reading his books is like talking to an old friend about what they have been up to, except you can't ask any questions and hope his narrative answers them.

[Marguerite Hargreaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining and instructive account of Cory Mortensen's travel adventures, with a generous dash of history and culture. Will look for more of his writing. A fast read. I paused reading this when another travel book became available at the public library. (This was way more interesting.)

"The glacier produced terrifying and unusual hissing and groaning sounds. Millions of years of compressed ice moving at ten centimeters a day, clawing away at the earth underneath it. Sounds so unusual and frightening, they only amplified Iceland’s creature myths."

"Places like Höfn, seemingly isolated from the rest of the world, are the perfect locations for some sort of ancient Celtic cult to survive and thrive. Where the population never changes, where a dark, all-knowing presence has total control over its residents, who, because of a century old curse, can never leave."

"I wrote some final words in my journal in the off chance this would be my last night alive."

"A two-week relationship whilst traveling was like six months in dog years."

[Tia Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

impactful and fun - all in one

Cory is a true storyteller. He can say so much in a few, funny words. I loved all 3 of his books. He is fantastic at educating the reader on so many things. This last book also weaved in thought-provoking concepts about the world. Every so often, a few sentences throughout the book made you stop and think. I hope he writes more about his travel/life adventures. What an interesting life!

[Elly Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all his books and give him kudos for his craziness, courage and endless curiosity. He is what I would call VERY UNCONVENTIONAL but it makes for interesting storytelling. I hope he writes another book.

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would never do what this guy did, but it is interesting to hear about his travels.

[T M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would never do what this guy did, but it is interesting to hear about his travels.

[Christina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved his books! Wish he had more!!

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory's books are always a fun read. Skillfully weaving his travel experiences with historical and cultural facts.

[Gillie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m amazed at his willingness to try anything. I felt fearful just reading about this stuff!