Harry first became interested in adventure travel because his father________. [o

W: Harry, you run a travel company which organises adventure holidays in some difficult places. How did you first become interested in ’adventure travel’?
M: Well, my father worked in an insurance company once he had a family. But before that he’ d spent several years travelling the world, and he never stopped telling us about it. His stories were much more exciting than the books I read, and they made me want to travel and have adventures of my own. And what made you decide to start an adventure travel company?
M: Well, when I was in my twenties, I travelled a lot in different countries. I went exploring and climbing in mountains and deserts. I wanted to show other people how wonderful these things were. The business has been very successful, but when I started it I didn’t know if I’ d make any money.
W: Your company’s called Far and Wide. How did you choose the name?
M: Well, I just called it Park Travel at first. But everyone thought that was terribly boring! My wife kept suggesting different things, but in the end it was a customer who gave me the idea. Far and Wide is also the title of a book that a friend wrote, so it reminds me of him, too.
W: Great…the places you visit are usually very unspoilt, Harry. Some people think it’s not a good idea to take tourists there. What would you say to them?
M: Well, most of the places we visit have no inhabitants, so we aren’t going to spoil people’s way of life, or bring in things like television and fridges! And I make sure that we always take care of the environment. We are careful not to cause pollution, so we take all our rubbish away.
W: Some of the things you do are also dangerous. Do you enjoy danger?
M: Well, it’s not a question of enjoying it—it’s just that you can’t do what I do without thinking about the possible dangers. I’ m never frightened, though. If I’ m taking a group up a mountain or something like that, I just concentrate on what I have to do and get on with it.
W: You’ ve been to some fascinating places, Harry. What’s your favourite?
M: It’s in India. You travel along a river through spectacular scenery and up into the mountains in Madhya Pradesh. In the valley on the other side there’s a wonderful old castle. It’s magical. The mountains hide it, so few people know it’s there…
W: Thanks for talking to us, Harry.
M: Thank you.