David Kitching

David Kitching was born in Preston, Lancashire and was brought up in the colourful seaside resort of Blackpool. He was educated at King Edward VII school, Lytham and read law at Cambridge University.

He retired early from accountancy for health reasons (good health rather than ill health!) and lives with his wife in a quiet village in Surrey. Both he and his wife are passionate about travel and when not in the UK travel extensively. His other interests include cycling, oil painting and (by necessity) gardening. He also volunteers for a local charity.

He has always wanted to write a book. "Running With The Bulls" took four months to complete. Much of the material was already on hand in the form of email travel updates from far away exotic places sent to his friends and family. A few chapters had to be written from scratch along with the beginning and end of the book.

Interestingly, the book starts out as a novel written in the past tense and then transitions into a series of factual travelogues written in the present. The travelogues document the ups and downs of a year long round the world trip. It aims to be interesting,varied, informative and funny and advocates the central importance in life of seizing the day and making the most of our opportunities whilst we can. The message is ultimately positive,aiming to leave the reader with that elusive feel good factor. Whether it succeeds or not will actually be determined by the readers themselves. Enjoy!

The accompanying photographs were taken in the "Running With The Bulls" locations.

"Laughing with Llamas" is a travelogue about Peru but also briefly features three other South American countries. It covers a recent three month trip to Peru and South America and is also interwoven with a rich tapestry of pre-Inca, Inca and Colonial history. It is a celebration of travel in this fascinating part of the world.