Crumpler, NC
H: (336) 982-2594
or (336) 679-8149
highpoint48@hotmail.com

Travel Regions: 2-10; will consider statewide

Indian health physician, adventure traveler, author

It has been called Shangri-La. Bhutan, the world’s last Buddhist kingdom, is a sparsely populated nation straddling the Himalayas between India and China. Much of the country is accessible only by foot via centuries old trading paths. Dr. Douglas Butler has seen—and walked—this land. Coupled with breathtaking images, he describes the idyllic landscapes and peaceful cultures of remote enclaves of nomadic yak-herders living three miles above the sea, fortress-like monasteries serving both religious and secular roles, and a social system little changed from the 1700s, when the country was forged by war. Ruled by an absolute yet benevolent monarch with a national dress code and limited artistic expression, Bhutan challenges western ideals of personal choice and representative government. This egalitarian society functions efficiently, however, with police presence at a minimal, and living conditions ranking among Asia’s highest.

Program requirements: lectern, microphone for large room, carousel slide projector with remote control, screen

Libya: Ancient Crossroads, Modern Conundrum

Libya is more than a sea of sand atop an ocean of oil. It has been—and remains—a cultural crossroads boasting five World Heritage sites. Phoenician, Greek, and Roman ruins dot the coast; Berber fortifications and caravan stops line the desert; and 10,000-year-old Saharan rock art depicts milder and wetter climates. Since 2004 a limited number of Americans have been allowed to visit this once so-called pariah state. Dr. Douglas Butler was among the first. Accompanied by a military representative “for protection,” he nevertheless ranged widely and was allowed to photograph at will. Award-winning images complement his program which offers a rare look at the cultures and peoples of Libya, the country’s modern development, and a nation of disparate tribes and religious factions held together by a cunning dictator.

Program requirements: lectern, microphone for large room, carousel slide projector with remote control, screen

Tiebele to Timbuktu: West Africa’s Tribal Cultures

The European conquest remains the most destructive event inflicted on Africa’s native people. However, the sudden departure of these same colonial powers was nearly as devastating. Artificially created nations replaced weakened tribal cultures, often combining traditional enemies. Toting camera and notebook, Dr. Douglas Butler traveled 700 miles through West Africa where indigenous societies have survived. Complemented by award-winning photography, he discusses this region’s diverse cultures: desert nomads, shepherds, and farming communities protected by fortified villages, each led by chiefs with little accountability to national authorities. Despite a paucity of material possessions and a social structure that defies western notions of nationhood, these people were happy and welcoming. With its vibrant art, colorful dances, and elaborate ceremonies, West Africa remains one of our planet’s most diverse human landscapes.

Program requirements: lectern, microphone for large room, carousel slide projector with remote control, screen