When I was in my twenties, struggling to find a career, I lucked upon a movie and remember a line that went something like this “find something you really enjoy doing, then try find a way to make a living out of it”. I figured well, I really like going on holiday, so I did, and I suppose I still am. I spent the better part of 4 years guiding groups of international tourists through Africa on overland safaris. I then decided to go to Cape Town on holiday and bumped into a young man by the name of Justin Bonello who offered me the opportunity to travel with him on the road with “Cooked” and work as his producer .We spent the next four years travelling through Africa and creating some of the most amazing programs. So technically I have spent the better part of 8 years on holiday in Africa, some of it we filmed and some of it we just experienced. The one thing I learned from it all is that there are very few jobs that you just don’t want to give up! Travelling, going on safari or producing travel shows in southern Africa offered me rich experiences of Africa and her people. I am ever grateful to have had the opportunities I have had in Africa and with the ‘Cooked’ crew. Some words of advice may be “don’t make travel your job, you may never come back!” and in the words of a dear friend of mine “once a drifter always a drifter!” Ok… so between holidays I do get to do a bit of work – have a look at Cooked Travel, we have put together an amazing group of people to help turn your holiday ideas into reality. I am off to work on other great projects in Africa and will be writing articles from time to time. I hope to bump into you along the way.
Safe Travels,
Darren Putter
5 Responses
-
Kevin & Bev collins
June 3, 2010
Hullo Darren,
The Thonga Beach Lodge family are looking forward to hosting you and your team in June.
Kevin & I will unfortunately be on leave at that time, but our fill in manager, Bruce and the rest of our team will endeavour to make your stay an enjoyable and successful one.
I do look forward to seeing your programme after your stay here though.
Once again, so sorry that we will not be here to meet you, but once you have stayed in our little secret unspoilt paradise at Mabibi I am sure that you will want to return someday.
Take care and good luck.
Bev collins.
-
Darren Putter
June 7, 2010
Hi Bev and Kevin
Thanks for your comment, I will however not be travelling with the film crew on the filming of “Cooked” season 5, I have had a look online at your lodge and it looks incredible. I am very fond of that part of the world, and with a world heritage site so close by it certainly ranks as a destination well worth visiting! Keep in touch.
Safe Travels
Darren
-
Zabwan
July 22, 2010
Hi Darren
I really enjoyed reading your blog, hope you can find time to up-date it!
You found excellent career advice – so many people are trapped doing something they hate. I also love being on holiday more than anything, don’t get to do it enough!
I write a food blog with a little bit of travel thrown in:
http://blogs.food24.com/Zabwan/
and I also write a column for ‘Caravan & Outdoor Life’ magazine, called ‘Camping Chat’. I am a big fan of Justin Bonello and really enjoy the Cooked shows! You guys are living my dream 
Cheers!
-
Darren Putter
July 26, 2010
Hey Zabwan
Thank you for your response. I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed the blog, it is a fine line we walk as earning travellers, and it comes with its sacrifices too. There have been many a time when family and friends get together back home when you are on the road and you miss out on birthdays, and other special occasions, but we certainly have a different value system as travellers, our wealth is our collection of experiences, a bank of shining memories, most valuable and never lost. Look out for updates on the site; you can also follow Cooked Travel on facebook.why not join the mailing list on the site and live the dream with us?
I had a look at your blog, great stuff, keep in touch.
Safe Travels
Darren Putter
-
Africa Travel
August 5, 2010
When people think of Africa they also think of a great adventure.
Leave Your Reply
-
Kevin & Bev collins
June 3, 2010
Hullo Darren,
The Thonga Beach Lodge family are looking forward to hosting you and your team in June.
Kevin & I will unfortunately be on leave at that time, but our fill in manager, Bruce and the rest of our team will endeavour to make your stay an enjoyable and successful one.
I do look forward to seeing your programme after your stay here though.
Once again, so sorry that we will not be here to meet you, but once you have stayed in our little secret unspoilt paradise at Mabibi I am sure that you will want to return someday.
Take care and good luck.
Bev collins.
-
Darren Putter
June 7, 2010
Hi Bev and Kevin
Thanks for your comment, I will however not be travelling with the film crew on the filming of “Cooked” season 5, I have had a look online at your lodge and it looks incredible. I am very fond of that part of the world, and with a world heritage site so close by it certainly ranks as a destination well worth visiting! Keep in touch.
Safe Travels
Darren
-
Zabwan
July 22, 2010
Hi Darren
I really enjoyed reading your blog, hope you can find time to up-date it!
You found excellent career advice – so many people are trapped doing something they hate. I also love being on holiday more than anything, don’t get to do it enough!
I write a food blog with a little bit of travel thrown in:
http://blogs.food24.com/Zabwan/
and I also write a column for ‘Caravan & Outdoor Life’ magazine, called ‘Camping Chat’. I am a big fan of Justin Bonello and really enjoy the Cooked shows! You guys are living my dream
Cheers!
-
Darren Putter
July 26, 2010
Hey Zabwan
Thank you for your response. I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed the blog, it is a fine line we walk as earning travellers, and it comes with its sacrifices too. There have been many a time when family and friends get together back home when you are on the road and you miss out on birthdays, and other special occasions, but we certainly have a different value system as travellers, our wealth is our collection of experiences, a bank of shining memories, most valuable and never lost. Look out for updates on the site; you can also follow Cooked Travel on facebook.why not join the mailing list on the site and live the dream with us?
I had a look at your blog, great stuff, keep in touch.
Safe Travels
Darren Putter
-
Africa Travel
August 5, 2010
When people think of Africa they also think of a great adventure.
