Tree house perspectives

When Christina and Kirby Salisbury decided to shun the rat race, an easy move to the countryside was not for them. Their quest to live a simpler, more uncomplicated life took them hundreds of miles from home to the tiny Central American country of Belize. Their journey began in 1972, when Christina, Kirby and their two small children packed up their camper van and headed south in search of adventure, hoping to “broaden our attitudes through new experiences in a new culture,” as Christina wrote in a farewell letter to friends and family. Initially intending to be away for two years, the Salisbury’s soon became ingrained in their new way of life, and stayed in their tree-house home in the depths of the Belizean jungle for 36 years.

Treehouse Perspectives is the Salisbury’s account of their time in Belize, where they rooted themselves into a close knit community and learnt to live a simple life on very little. The book, which can be bought on their website www.treehouseperspectives.com, is a fascinating fusion of memories, diary entries and poetry as the Salisbury’s recall close encounters, everyday experiences and their attempts to reconcile humankind with the natural world.

As more and more people are beginning to question the turbulence and pace of modern life, the Salisbury’s hope that by sharing their dreams, ideals and experiences, they will inspire others to reassess the way they live and follow their own aspirations for a more fulfilling life.