From the introduction...
As though by a magnet, I've always felt the world pulling me, luring me to explore its mysteries and wonder. For a long time, I put my dreams on hold. Then one day in my practice as a radiologist, I encountered a patient whose journey would forever change my outlook.
In the Fall of 2006, a man came for a CT scan with a nagging discomfort in his chest. At 38 years old, he was so young that I thought surely it must be something benign or inconsequential. In a matter of just a few minutes, his CT scan revealed that he was suffering from terminal lung cancer. His story is a reminder to us all that each day must be viewed as a very special gift.
I've witnessed hundreds of patients whose lives have been abruptly up-ended by a life-altering or life-ending diagnosis. At times we may convince ourselves that we are immortal and that cancer or some other catastrophe only affects others, but in reality, we have no guarantees in this life.
And so I began to think more seriously about all those overseas adventures waiting for me, and soon enough, I grabbed my camera and voyaged to all seven continents. I've observed Tibetan monks in prayer, hiked the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda to marvel at the Silverback gorillas and watched Bengal tigers find refuge from India's searing heat in a shallow lake.
I've met people, young and old, who have lived amazing, yet ordinary lives. Sunsets over Rio's Ipanema Beach have stolen my breath and the floating ice sculptures of Antarctica drew me into their icy majesty. In my photographs, the inspiration that moved me when I saw Machu Picchu through the early morning mist lives on.
At the time of this publication in April, 2020, the world is engulfed in a deadly pandemic. Millions of us are sheltering in place for fear of contracting or spreading the Coronavirus. These are unprecedented times which have given us all reason to press pause and re-think the direction of our lives. For a few moments, take a break from the anxiety and uncertainty that we are all facing and drift away with me on a journey filled with inspiration and hope. Along the way you'll find breathtaking landscapes, exotic wildlife and uplifting quotes. My wish for everyone is that in some small way, these photographs remind you that the sun will rise again.
Harv Greenberg, M.D.
