Leaving his settled village life in England, Stan impulsively sets out for Australia with his friend Chris, neglecting to do any real preparation or research in advance. It is the beginning of a journey around the world that will test their resolve and friendship and will bring them to the brink of disaster more than once. From the first page, A Sense of No Direction gives a direct, often-humorous look at other cultures and situations from the point of view of two carefree young lads travelling the world. As they do so, they find that they get to know the local people as if they were still at home: 'We found that people opened themselves to us as we did with them - and almost every time, thoughtfulness and humour were a major factor in getting along. As strangers, we were welcomed as long as we did not act too oddly and displayed kindness and consideration for them and their towns and villages. As in our own backyard, it's clear that it was the people around us that made it a kind and considerate place to be.' During their travels, Stan and Chris find that they have subconsciously taken their village to the other side of the world. They return with their old village sentiments intact, but now with a respect for others and a more global outlook on life.