i. His first real trip was to South America, but his aim was always to trace the start of the Mekong River in China and to be the first British explorer to see the sourceii. Throughout his expedition, John was pleased to be able to live with the people of the region –here lifestyles have not changed for hundreds of years.
 
4iii. When he triumphantly reached the beginning of this great river, John followed local custom and washed himself in the freezing water which poured off the great glacier. iv. Back at home, John gives regular illustrated talks about his Mekong expedition.