Dominique Lapierre, a celebrated French author, entered the world on July 30, 1931, in the charming coastal town of Châtelaillon-Plage, situated in the picturesque department of Charente-Maritime, France. As a thirteen-year-old, he embarked upon an extraordinary adventure alongside his father, a distinguished diplomat, who was serving as the Consul General of France, to the United States of America. This remarkable journey marked the inception of his profound fascination with travel, writing, and automobiles, setting the stage for a life of exploration, literary endeavors, and an unwavering passion for the open road.
As a teenager, Pierre Lapierre embarked on a transformative journey at the prestigious Jesuit school in the vibrant city of New Orleans, where he discovered a profound affinity for the art of writing and took on the esteemed role of a paper boy for the esteemed New Orleans Item newspaper.
During his summer breaks, Lapierre devoted himself to the meticulous task of renovating a 1927 Nash, a vintage automobile bestowed upon him by his mother, an endeavor that not only honed his mechanical skills but also kindled his sense of adventure.
As his wanderlust grew, Lapierre made the bold decision to traverse the vast expanse of the United States, a journey that would ultimately provide him with a singular perspective on the country.
To fund his epic adventure, Lapierre turned his artistic talents to the humble task of painting mailboxes, a labor of love that not only brought him a sense of fulfillment but also allowed him to connect with the people and places he encountered along the way.
Lapierre's insatiable desire for adventure and exploration propelled him to secure a prestigious scholarship, affording him the opportunity to delve deeply into the fascinating realm of Aztec civilization in Mexico. As he embarked on this odyssey, he eschewed traditional modes of transportation, instead opting to hitchhike across the United States, embracing an unconventional lifestyle that was replete with diverse experiences.
Throughout his travels, Lapierre's resourcefulness and adaptability enabled him to generate income through various means, including writing articles, meticulously cleaning windows in churches, and delivering lectures on his findings. Additionally, he took on a unique occupation as a siren cleaner on a boat, a role that not only provided him with a steady income but also granted him the chance to traverse the seas, eventually returning to Europe.
Lapierre's remarkable journey, which began with a modest sum of thirty dollars in his pocket, ultimately culminated in the publication of his debut book, "A Dollar for a Thousand kilometers". This captivating narrative, which chronicled his extraordinary adventures, achieved immense success in postwar France and other European countries, solidifying its status as a bestseller.
At the tender age of eighteen, Lapierre was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which enabled him to pursue his academic interests in economics at Lafayette College, a renowned institution of higher learning located in the charming town of Easton, Pennsylvania.
Upon completing his studies in 1952, Lapierre made a most unusual and unconventional purchase - a 1937 Chrysler convertible - for the paltry sum of thirty dollars. This serendipitous acquisition was to have a profound impact on his life, as it led him to meet the love of his life, a captivating fashion editor.
As fate would have it, Lapierre and his future spouse became inseparable, and they decided to tie the knot on a most memorable occasion - Lapierre's 21st birthday, which coincidentally took place at New York City Hall.
Their wedding day marked the beginning of a most extraordinary and adventurous honeymoon, which would last for a remarkable twelve months. With a mere three hundred dollars to their name, the newlyweds set off on a thrilling journey, navigating the open road in their trusty 1937 Chrysler convertible.
Their travels took them to the exotic and vibrant nation of Mexico, where they survived on a diet of gas station sandwiches, budget-friendly motel rooms, and the thrill of the open road. This unforgettable experience would stay with Lapierre and his spouse for the rest of their lives, serving as a testament to the power of love, adventure, and the unpredictable twists and turns of life.
The newlywed couple embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, their honeymoon being a memorable escapade that would be etched in their minds forever. It all began when they won an unexpected prize of three hundred dollars on a radio game show, courtesy of Campbell Soup, which included a case of soup that would become their sole sustenance for a remarkable three weeks.
As their fortunes continued to unfold, Lapierre sold their trusty Chrysler for a tidy sum of four hundred dollars in the vibrant city of San Francisco. With the proceeds, they purchased two coveted tickets on the majestic SS President Cleveland, bound for the distant shores of Japan.
Their journey across the globe had only just begun, as they navigated the bustling streets of Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and Lebanon. Each new destination presented a fresh set of challenges and opportunities, as they immersed themselves in the vibrant cultures and cuisines of these exotic lands.
Upon their triumphant return to their native France, Lapierre embarked upon the creative endeavour of crafting his second literary masterpiece, aptly titled "Honeymoon around the Earth", wherein he meticulously chronicled the extraordinary and awe-inspiring journey that he and his companion had undertaken, a testament to the boundless human spirit of adventure and exploration.
