Born in Melbourne, Australia, Troy Townsin worked as an actor and playwright before embarking on a round-the-world backpacking extravaganza taking him to several continents. Troy has had many jobs. He has been a stage manager in Australia, a teacher-trainer in Thailand, a beverage manager in the UK, and information officer for the United Nations and a columnist for CBC radio in Canada. Troy has won several awards for his writing, including a prestigious ""Travel Writer of the Year"" award with TNT Magazine UK and a ""Gourmand World Cookbook Award."" Troy fell in love with a Canadian girl, married her and then fell in love with Canada, his new home.