Typhoons, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, maniacal mountain bus rides, exploring the depths of the ocean in tumultuous currents, all hint at the veracity of the title of this book, culminating in the event that left the author paralyzed below the waist - but only temporarily, so that's OK. Turning adversity to advantage, the subsequent restrictions on his lifestyle resulted in a series of books enriched with his typical sense of humour.