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In 1964, a young Welshman named Brian Robson found himself stranded in Australia. He had taken part in a government-assisted work program, hoping for adventure and opportunity. But after a few months, homesick and unhappy, he wanted to return to the UK. There was just one problem: he couldn’t afford the airfare.
Most people would have given up, saved money, or asked for help. Brian chose a different path—one that defied logic, safety, and every known travel regulation.
He decided to mail himself home.
With the help of two friends, Brian constructed a plan. They found a wooden crate, just large enough for him to sit curled up inside. They packed a small pillow, a flashlight, a bottle of water, a book, and a hammer (in case he needed to break out). The crate was labeled as a computer shipment and addressed to London.
The journey began.
For the first few hours, things went smoothly. The crate was loaded onto a plane. But then came a delay. The box was left upside down on the tarmac for hours. Brian passed out. He woke up in pain, dehydrated, and disoriented. The flight path changed. Instead of heading to London, the crate was rerouted to Los Angeles.
There, a suspicious airport worker noticed something odd about the box. It was damaged. It was leaking. And then—it moved.
Security was called. The crate was opened. Inside, they found Brian—alive, barely conscious, and very confused.
He was detained, questioned, and eventually released. The story made headlines. The man who mailed himself across the world became a symbol of desperation, creativity, and sheer madness. He was lucky to be alive. The journey had taken three days, and he had spent most of it in darkness, folded like luggage.
Years later, Brian reflected on the experience with a mix of embarrassment and pride. He had risked everything—but he had tried. He had dared. And he had survived.
In 2021, his story was adapted into a book and optioned for a film. What began as a reckless stunt became a tale of human ingenuity—a reminder that sometimes, the strangest solutions come from the most determined hearts.