Thank you, Aidan Hartley, for The Zanzibar Chest. A brilliant book to read and reread. Such compelling writing, so many important messages. I lingered over the many sections about Yemen because I live next door in Oman. Africa, not so much. But I could not put the book down. I’ve just finished reading this “memoir of love and war” – tales from the lives of … Continue reading In the Zanzibar Chest
9 Historical Arabs who Traveled the World by Yasmil Helal is an inspiring read. It is thought-provoking to learn these adventurers preceded or assisted the European explorers that we study in Western education. Seems to me that we need a new history curriculum… Fundamentally, these adventurers were seeking knowledge rather than economic exploitation. I wish I could find the books they’ve written…. Yasmil writes “Here are some … Continue reading Arab world Adventurers – my inspiration
I am always learning about China because China is always changing. Five years now, I have been spending time in Enchanting China, but each time it feels like a different place! To keep up and to understand, I read, and here’s a book I really recommend: Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth and Faith in the New China by Evan Osnos. “In 1949, the average life expectancy … Continue reading Age of Ambition – Chasing Fortune, Truth and Faith in the New China by Evan Osnos
For various clients, I have developed a lecture on the importance of Intercultural Leadership Skills for all the parties living along China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative – the “rebirth” of the land and sea Silk Roads. This book is an excellent analysis of how that label came to be used, and how China’s plans are but a continuation of an ancient trading imperative. More … Continue reading The Silk Roads – A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
