The eyes of the world are on Iran, from nuclear issues to women`s rights to Iran`s perspective on Palestine. Yet a strictly political view does not allow for an accurate or complete outlook on this important & fascinating country. In ” Among the Iranians”, Greek-born author Sofia A Koutlaki shares the lessons she`s learned firsthand as a foreigner living in Tehran. Through memorable anecdotes & in-depth explanations of Iranian customs, Koutlaki presents a side of Iran that foreigners rarely see. The author`s insight challenges readers to dispel their previous notions & judgements to see Iran at its heart
- warm, inviting & rich with tradition. ” Among the Iranians” is also an indispensable practical guide, offering insight about Iranian dress, etiquette & even food.
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A powerfully toldmemoir of family, separation, & the things left unsaid, in the wake of the Second World War Raised by her grandparents i the USA, Inara Verzemnieks grew up among expatriates, scattering smuggled Latviansand over the coffins of the dead, singing folk songs about a land she hadnever visited. Her grandmother Livija`s stories recalled the remote village in Latvia left behind, where she & her sister, Ausma, were separated during the Second World War. They would not see each other again for more than fiftyyears. Coming to know Ausma & the trauma of her exile to Siberia under Stalin, Inara pieces together her grandmother`s survival throughthe years as a refugee, & her grandfather`s own troubling history as aconscript in the Nazi forces. As she interweaves two parts of the family storyin spellbinding, lyrical prose, she offers us a profound & cathartic accountof loss & survival, resilience & love. ...

Wilfred Thesiger, arguably last century`s greatest explorer, recalls his travels among the mountain ranges of Asia. Although he originally wanted it to be a book of photographs, his diaries contained enough information to accompany the pictures with a full narrative. He is not driven by the desire to conquer an unclimbed mountain, he is not a trained mountaineer, he loves mountains as they are. With great respect & awe he travels extensively at intervals, over the years, among mountains & mountain people in remote areas of the Middle East & Asia; particularly in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, the Karakorams, the Hindu Kush & Ladakh, visiting Chitral & wild, untravelled Nuristan. Spanning a period of over 30 years (1951-1983) this book draws on Thesiger`s original diaries of his various journeys & his vivid memories of them, &

Includes:: some 80 or so previously unpublished photographs of the stunning mountain scenery he saw & the people he encountered.`I have always been attracted by mountains...` Wilfred Thesiger, 1987

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As a civil war shatters a country & consumes its people, historian Christian Sahner offers a poignant account of Syria, where the past profoundly shapes its dreadful present. Among the Ruins blends history, memoir & reportage, drawing on the author`s extensive knowledge of Syria in ancient, medieval, & modern times, as well as his experiences living in the Levant on the eve of the war & in the midst of the ` Arab Spring`. These plotlines converge in a rich narrative of a country in constant flux -- a place renewed by the very shifts that, in the near term, are proving so destructive. Sahner focuses on five themes of interest to anyone intrigued & dismayed by Syria`s fragmentation since 2011: the role of Christianity in society; the arrival of Islam; the rise of sectarianism & competing minorities; the emergence of the Ba`ath Party; & the current pitiless civil war. Among the Ruins is a brisk & illuminating read, an accessible introduction to a country with an enormously rich past & a tragic present. For anyone seeking to understand Syria, this book should be their starting point. ...

Among the Russians is a marvellous account of Colin Thubron`s solitary journey by car from St Petersburg & the Baltic states, south to Georgia & Armenia. A gifted writer & intrepid traveller, Thubron grapples with the complexities of Russian identity & relays his extraordinary journey in characteristically lyrical style. This is an enthralling account of the habits & idiosyncrasies of a fascinating nation & also a sharp & insightful social commentary on Russian life. ...

John Mc Gahern is widely considered to be one of Ireland`s greatest writers, with fans including John Updike, Hilary Mantel, Colm Toibin & John Banville. Often hailed as his greatest work, Amongst Women is a poignant novel of family & togetherness. Once an officer in the Irish War for Independence, Moran is now a widower, eking out a living on a small farm where he raises his two sons & three daughters. Adrift from the structure & security of the military, he keeps control by binding his family close to him. But as his children grow older & seek independence, & as the passing years bring with them bewildering change, Moran struggles to find a balance between love & tyranny. ”A masterpiece... It is the sort of book which you can give anyone of any age & know that they will be changed by it.” (Colm Toibin). ...

Tacos are little bites with big flavours: quick & simple to make, fun to share & popular the world over. Cocktails are also on the cutting edge of bold flavour combinations. Put them together & you have Amor Y Tacos, a new way to do Mexican. This new style of little tacos originated in Mexico & is taking off in taquerias across the world. In ” Amor Y Tacos”, traditional Mexican flavours & concepts are shaken up & recombined in dynamic, new combinations, simply presented to deliver the laid-back immediacy of street food. The 55 recipes of this title will include Fish Zarandeado (fish grilled with chiles & garlic, stuffed in a taco topped with creamy coleslaw, avocado & papaya picante) & Coca-Cola Shredded Beef Taco with Charred Tomatillo Salsa & Onions, to be served along with drinks like the Vampiro (spicy, citrus-spiked tomato juice, beer, & tequila) & the Chupacabra (fresh beet, orange, carrot & celery juice with a shot of mezcal). Experienced cooks & first-timers alike will find inspiration in these easy recipes that are just as well-suited for outdoor entertaining as they are for a quick weeknight dinner. ...

L`appetito vien mangiando!
- Appetite comes while you are eating. Vicky arrives in Tuscany to study the language & culture of Italy,
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The island of Amorgos in the Cyclades on a light, waterproof & tear-resistant, contoured & GPS compatible map at 1:32, 000 from Anavasi. 16 recommended walks are accompanied by brief descriptions & the map also

Includes:: a street plan of Chora. Landscape is vividly presented by contours at 20m intervals with hill shading & spot heights. The map indicates dirt roads in poor condition with distances on most routes plus locations of petrol stations & car parks. Also marked are stops of the local bus service. Country paths distinguish between wide & well defined or narrow and/or poorly defined routes. Symbols highlight various facilities & places of interest including hotels, campsites, restaurants, beaches, historical remains, etc. All place names are in both Greek & Latin alphabets. The map has a 1km UTM grid plus latitude/longitude margin ticks & crosshairs at 1’. On the reverse is a separate, simplified map of the island designed to highlight 16 hiking trails which are accompanied by brief descriptions. Also provided here is a street plan of Chora showing locations of tavernas, cafes, etc. Map legend & all the text include English. To see which other Greek islands are covered by maps from Anavasi, please click on the series link.

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Amorgos on a light, waterproof & tear-resistant, contoured & GPS compatible map at 1:35, 000 from Terrain Editions with a street plan of the Hora of Amorgos at 1:3, 500, plus an enlargement at 1:15, 000 of the Eghiali/ Aegiali
- the island`s principal rock climbing area. On the reverse is information on climbing sites, plus descriptions of 14 specially selected hiking trails. All place names are shown in both Greek & Latin alphabet. Map legend & all the text include English. Maps of the Greek islands from Terrain Editions have topography well presented by contours at 20m intervals (unless indicated differently in the map`s individual description), enhanced by spot heights, subtle relief shading & additional altitude colouring. Road network is very clearly graded according to width & the type of surface, distinguishing between good & rough dirt roads. Distances are marked on most small local roads, as well as locations of petrol stations and/or tyre repair workshops; scenic routes are highlighted. Each map also shows which ports are served by ferry services. Hiking paths are graded as main or narrow trails. National parks & other protected areas are marked & a wide range of symbols indicate various places of interest & recreational facilities, with main sights clearly highlighted. Most titles distinguish between sandy & pebble beaches; some also indicate beaches with natural shade and/or the type of sea bed. The maps have a UTM grid, plus latitude & longitude margin ticks. The reverse side of each title is covered by general information about the isl&, illustrated with colour photos. Many titles also include brief descriptions of recommended hiking trails and/or a street plan of the island’s main town, with colouring clearly showing various tourist facilities. To see the other titles in this series please click on the series link.
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