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These are recent stories - the rest are in my latest book,"Walking Through Adversity."

Stories about Africa

Rob bryant
2006-01-08 23:15:10

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for stealing) and finally shopping centers. Some of these areas are strictly off-limits to Americans due to terrorism toward us. As a matter of fact, a Westerner (what Arabs call English speaking people) was killed with a car bomb, just days before I arrived. However, it was worth the danger! I bought beautiful items for my new home and of course gold jewelry (the Middle East has the lowest price for 18-24 karat gold in the world).

The Clash of Cultures Falls Away - One day we ate lunch at a Ponderosa Steak House. It was so unusual to see the local Arab Dress and women completely covered except for their eyes standing at a salad bar that otherwise could have been in Memphis, Tennessee. A further indication of the clash of cultures was my flight to Saudi Arabia. The flight was full of people from Europe, Asia, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal and the Middle East - I was the only American. Although we spoke different languages, ate different food and thought a little differently, we shared humanity. I began speaking with an Arab in a nearby seat on the airplane who moments before glared at me. Soon we were shaking hands and even punching each other in the arm. As a matter of fact, while in Saudi, I met with many high-ranking Arabs and they invited me back to speak to their people in January in the areas of quality, safety and environment. They also asked if I could give them a motivational talk about my own �walk through adversity.� I am honored and look forward to returning. A local prince very active in social and disabled issues may want me to speak to his people as well. I look forward to this and am honored to represent DynCorp, and in a way, the US.

Land of Diversity - I landed in Cape Town just as the sun was setting behind the enormous mountains that surround the city like loving arms embrace a child. I was taken to the Grand Cullinan Hotel within blocks of the Atlantic ...