Confessions of an Expat's Wife
from one country to another,thousands of miles earned, different languages to get by with, cultures and expectations to live with plus millons of photos taken to tell the adventures of my lifeFebruary 20, 2006
SAMARKAND
Pray tell the purpose of a sinless life
If with evil You punish the evil I have done
Pray tell, what is the difference between You and me?
OMAR KHAYYAM
(adapted from Samarkand)
I just finished reading Samarkand . It is the story of the Persian poet Omar Khayyam and his famous quatrains written in the Rubaiyaat. This book transported me back in time and made me see clearly how the Orient was in those days. More importantly, it introduced me to the literary genius of Omar Khayyam.
I once heard a poem read by a boy from in Iran in two languages. He read the original text in Farsi and the English translation after. It was sweet music to the ear and the words were all in the right places. After this experience, I took it upon myself to discover more about the poets and literary genius of the Middle East.
I can't wait for my next book!
12 Comments:
-
JO said... its been awhile since i sat down and read a good book... just can't seem to find the time.
-
said... First, you fell in love with the castles, then there's the food.
As you speak, I can see now that you have become so attached with Istanbul, Festivals, & its geographical position between Europe and Asia its culture. The climate, watching a movie with cigarette break then there's Kurtlar Vadisi-Irak & finally, a boy reciting a poem in Farsi.
So Turkey is rather influential than Hong Kong. I'm amused.-
duke said...
JO don't worry. You will find the time soon. It's a good way to take a break.
K Jeez! you are so right!
Slowly I am becoming attached to this country. I gues it's also because my time here is spent nurturing and discovering the people and the city.
It's a very relaxed atmosphere. Partner it with the old world feel and you become more aware how life here is so good.
Wow! You just made me realize how different the way I see Istanbul now :D Thank you!-
said...
For some reason, I strongly feel the connection between HK & Istanbul right in this blog. I don't remember when I first read you but it pretty much that I follow your 'atmosphere'.
But guess what, just today a couple of elites walked infront of me at work with a brochure called "Princess Cruises & Cruisetours". I opened this front page flashed before me, it's the "Classic Destination" to Europe, those sights in a beautiful historic lands surrounded with such dazzling vistas, there's so much to take in.
I got this big picture in my mind that one day I'll travel to these places. Turkey is situated near Greece esp the parts of Italy. My boss showed me her photoslides on her holiday at this places... I was so fascinated.
The Cruises travels from Venice - Greece - Istanbul - Rome - Florence - to Spain for 12 Days. The package starts from around USD$3234.00+. Can you believe that?-
duke said...
K 3000 USD is not bad actually for a cruise over here. Pero shempre you can still find a better deal esp with the Pinoy mafias around ;)
Sana you can fulfill this goal soon. You'll never know where you might be in the next years. Malay mo, we're sharing a cup of tea over here in no time :)-
said...
duke get BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS set in turkey during the Ottoman times
great read
heard of samarkand not read it yet.
Knoiz can join us here in the Med..-
Dr. Emer said...
Read The Kite Flyer next by Khaled Hosseini.
I'm happy you're widening your horizons now.-
said...
wow book club..i've been dying to join one, but couldn't find one here!
-
tintin said...
New Literary adventures are always so nice. Good for you! Let me go back to my Danielle Steele book (joke! I dont read those anymore...much).
-
duke said...
Sha I remember you mentioning this book once. Sige I will look around the kitabevi(bookstore) and find me a copy!
Doc E I've been hearing good reviews for this author. Will take your advice! Thanks!
Pobs It's actually my first time to join a book club. It's quite interesting to listen to different views and interpretations about the same book. Really entertaining.
Tintin hihihihi! I've had my share of Danielle Steele as well :D-
Gayzha said...
my all time favorite is Khalil Gibran.... fr memory i think he is Lebanese, but his thoughts are really liberating.
-
said...
in case u cant find this let me know
as soon M finishes the book I can send it over
ano kaya hand carry....
About Me
- Name: duke
- Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
A first time mom to baby A living as an expat in Istanbul, Turkey.
My Indulgence
Recent Thoughts
- Kurtlar Vadisi-Irak
- Topkapi Palace
- Discovering Istanbul
- On Choices
- New Snow
- Hair Talks
- Now This is Weird
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith's Baby etcetera...
- Pinoy Style
- Sacrifice Feast
My Daily Reads
Links and Infos
Designed by The Dubai Chronicles.