Modern American Recalls Expatriate Life in Ancient City of Cairo
Herbert L. Smith writes lovingly, nostalgically, and humorously of his years living in Cairo as he takes readers off the beaten tourist path to give them a new appreciation for the gradual changes of a near timeless city with one foot in the past.
Eugene, OR (PRWEB) November 20, 2008 -- See Cairo as only one who lives there can see it in the pages of this informative, charming, and vividly descriptive new travel guide by Herbert L. Smith, "Cairo: The Mother of the World" (ISBN 9781604940930, Wheatmark, 2008).
"Cairo, The Mother Of The World," is Smith's fond recollection of living and working in Cairo. Travel book, autobiography, and memoir all in one volume, "Cairo: The Mother of the World" explores the heart of a city most tourists never see--beyond Cairo's famous sites is a world of streets, houses, tombs, and monuments that recall yesterday, provide a sense of exotic adventure complete with modern touches, and the promise of a tomorrow that never forgets its past.
Many people say Cairo never changes, but in the few years he lived there, Smith watched it move slowly forward one step at a time with one foot always firmly entrenched in the past. Smith writes of this intricate city: "Cairo today is a great tapestry that has taken centuries, even millennia, to blend together, and will continue to enlarge as long as the city lives." With 16 million people, Cairo is the largest city in Africa, with a history dating back to the seventh century, and it is just waiting to be explored.
Arranged topically, the book offers a series of reader adventures. The opening chapter, "Ramblings," establishes Smith's assignment and first impressions of Cairo. In future chapters, Smith is the reader's friendly guide through the heart of a city most tourists never see, including rambling, narrow streets and antique buildings, while he also provides highlight visits to the Nile River, the Sakarra and the Giza Pyramids. For the armchair tourist, the city's confusion, noise, sand, sites and smells come alive as if being immersed into the heart of the city. The reader also comes to know the Cairenes as Smith discusses their religion, education and culture.
"Cairo: The Mother of the World" is an unexpected treat for any reader. Those who have not visited Cairo will now dream of a trip, and those familiar with it will be pleasantly surprised by what they have previously missed. Even the Cairenes will appreciate Smith's reverent yet humorous descriptions of their home. Few travel books have been written with such care and personal affection. "Cairo: The Mother of the World" is a book to read before, during and after a visit to Cairo--as valuable a souvenir as any photograph.
About the Author
Herb Smith is a retired ESL teacher living in Eugene, Oregon with his wife, Glenda. He is a musician, pianist and composer, who has worked in music and language all his life. Smith is the published author of several works, primarily plays and musicals for young adults and children. The author has lived in several countries and on five continents during his many years teaching ESL. Smith considers himself to have the "expatriate" spirit that enjoys traveling.
"Cairo: The Mother of the World" (ISBN 9781604940930, Wheatmark, 2008) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit http://bookflash.com/press_kit/smith/cairo/index.cfm. Publicity contact: www.ReaderViews.com. Review copies available upon request.
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