Why does a woman go to the Middle East alone?

Why would a mainstream, fairly sane woman travel on her own through the Middle East - through Greece, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt - when she is not a journalist, not rescuing any children and not on an archaeological trek?

With an interest in alternate travel and ancient history, she ignores pulped opinion and terrorist hype and goes to find the ‘truth’. She sketches an itinerary, grabs her backpack and traverses the landscape from Athens to Cairo on local transport; through towns, markets and ancient ruins; and mixing with the locals on the way.

Her pre-conceived ideas are shattered by simple incidents. The absence of ulterior motives creates opportunities for conversation, hospitality and a re-connection to people of many backgrounds and perspectives. Successive incidents contrast the media’s images and instead reveal similarities between cultures and a ‘truth’ that is beyond what she could have envisaged.

‘Talking with Strangers’ confronts entrenched opinions. It is a journey that takes the reader from Athens to Cairo and to a greater connection with people from all walks of life. It exposes cultural differences and human commonalities and engages in an inquiry of what human needs are common, and what the differences actually are.

It demands that we have a greater inquiry and compassion for people, challenge ourselves and enjoy our humanity.