"[This book] is a collection of personal reminiscences of friendships and chance encounters which have left an indelible mark on the author. Throwing a bridge across the divide, it shows how immeasurably richer our lives are for sharing and understanding different cultural traditions--what a source of inspiration they can be. This diverse collection of writers draws together a world which stretches from Morocco in the west to India in the east. What shines through is a common humanity--shared by both writers and subjects--a need to earn, to love, to protect, to enjoy and to make sense of life."--Back cover.