Rome is a World Wonder, one that ought to be seen at least once in a lifetime. But once, for me, is quite enough. (I guess I have actually been there three times, but two of those were essentially in transit). Rome’s antiquities and architecture, and, of course, its food, are quite amazing. I […]
I received a call recently from an old friend who will travel with her family to Cairo next month, staying for a year to study at the American University in Cairo. In discussing places to live, she reminded me that AUC is no longer located in the heart of the city. Rather, it moved a […]
Power! After 50 hours. In the summer time, no less. Although with the 100+ temperature moderated, the lack of air conditioning has not been a problem. Apparently the local power company called in help from Ohio, which arrived today. Peter, the all-day television watcher, has suffered most. I was quite put out […]
I can totally relate to this post from Texas in Africa about the absurdity (”collective irrationality”) of money being rejected in certain societies for the silly reason that a bill contains a small rip or tear. This happened to us in Egypt all the time, not with American currency, but with Egyptian pounds, which […]
Heartless corporations often have very handy return policies. Of course, one would prefer not be sold crappy products, but I appreciate the practice of making good without a fuss.
A few weeks ago, Whole Foods sold me some over-ripe cherries at an embarrassingly high price. Had they not been so expensive, I may not have felt […]
Both children are tucked away at camp this week, so I am free to think deep thoughts about (a) the agricultural economy and food security in Uganda; and (2) faster, better ways to determine roadblocks to economic growth (and devise commensurate solutions) in local economies (you know, cities, regions, towns). Fun for me!
Me: Dear G: These days, I am enjoying the process of integrating your food security chapter with the rest of the report. It is a pleasure to read and I am learning a lot. I have a question, though, concerning your discussion of pastoralists. You say they need access to milk and to […]
My work in the West Bank (along with that of several others) has finally seen the light of day. I wrote the chapters on licenses, employing workers, and enforcing contracts (courts), as well as the introduction.
Every minute of this summer has been wonderful, but the travel time is adding up: Western North Carolina. Myrtle Beach. Upstate New York. LA. New York, again. Ontario. Michigan. Back to North Carolina. Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and back again.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina is no fewer than five hours from Everything.
Tomorrow: Evie heads back […]
Of course, they should have called it “Kung Fu” Kid. Great movie! I especially liked the “family moving into a new and weird environment” and “third-culture kid” plot aspects.