A Journey Across

Cultures & Continents

Is a captivating memoir that takes readers on an extraordinary journey spanning decades and continents. From small-town America to the heart of the Middle East, Zarif's story is one of adventure, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of some of the 20th century's most tumultuous events.

"A testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of cross-cultural experiences."

Key Themes

  • Cultural exchange and understanding

  • The impact of war and conflict on individuals

  • Love and relationships across cultural boundaries

  • Personal growth and self-discovery

  • The challenges and rewards of expatriate life

  • The interplay of tradition and modernity in the Middle East

Zarif's Journey: A Timeline

The remarkable life of Zarif in "Riding The Khamseen Wind"

“1960s”
— Zarif grows up in a traditional small town in America. She later attends the University of Arizona, where she meets Salim, a Lebanese foreign student who will play a significant role in her life.
“Mid 1970s”
— Zarif reconnects with Salim and moves to Sidon, Lebanon. She lives with his traditional Muslim family, experiencing a completely different cultural environment.
“1970-1972”
— Zarif travels to Vietnam during the height of the war. This experience has a profound impact on her worldview and future decisions.
“1970s-1990s”
— Zarif and Salim settle in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for 16 years. During this time, they frequently travel in and out of Lebanon, navigating the complexities of the ongoing civil war.
“2005 ONWARD”
— Zarif lives in Cairo on and off for two years. During this time she engaged in a legal battle to help save their investment. Salim advised her from Miami. She could not have done it without Aisha, her Egyptian friend. They faced many challenges and upheavals, including threats.
“Post 1972”
— Embarking on her "Great Escape," Zarif travels the International Hippy Trail. Her journey takes her from India to Istanbul, then to Thailand and Laos, exposing her to diverse cultures and ways of life.
“Summer 1982”
— The couple spends a tumultuous summer in Sidon during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, witnessing firsthand the impact of war on civilian life
“Present Day”
— Zarif makes good use of her old notebooks, (a few 50 years old), along with photos and letters her Mom saved that were of critical help as she writes her life story while sitting in a Cairo hotel. Riding the Khamseen Wind is an extraordinary life journey through different cultures and countries. The eighty pages of photos bring it to life. It is also an American woman's unique perspective on the Arab World.

A Unique Perspective

Zarif's memoir offers a unique blend of personal narrative and historical context. Her experiences provide intimate insights into:

  • The Vietnam War from a civilian perspective

  • The counterculture movement of the 1960’s

  • Life in Lebanon during its civil war

  • The complexities of Saudi Arabian society

  • The challenges of international business in the Middle East

Why Read ?

This memoir is more than just a personal story; it's a window into a world few have experienced firsthand.

Readers will:

  • Gain insights into Middle Eastern cultures and societies

  • Understand the complexities of cross-cultural relationships

  • Witness major historical events through a personal lens

  • Be inspired by a tale of resilience and adaptability

  • Explore themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth