PREFACE

This book is primarily my autobiography, a book about my life with some recipes included.

Early influences by my Lebanese grandmother – Situ- impressed me with how important food is for families.

My life, so far, has not been typical of American females growing up in the 40’s and 50’s. I’ve always sought adventure over safety and excitement over security. I never aspired to be rich, although being “famous” was my number one goal until I did what most young women did.

I got married, had three children, and for awhile, settled for a humdrum life. Once excitement became my goal, I went from one adventure to the next.

Multiple marriages and divorces, which even surprised me, became the norm. Those who know me, relatives and friends, always welcomed me back into the mainstream after another dismal failure.

I got my first passport in 1982, to go to Israel and Lebanon with two Lebanese-Americans and sponsored by B’nai Brith. I was basically a “war correspondent” for Al Jihad, an Arabic-English newspaper headquarter in Los Angeles. It was only a 6 day trip but the travel bug bit me hard.

My travels have included three trips to Nepal, two to France, two to South Africa, two to Israel, three to Spain, and one each to Cuba, Russia, and Czech Republic. And I lived overseas for five years. I’m planning on another river cruise, to Eastern Europe next year.

Today many women choosing adventuresome lives, sometimes married, sometimes not, are accepted and even encouraged.

But my story is racy, dangerous at times and always interesting.

So Bon Apetit – the best memories of my adventures are the wonderful recipes I acquired alongthe way.