Two weeks ago, I spoke to a class of Asian Studies students at the University of North Carolina. I became intrigued with how their instructor had immersed herself in Asian culture, including having lived in both Japan and China. She spoke both languages as fluently as she speaks English, and clearly loved the Asian countries.
A couple of months ago, I met a reporter who had the same fascination. She had traveled extensively in Thailand for more than two straight years.
And my sister has traveled extensively in Africa with her job and loves the cultures she finds there.
I suppose it's no secret that I love Ireland. It began when I was researching the Mary Neely story and realized my ancestors had been traced back to Ireland and then to the Vikings. It was further enhanced when my cousin told me there was a Neely family reunion in Ireland every year (my maiden name). The more I learned about the country, the more I thought of it as home, as if it was something passed down in my DNA.
Is there a country or a culture that you feel drawn to? What country/culture is it, and what draws you to it?
p.m.terrell is the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of 13 published books. Her latest, Vicki's Key, introduced an Irish character. Her next book, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, is the next in the series and will be released in the fall of 2012. Find out more about her writing at www.pmterrell.com.
