PART 1 Tassa drums. SOUNDS from a culture with a rich history of dance; its tempo of passion and scintillating

THE drive from the airport, miles upon miles into the countryside past lush, green landscapes, expansive rice fields and coconut

IT was night, not quite dark, for the moon was partially hidden in the clouds, its soft, golden light flirting

…and the soldiers stood at attention, saluting their superior officer, the lieutenant-general, as she entered the room, in the uniform

A LITTLE girl in her pink floral dress, skipped around the garden–bare-footed — with her little basket, picking flowers and

UNDER the shade of a flambouyant tree in the neighbourhood park he sat, his pencil moving with a slow, smooth

A COLD night in November. Jamal wrapped his arms around his small body for warmth as he stared out his

PEARL was her birthstone, yet she loved red. Alex smiled, pleased as he took out the gift bag from between

SHE got out of bed, drank a glass of water and sat down, unable now to sleep, reflecting on the

One spring when blossoms, birds and gushing streams; the exquisite splendour of nature fashioned the earth, shadows like silent weeping,