A Traveler’s Tale: How the World Wrote a Book By Kez Wickham St George Was it something in the air I breathed? Or in the exotic food I ate? The wine? A fleeting feeling? No matter how or why, this book was born while travelling through the South Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and then Europe. Travel has a way of transforming the traveler, often in the most unexpected ways. The Pulse of the Pacific: Drums, Tides, and Smiles From Polynesia to New Zealand, as I indulged in the local culture, I felt the beat of a drum, my blood pulsing with each story I absorbed. The Pacific winds gently whispered of adventure in every ripple of the ocean, while the tides covered my toes on golden sand, inviting me to venture further and taste life in all its beauty. The welcoming smiles and the profound love for island life, shown through dance, food, and village culture, were intoxicating. Each page of this journey will remind you of a childhood story, real or imagined. The Emerald Spell: Magic and Folklore in Ireland The adventure continued as I walked amongst the people of Ireland, a land steeped in familial history and enchantment. The air itself seemed to hum with ancient tales, and every footpath and rolling green hill whispered of connection and belonging. I remember with vivid clarity not wanting to leave; Ireland had cast its spell, wrapping me in a magic that lingered long after my departure. It was a warmth found in an Irish welcome and in the colorful folklore of the wee people. Desert Dreams: The Passion and Mystery of Dubai In Dubai, I fell in love with the mystery—the veiled women with deep, dark brown eyes filled with the passion of their culture. It was a richness in everyday life where people of all races mixed and mingled in the noisy street bazaars. The deserts, camel trains, food, and music all placed another piece of the jigsaw of this wide world together. I was swept up in a tour that became an adventure of dance and song under the canopy of a dark desert night. The Fire of Spain: Flamenco and the Open Road My travels then swept me into the spirited heart of Spain. Their passion for life was ablaze in the dramatic dance of the Flamenco, in a language that was at times staccato and at others a gentle caress. The Pyrenees loomed alluringly, inviting me to journey further. An overwhelming urge to keep moving took hold, to lose myself in the tapestry of villages, towns, and cities, each with its own unique rhythm and charm. A Singaporean Epiphany: The Poetry of Everyday Life I boarded the plane bound for Singapore, my heart still lingering in the European streets I had wandered. Although I had visited before, this time felt markedly different. I wandered its bustling streets with no set agenda, allowing curiosity to guide me. I tasted local delicacies from hawker stalls, each bite a burst of culture and history. More than the food, I found delight in the poetic repartee of the vendors themselves. In those moments, I realised that the essence of a place lies not only in its sights and tastes, but in the people who breathe life into it. A Tribute in Two Volumes The spirit of these countries—Ireland’s magic, Spain’s exuberance, Singapore’s vibrancy, and Dubai’s mystery—now sits comfortably in my heart. The stories and conversations all contributed to the creation of this book. Both Fables from the South Seas and The Essence of Life are the beginnings of a collection born not just from observation, but from deep immersion in the everyday wonders brought to life by strangers who will never know the depth of their influence. These two books are my tribute to those people and places. It is for the unknown catalysts, the unintentional muses, and the gentle spirits whose presence shaped my words. May these pages reflect the magic, charm, and heart that I found on my journey, and may they inspire you to discover the rich tapestry of life in your own travels. — Kez Wickham St George https://www.linkedin.com/in/kez-w-stgeorge Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3654085/admin/dashboard/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen/ Read more articles: https://executive-women.global/en/the-secret-ingredient-in-great-marketing-its-stolen/