“We had the kind of conversations that only great friends can ever share. They were touched with magic.” — Tahir Shah Communication Copy Share Image
“In Morocco," said Osman, "word spreads like a fire tearing through the depths of Hell.” — Tahir Shah Gossip Copy Share Image
“My father looked on in disbelief, overwhelmed that his son had been taught to eat glass and relish it.” — Tahir Shah Humor Copy Share Image
I felt sure we could gain the upper hand by putting ourselves in the mindset of the Incas. — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
“I struggled to think pure thoughts, as Hector sucked out my psyche with his eyes.” — Tahir Shah Psyche Copy Share Image
To Succeed, you must reach for the stars, and let your imagination find its own path — Tahir Shah Astronomy Copy Share Image
“Running an expedition can bring out the worst in a man. It can make you a power-crazed monster.” — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
Previous journeys had taught me the danger of taking too much stuff. — Tahir Shah Danger Copy Share Image
“The first few hours in the cell were quite stimulating. I'd never been in a prison cell before and was quite enjoying… — Tahir Shah Prison Copy Share Image
A journey of observation must leave as much as possible to chance. Random movement is the best plan for maximum observation. — Tahir Shah Chance Copy Share Image
In some peculiar way, indeed, the rules were now beginning to seem quite logical. It was then I knew that I had… — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
For me, nature is something you watch on the Discovery Channel, or on the evening news -- as you learn how much… — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
“We may yearn for rustic detail and old-world charm, but those who have it set their minds on vinyl wallpaper, fitted carpets… — Tahir Shah Furniture Copy Share Image
It is almost impossible to overemphasize the importance with which ancestry is held in the Middle East and North Africa. — Tahir Shah Africa Copy Share Image
“As I see the world, there's one element that's even more corrosive than missionaries: tourists. It's not that I feel above them… — Tahir Shah Destruction Copy Share Image
For me, a journey to Damascus is an amazing hunt from beginning to end, a slice through layers of history in search… — Tahir Shah Damascus Copy Share Image
During the days I felt myself slipping into a kind of madness. Solitary confinement has an astonishing effect on the mind. The… — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
Back at the Chateau Windsor there was a rat-like scratching at the door of my room. Vinod, the youngest servant, came in… — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
“An intelligent enemy,' he would say, stroking his beard as if it were a bristly pet, 'rather than a foolish friend.' Or,… — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
“Back at the guest house I tried to acclimatise. A travel-worn adventurer had once told me that leaning with one's head dangling… — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
“At the last moment, the fish and I exchange a troubled glance. The murrel seems to be demanding an explanation. Alas, I… — Tahir Shah Fish Copy Share Image
“The ancient paused for a moment, as if his strength were failing. Yet I sensed that there was more to tell. Looking… — Tahir Shah Africa Copy Share Image
“Inscribed on it was a verse from the Quatrains of Omar Khayyam, the eleventh-century Persian mystic. Reading the words aloud I prepared… — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
Close your senses and the imagination comes alive. It's inside us all, dulled by endless television reruns and by a society that… — Tahir Shah Alive Copy Share Image
On a harsh expedition, there's no space for anyone who does not intend to finish. — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
My father used to say that stories are part of the most precious heritage of mankind. — Tahir Shah Father Copy Share Image
“As far as Samson was concerned I was just another foreigner in pursuit of a lunatic quest.” — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
The forest did not tolerate frailty of body or mind. Show your weakness, and it would consume you without hesitation. — Tahir Shah Body Copy Share Image
In Morocco, before you even get to the matter of the sale, you have to coax the owner to sell. — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
Believe, and what was impossible becomes possible what at first was hidden becomes visible. — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
Respect was one thing. Survival was another. It was important that I kept my priorities in the right order. — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
There’s nothing quite like a good quest for getting your blood pumping. — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
There's nothing like a pack of mules to give one a sense of entourage. — Tahir Shah Entourage Copy Share Image
Buy a house in a foreign country and, it seems, that anything which can go wrong usually does. — Tahir Shah Country Copy Share Image
The taste for glory can make ordinary men behave in extraordinary ways. — Tahir Shah Copy Share Image
On a hard jungle journey nothing is so important as having a team you can trust. — Tahir Shah Football Copy Share Image
“Everyone knows that even the best exorcism has to be renewed once in a while.” — Tahir Shah Exorcism Copy Share Image
