Write Away,
I am so happy to share Elaine and know it is appreciated. She is indeed a unqiue person person of many talents. I so appreciate her love of people and her global view. I had met her here and there at different events over the years and then in we were contributers to the same anthology, the award winning Life Spices from Seasoned Sistahs, edited by Vickie Ward. We attended several book signings and events in relation to the anthology around the Bay Area. I admired her zest for traveling for pleasure or to research for a story.

How wonderful to have been published by Essence. I'm sure it was a wonderful article. Do you remember the year? I want to look it up. I might even have it. Yes, by all means travel writing is definitely a way to document history and our lives. I bring a journal for all my travels and while chronicling my day-to-day activities, I also refer to historical and cultural aspects. As genealogists we appreciate moreso the need to document our lives so that our ancestors won't have to dig as deep as we are doing now.

I became familiar with Monique Wells by reading George's interview on the Writers Forum so the name rang a bell in Elaine's notice. I purchased an excellent used copy of Strangers in the Village, the book you refer to in your posting, but have yet to crack it open. I will definitely get to reading it. It will make excellent summer reading.
Again, I'm happy to have shared Elaine Lee.