The Prophet - Khalil Gibran
The Lebanese-American writer tells a story of the most basic human desires. Love, Marriage, Pleasure, Work, and Family. Written in 1923, this is Gibran’s most famous work, and has been translated into twenty languages.
Notable Quotes:
“And since you are a breath in God’s sphere, and a leaf in God’s forest, you too should rest in reason and move in passion.”
“You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.”
“For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.”
“…If in your thought you must measure time into seasons, let each season encircle all other seasons, And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing.”
Brazil - Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet’s are some of the best travel books you can find. They always have lots of pictures, and interesting information about your destination of choice that other travel books do not have. A personal favorite of mine, is Brazil. It is one of the most beautiful, lively, and inspiring countries I have ever been to. I would suggest that if you plan a trip there, first decide what you are looking for. Beaches, Parties, Art/Culture, Nature/Eco-Friendly vibe, Secret hideaways, because you can find all of this and more.
Brazilian Facts:
Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world.
Brazil was originally a colony of Portugal, and is the only country in South America where Portuguese is the official language.
A direct flight there from New York, is about 10 hours, and 3 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Brazil has the highest amount of Japanese people in the world, outside of Japan, and notably, Japan was briefly colonized by the Portuguese.
The official currency is the Reals, and your dollar will travel far, almost 2 to 1, depending on the strength of the U.S. Dollar. (YES, WE ARE IN A RECESSION)
My Special Facts:
I have never seen more beautiful women, in my entire life.
Buzios is a great side trip from the party vibe of Rio.
The Favelas (slums) are actually amazing, and there are tours that you can take, where the price of admission goes to neighborhood kids, schools, art programs, and such.
The Capirihna is the signature drink in Brazil, and its made with Brazilian rum, sugar, lime and ice. (Prepare to get fucked up!)
I would go back just to shop, it’s that serious. The shoe game is on point, and not to mention Asses are the official trademark, and with that said, the clothes fit your booty quite nicely.
Brida - Paulo Coelho
The famed author, of The Alchemist, came back with another great book. Brida is the story of a young girl who is trying to find her way into Wicca, and spirituality. She befriends an older man who becomes her mentor, and teaches her the craft. Like most of Coelho’s work this book is about a spiritual journey, and finding higher purpose in life.
Notable Quotes:
“By risking failure, disappointment, disillusion, but never ceasing in your search for Love. As long as you keep looking, you will triumph in the end.”
“For millions of years, we only ever spoke to someone we could see, then, in less than a century, ’seeing’ an ’speaking’ were suddenly separated. We think it’s quite normal now and don’t realize the huge impact it as on our reflexes. Our body still hasn’t got used to it.”
“God manifests himself in everything, but the word is one of his most favored methods of doing so, because the word is thought transformed into vibration; you are projecting into the air around you something which, before, was only energy. Take great care with everything you say. The word has more power than many rituals.”
“We have to take risks.”
“We surrender ourselves fully to each moment.”
“Therefore let no man, glory in men. For all things are yours.”
“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
I may do this again is the summer, and start a whole reading vibe, so for now enjoy, and stay inspired!
