During the 18th and 19th centuries, the quest for plants and seeds of commercial importance, every bit as valuable as gold to the British Empire, lead to the transportation of plants from one side of the world to the other. This volume examines the history of tea and examines the state of tea plantations as we enter the 21st century.

Stretching across nearly the entire width of peninsular India, the Vindhya Range symbolically divides the North and South. South of the Vindhya range lies a triangular-shaped mass of ancient rock, the Deccan Plateau, which slopes gently eastward towards the Bay of Bengal. Godavari, Krishna and the Cauvery are Southern rivers that originate in the rain-soaked peaks of the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats Mountain Range or the Sahyadri Range begins South of the Tapti River, close to the boundary of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Western Ghats begin to rise north of Mumbai, running parallel to the coast, until they reach the tip of the peninsula of India. Here, they merge with the southernmost portion of the Eastern Ghats, a chain of low interrupted ranges that sweeps northeast in the direction of Chennai. A spirit of adventure is evident in the efforts of these explorers. Braving malarial jungle, these hardy men doggedly worked the land, crafting beautiful and productive estates out of the pristine forests. It was an enterprise in the best sense, leaving a legacy for the later generations to build on. In Tamilnadu: A Journey in Time Part II, we embark on a journey of about three thousand years’ history of the evolution of dynasties, colonial explorations, trade, missionary work; sprinkles of stories from personal diaries interwoven with anecdotal tales and punctuated with biographies, mostly as book excerpts, which will take us back to a long-buried era when West met the East. We bring you the modern world as we see it today, as the East reaches out to the West.

A Journey in Time is a nostalgic journey into the lives of a Burmese family during a period of intense political strife and turmoil. Since Burma lost its royalty and independence after the Anglo Burmese Wars in 1886, the fight for freedom never really ceased for its people. Burmese Nationalists, like Bogyoke Aung San, seize the opportunity to regain independence with the Japanese invasion of British Burma during World War II. Nonetheless, an oasis of peace is enjoyed by its people with the establishment of the rule of law in the country. Burma enters the world stage as the biggest exporter of rice, and its rich resources are developed on an unprecedented scale. Journey in Time chronicles this period in the lives of the Myaing family and their friends as it highlights the fascinating cultural and personal details that make them unique and interesting. Author Wai Wai Myaing confidently brings her loved ones to life as she describes their simple joys, aspirations, the worries that beset them, and the gentle Buddhist religion that guides them through their lives with dignity and grace.

With the redevelopment of Whittingham Hospital, which closed its doors thirty years ago, much has changed in Goosnargh and Whittingham. It is still of great interest historically, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and the ancient parish church of St, Mary's stands as it has done for centuries, flanked by the imposing Bushells Hospital, Grapes Inn and the school. Historic halls still hold their secrets of priest holes and private chapels, the place names of Button Street and Silk Mill Lane remind us of its once prosperous cottage industries. Looking back at Club days of the Friendly Society, Harvest Festivals, Royal Jubilees, bull baiting and gambling on Inglewhite Green, eccentric vicars, and much more which helps to build a picture of what life was like in the 19th century and beyond, Characters of Goosnargh in the past, including the first chronicler of Goosnargh, Richard Cookson who wrote Goosnargh Past and Present and the Goosnargh Rambler, which were an inspiration for this book.

Journey through time once again starting in romantic Tuscany where Abby Stevens finds more than she was expecting in Bella Italia. Destiny Lends a Hand in medieval Austria where a nobleman must choose between status and love. Next, in Love and Murder, a governess must save her employer from himself when he searches out his wifes killer. Then in Lofty Expectations, Eric Murray must choose between the dream job and love. In Indian Summer, a daughter returns to British India where she meets the father she never knew. While in For All Time, warring clans are the order of the day in 1600s, Scotland. We end our journey in 1920s, New York, where an orphan girl must keep her past a secret during an era where social status is everything.

"Tea Treasures: A Journey into the World of Tea" is a captivating exploration of the rich and diverse world of tea. In this book, readers are invited to embark on an enlightening journey that delves into the history, cultural significance, brewing techniques, and health benefits of tea. With meticulous attention to detail, the book unveils the origins and cultivation of tea, shedding light on the different types of tea, including black, green, oolong, white, and herbal teas. It dives deep into the fascinating processes of tea production, from plucking and withering to rolling, oxidizing, and firing, providing a comprehensive understanding of how tea leaves transform into the aromatic brews we enjoy. Readers will discover the art of tea tasting and the sensory evaluation of tea, learning to appreciate the nuances of appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. The book also guides them in establishing a tasting vocabulary, recognizing and identifying tea flavors and notes, and evaluating tea quality. Beyond the realm of taste, "Tea Treasures" explores the cultural rituals and traditions associated with tea. It uncovers the elegance of traditional tea ceremonies in various cultures, from the intricate Japanese chanoyu to the charming British afternoon tea. Readers will gain insights into tea cultures in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and China, understanding their unique customs and practices. The book goes beyond the teacup, highlighting the medicinal properties of tea and its potential benefits for mental well-being. It delves into the incorporation of tea into a healthy lifestyle, offering guidance on brewing methods, water quality, and temperature for different tea types. It also explores the role of tea in culinary creations and cocktail recipes, showcasing its versatility in enhancing flavors and providing a delightful culinary experience. With its engaging writing style, captivating anecdotes, and practical tips, "Tea Treasures: A Journey into the World of Tea" is a must-read for tea enthusiasts, from beginners to connoisseurs. It serves as a comprehensive guide, empowering readers to embark on their own tea journey, savoring the flavors, experiencing the cultural richness, and finding moments of joy and relaxation in each cup.

Have you ever felt like the whole world is trying to tell you what to do, say, think, and feel? If so, you're ready to take The Journey In. Visionary author Rahim Rashid breaks down the constraints that we have allowed to shackle us into an existence where independent thought, empathy, and simple, good behaviour have been replaced by the constant need for distraction, self-promotion, and anything else we can use to fill the void of fear that threatens us just below the surface of our day-to-day existence. In an objective journey through major religions, Rashid shines the harsh light of truth on our fractured definition of reality, and extolls the drive to reject the carnal identity in favour of becoming selfless, aspiring to perform acts for the benefit of all humanity. It's time to cast aside the shell of a person that society has tried to define you as, and begin...The Journey In.