- 1. The Places In Between by Rory Stewart is a captivating travel memoir that chronicles the author's remarkable journey on foot across Afghanistan in the early 2000s, shortly after the fall of the Taliban regime. Stewart, an Englishman with a deep fascination for the diverse cultures and histories of the world, embarks on this arduous trek from the ancient city of Herat to Kabul, traversing remote villages and rugged landscapes. Throughout his journey, he immerses himself in the rich tapestry of Afghan life, meeting a variety of locals, from farmers to warlords, and gaining profound insights into their struggles, hopes, and the complexities of Afghan society. Stewart's narrative is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the beauty and resilience of the Afghan people amidst the shadows of conflict and uncertainty. His reflections on the geopolitical landscape, the intricacies of human connection, and the stark realities of life in a war-torn country offer readers a unique perspective on a region often misunderstood. The Places In Between is not just a travelogue; it is a deeply human story that highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.
What is the primary mode of travel in 'The Places In Between'?
A) By bus
B) Horseback
C) By car
D) Walking
- 2. In which country does Rory Stewart's journey take place?
A) Iran
B) Iraq
C) Afghanistan
D) Pakistan
- 3. During what time period did Stewart make his walk across Afghanistan?
A) Summer of 2001
B) Winter of 2002
C) Spring of 2003
D) Autumn of 2004
- 4. Which empire's ruler does Stewart follow the path of?
A) Cyrus the Great
B) Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire
C) Alexander the Great
D) Genghis Khan
- 5. What is the name of the dog that accompanies Stewart for part of the journey?
A) Shir
B) Babur
C) Zaman
D) Khan
- 6. Which mountain range does Stewart cross during his journey?
A) The Karakoram
B) The Himalayas
C) The Hindu Kush
D) The Pamirs
- 7. What is Stewart's starting point in Afghanistan?
A) Kandahar
B) Kabul
C) Herat
D) Mazar-i-Sharif
- 8. What is Stewart's final destination?
A) Peshawar
B) Islamabad
C) Kabul
D) Jalalabad
- 9. How does Stewart often secure shelter for the night?
A) By pre-arranging stays
B) By staying in hotels
C) By camping in the wilderness
D) By asking for hospitality in villages
- 10. What is the significance of the title 'The Places In Between'?
A) It refers to the remote villages between major cities
B) It describes the time between wars
C) It means places of meditation
D) It refers to pauses in the journey
- 11. What is Stewart's attitude toward the international intervention in Afghanistan?
A) Wholeheartedly supportive
B) Indifferent
C) Skeptical and critical
D) Completely opposed
- 12. What is notable about Stewart's travel style?
A) He travels with a large team
B) He uses modern equipment
C) He travels alone and on foot
D) He uses motorized transport
- 13. What is a major obstacle Stewart faces from authorities?
A) Bribery demands
B) Getting permission to travel through certain areas
C) Arrest threats
D) Deportation warnings
- 14. How does Stewart characterize the Afghan landscape?
A) As lush and fertile
B) As harsh but beautiful
C) As monotonous and barren
D) As heavily developed
- 15. What does the journey reveal about Afghanistan's political situation?
A) The success of reconstruction
B) The strength of democratic institutions
C) The limited reach of central government
D) The unity of the country
- 16. What is a 'chaikhana'?
A) A fortress
B) A market
C) A mosque
D) A teahouse
- 17. Stewart often relies on the hospitality of local villagers, which is a tradition known as what?
A) Melmastia
B) Purdah
C) Jirga
D) Zakat
- 18. What significant archaeological site, known for its giant Buddha statues, does Stewart visit?
A) Herat
B) Bamiyan
C) Kandahar
D) Ghazni
- 19. Stewart's journey highlights the importance of which ancient network of trade routes?
A) The Amber Road
B) The Silk Road
C) The Incense Trail
D) The Spice Route
- 20. What is the dominant religion of the people Stewart encounters?
A) Hinduism
B) Buddhism
C) Zoroastrianism
D) Islam
- 21. What is the primary language Stewart uses to communicate?
A) Dari (Persian)
B) Arabic
C) Urdu
D) Pashto
- 22. What is the Minaret of Jam?
A) A famous market in Herat
B) A mountain peak he climbs
C) The palace of an ancient king
D) A UNESCO World Heritage site Stewart visits
A) A long, quilted coat
B) A form of greeting
C) A traditional dagger
D) A type of hat
- 24. How does Stewart fund his journey?
A) Through a research grant
B) By working along the way
C) With his personal savings
D) He is funded by a newspaper
- 25. What do many villagers assume Stewart is when he first arrives?
A) A journalist
B) A tourist
C) A doctor
D) A spy
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