Writer, journalist, philosopher, world-traveller, war-correspondent and flight-instructor, Guy Murchie, Jr in his 1954 breakthrough book of recollections, drawing from his observations and experiences as an aviator, Song of the Sky, includes a glossary on the names of winds from around the globe, calling his treasury “among the least known and most beautiful words.” Murchie’s appreciation and fondness extends to:
Simoom—the desert, strong, hot and dust-laden gusts of Arabia, Syria and Libya
Siffanto—a blast of heat from the hot heel of Italy
Wisper—a wind whistling through the narrows of the Rhein valley
Haboob—the dusty downdrafts of Sudan and the Upper Nile
Etesian—describing the cool summer afternoons of Greece and the Levant
The title comes from the uncommon term for being governed by the changing winds. Much more from Futility Closet at the link up top.
synchronoptica
one year ago: Lee Harvey Oswald allowed to return to the US after defecting to the Soviet Union (with sychronoptica), assorted links to enjoy plus St Pier Giorgio
two years ago: a sign of solidarity with Trump’s failed assassination attempt plus going Nazi
three years ago: the Siege of Chartres (911)
four years ago: a champagne cocktail to commemorate the Moon landing plus exploring Aberdeenshire
five years ago: exploring Orust and Tjörn
six years ago: St Wilgefortis
