When Linda Johnson returned to the US in 1984, she was dismayed to discover the misinformation and misconceptions about Middle Eastern countries and cultures and even more dismayed to see the disbelief in the eyes of her acquaintances when she related to them stories of the hospitality, kindness and fun that she had encountered throughout the Middle East. Johnson and her family had lived in Dhahran for decades working for Saudi Aramco.
“As a lifelong traveler, I quickly became involved with Saudi Aramco’s self directed groups and discovered the Middle East while we were based in Saudi Arabia. What a treasure! I was able to share my travels with others and saw firsthand what a difference a positive outlook and a bit of background knowledge makes in a trip,” said Linda Johnson, president, East of Suez Traders Ltd. (www.eastofsueztraders.com). “Continuing that passion on returning to the US, I’ve organized tours, primarily to the Middle East, for the past 10 years telling skeptics and critics — you see for yourself and then form an opinion. It works.”
Over the last decade, East of Suez has become involved with numerous organizations and projects. Two of these are of primary importance to Johnson.
“The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (www.iipt.org) expresses my opinion totally. Governments tend to create animosities; people to people contact tends to create cultural understanding and lead to more peaceful coexistence,” she remarked. “The other organization I support strongly is the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market (folkartmarket.org). I was an organizer of the initial market in 2004 and completely and firmly believe that understanding comes with direct contact and exposure. The stories of that first market are incredible and we now are looking forward to the third market, July 2006, and welcome applicants from all countries. We would love to have exhibitors from Saudi Arabia.”