The Peace Corps took Thomas Hollowell from his home state of Indiana across the globe to the exotic land of Morocco.

During his travels, while Hollowell was immersing himself in a culture that eschewed materialism in favor of a simpler life, he learned of a Moroccan doctor held captive for 25 years by a militant group in prison camps within the Sahara Desert.

The story intrigued him. In "Allah's Garden" he shares the story, along with his own observations during his travel throughout the country. Hollowell spoke to The Times via e-mail, prior to his visit to Ottawa Saturday, Aug. 29, as part of a tour to promote his book. Here's what he had to say:

Q. Can you share a little bit of background?

A. I am from Gessie, Ind., population 94. I, along with my twin, attended the liberal arts Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., where we received degrees in English literature and minors in Spanish. My family is still in Indiana and I am able to see them every year or two. I grew up quite simply and was lucky enough because our parents encouraged us to play a lot, create a lot and keep ourselves busy. Now, I am a real busybody and don't want to stop. Always runners, my brother and I train for triathlons just to keep our energy levels from skyrocketing. I have done a total of three this summer and plan on doing more. It's a great way to keep from spending too much time on the computer.

Q. Where and when did you learn about the story of the doctor detained in the Sahara Desert for 25 years? What was it that interested you enough to learn more?

A. I learned of the story of the doctor detained in the Sahara Desert (along with the thousands of other Moroccans being held in Algeria) while I was teaching in Ifrane, Morocco. A student told me his father (a doctor) and a doctor friend had been held for 25 years in the Sahara. Well, this captured my attention; I had never heard of the Western Sahara issue nor a war, or prisoners. So, it was a fascinating story I wanted to learn about even more.

Q. How does your travelogue play into the story?

A. It is quite interesting. When I first wrote the book, I did not think about putting my story into the equation. It was the story of Dr. Azeddine. However, a few editors and agents I met at a book

conference in Vancouver, Canada, (along with Ray at Tales Press) mentioned I should interweave my story into the equation so as to give "Western" readers a doorway in which to view this exotic land. It worked pretty well. So, in the beginning, I broke up Azeddine's story (taking place during his capture in 1979) with my own (taking place from 2000 and onward). It was a difficult juggle at first, but somehow worked out. We somehow meet in the middle and the story carries on from there. So, my travelogue is a vehicle in which readers can experience the country, land, culture and the events with a borrowed lens my tale might provide.

Q. Describe the culture in this part of the world. What have you learned about this region during your travels?

A. I would say exotic, hospitable and welcoming. Since I still live in Morocco (and have for the last seven years more or less), my senses have been satiated in a way. I have learned a great deal; how family is important, how friends are important and much more about how the small things in life are what matter most. Moroccans are very family oriented and love to spend time together. Everyone hangs out together and materialism does not exist as it does elsewhere. The region is a complicated, but welcoming one. The people are fantastic and very much attached to their roots.

Q. Tell me a little about your involvement with the Peace Corps. What do you enjoy about working with this organization?

A. My involvement with the Peace Corps led me to Morocco in the first place. I was lucky enough to go to the country I really wanted to serve in. However, during my time in the mountains, and after other issues detailed in the book, I "field terminated" my service and thereafter stayed in the country on my own, teaching in Rabat and then in Ifrane. The Peace Corps is a wonderful entity with great ideals. It is a wonderful experience and I wish all the money the U.S. spends on war would go to them (among

other worthy organizations). I enjoyed it because the experience allows Americans to truly step out of their own world to experience another. Your hand is held at first, but then you are free to experience, learn and bridge gaps.

Q. What projects are you working on?

A. I wrote a proposal that led to a book deal with Adams Media (thanks to my wonderful agent, Mr. Bob Diforio) that I co-authored entitled "The Everything Travel Guide to Ireland." That should be out early next year. I am now working on a travel memoir with my twin brother that I hope will sell well. I also have an unusual project just now in the works involving an intriguing manner to train for sports. Go Info

• Thomas Hollowell will sign copies of his book "Allah's Garden" at the Book Mouse, 820 La Salle St., Ottawa, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.
• To promote his book, each copy of "Allah"s Garden" purchased is an entry into the "Morocco Sweepstakes." The winner will receive a certificate worth a 10-night private and customized Morocco trip for two covering all in-country expenses good for travel in 2010 or 2011. One winner will be announced for every 5,000 copies sold.
• For more details on Hollowell, "Allah"s Garden" or the "Morocco Sweepstakes," visit the author"s Web site, www.thomashollowell.com.