My Dear Friends,

So far this trip has been quite successful.

The major purpose has been to engage in business meetings in China, something that is always an intriguing and challenging event.

At the invitation of the forum organizers, I presented at the China Decision Maker Conference exchanging ideas, and getting a deeper understanding of the culture.

Business arrangements everywhere are always culture driven so the time you put in to learn, the books you read to understand and the open mind you maintain is essential to forming relationships. Just like a marriage, they are formed with the ups and downs of daily interactions into strong and lasting bonds.

From China I flew through Dubai to South Africa. I used Emertes flying the Dreamliner. Now that is an experience of all time in transportation. Flying West seems to jet lag me more than the opposite. I will admit that it was only yesterday that I can claim a full night’s rest.

There are multiple benefits to being here. As you know, my first born daughter lives here with her Renaissance man husband.

I love them dearly as well as my two grandchildren Carlotta and Giacamo (James). Now there is the number one benefit while being able to visit with one of my great "hands on" directors, Anton. I am blessed to have a technical committee who meets often to review and direct our ground team. These four men are the directors you pray for but rarely get.

Yesterday I presented to the Geo Forum, a group of professional mineral industry representatives. To be invited to speak at this gathering is to me a great compliment.

When that was completed, SUMMIT TV invited me for an interview. SUMMIT TV is the Bloomberg of Southern Africa. The interview was ten minutes, which in terms of financial programs is a considerable amount of time.

Further exciting and important meetings are on my schedule as well as relaxing with my family.

My return remains open and at the behest of my director Joseph Kahama, who is scheduling my Tanzania program.

I had a request by a significant Russian company to visit Moscow, but the business at hand can be completed long distance. Assuming it is, then Moscow is on my next trip itinerary.

I imagine I will never rust out.

Respectfully yours,
Jim