Dear Friends,

Today’s meeting took place in the relaxed atmosphere of our host’s ancestral home.

We not only visited the present residence but we went to the old fort to see where he was born. All the fort’s protection was built in to protect the family as well as the residents in the area.

To me the fort looked impenetrable. The stairways were built for combat. There were hidden grates that camouflaged deep holes to collect the enemies as they stormed the stronghold. There were cannonades and sharpshooters in the tower, making the taking of the town irrelevant as long as the aforementioned had a clear shot.

The water supply comes from a 2000 year old tunnel in the mountainside that fills itself from all the fissures and cracks used to drain the mountain of water. The doors were Zanzibar style with brass spikes big enough to ward of anything the size of an elephant. The plumbing within the complex was integral for two purposes. The first was for pouring boiling oils on the enemy. The other was to pour water on the doors if the enemy tried to burn them down.

After that 16 men gathered for another feast of fish, meat, curries, and vegetables. All food was quite exotic and prepared to perfection.

Post meal a rest period was enjoyed. Dessert was many kinds of fig dishes, fruit and a sweet that is indigenous to Zanzibar. Coffee is served with cardamom and clove in small espresso type cups.

Business stops when meals and social exchange begins. Both the meals and business are perfect.

I have extended my stay to visit with certain members of our hosts to discuss a matter close to my heart.

I will be back at my desk soon.

Respectfully,
Jim