March 07, 2004

Hello to all

Just a note to let you know that all is well down here. Weather has been very inclement of late with lots of rain, thunder, lightning and overcast.

I have been helping organize bus transportation for their Rotary Dist. Conference coming up in April and will attent the "4 Presidents' Meeting" tomorrow night to report on that and other activities.

I have really got interested in traditional dancing here. Some of the clubs have it as entertainment in the evenings and I read the paper to find out where and go to them. They are four groups that are fantastic. I can not believe their energy and vitality. They dance for 90 minutes virtually non-stop and this is not casual dancing; it is constant 100% pure energy at a high level. Their skill is wonderful and usually 10 dancers, five male and 5 female.

I have decided to go up to the UK next week and spend two weeks. Friends from Zimbabwe who have immigrated there have invited me and actually send my plane ticket to me so I see it as a wonderful opportunity to visit, see more of London and England and see Jennifer and Nick as well. I leave on March14, returning March 30th.

Things are very quiet here on the political side. No police roadblocks to any degree like the last time I was here. It's all about the economy and the escalation of prices with inflation at 650%. The good news is that we are seeing a bit of stabilization in prices so perhaps the turnaround is coming. Beer actually came down in price about a week ago.

I will sign off now

Love, Doug