More than 3 weeks off internet, and what a pleasure to see all the holiday greetings. In the heat and dust and difficulty of traveling in sub-Saharan Africa, it's good to feel one's friends near and far.

I've walked many evenings in the Sahara, the moonlight so like liquid that I liked to imagine walking on the sand at the bottom of a giant aquarium, and if I jumped up a little, the water would lift me into the night sky. Just this has been worth it. Much more to say, but the dial-up connection is not so conducive! Until soon...