Hope you all had a good Christmas in your decadent western luxery on the backs of the developing countries. you have no idea how bad it gets here. Just the other night there was nearly a nasty incident when at 10pm UN security tried to throw me out of the UN bar. Some rubbish about closing. By Christmas day in my house we got down to our last three crates of beer and rationing became necessary. Another tense moment but luckerly we diversified to the vodka and hot wine so the situation was saved. I almost burnt the chicken also. Yet another of many tense moments. Still with plenty of fortitude one gets through these incidents and can actually remember one or two.

There are of course kidnap threats but unfortunately one is unable to nominate victims. Think my staff ( do not mention to SWP) would chip in a few dollars to get rid of me especially before 10am. Before then I do a very good impression of Basil Fawlty. 'Ok this is a yes no answer. Not very difficult. I can see your mouth about to move am I going to get an answer. you go home in 6 hours. no do not start with because it was a yes no answer so I just want one of those words. No sorry but is not a synonism of yes or no but don't worry we still have 5 hours 50 minutes to get an intellegible answer.'

Actually in the Elbow Room the other night they ran out of olives so the margarittas were sub standard. Still it is a harsh ship post so one has to bare these things.

hope life is easier with you