Zanzibar, East Africa
12 September 2001

Never fret Mom, I'm A-OK.

Damien and I hitched a ride last nite on a cargo boat to Zanzibar, where I am now.  We were actually "fortunate" enough to be in a restaurant yesterday evening where we saw CNN and all the madness they were describing. On the boat last night, Damien and I were able to watch CNN until late.

I have a good grasp of what is happening, but thanks for your concern. It's hard to believe that 1000s of people have been killed in the attacks. I am terribly worried about how the US will retaliate. America's reaction to the Embassy bombings a few years ago here in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and in Nairobi, Kenya was to bomb Khartoum, Sudan - killing 100s and destroying a milk factory (they thought it was weapons plant).

In a way, I feel a lot safer where I am. If I was in the states I'd have been more frightened. When I travel to France I think all will be well. I'll lay low there for a few days. The earliest i planned on leaving was the 22nd or 23rd. I still think this is a safe time to go. By then, there should be flights headed to the US again.

don't worry too much

love mike

PS give my best to all the family and tell them that I'm safe