February 24 1324

320 Brookview Drive Timbuktu Niani

Africa 4800 Dear Tyson, Hi, how are you doing. I have good news! I got selected to travel a 4,800 mile to Mecca. Im a soldier. There are thousands of people and camels, as well as enough food and supplies for months. Right now we are in Timbuktu. Musa just gave some local leaders gold and alms to the poor. He can afford to be generous, because the caravan boasts 100 camels heavily landed with gold. Five slaves each carried a golden staff. It feels like I have been riding on the camels forever. My friend Gunther's camel was having a fit so he has to walk for rest of this journey. Some of the others camels were acting up but they didnt kill them because they were the best source of transportation. They can travel up to seven days without water. They can also drink up to 25 gallons of water. This means when we are thirsty and there is no river near by all we have to do is kill the camel and get the water out of its hump. That might sound brutal but it is worth it. I would switch with him but you know my fear of scorpions. I cant risk seeing one or even getting stung especially because Im a soldier. We are about to leave Timbuktu now so I will catch up with you later. Please tell the family I said hi. Your Friend, Kendall Davis