DAR ES SALAAM, March 28 -- DEAR nephew Milambo,

I send you warm greetings from this restless and ever-moving city of Dar es Salaam.

I hope this letter finds you in good health, strong spirit and under the loving protection of our ancestors. I often think of you there in our beloved village of Ukumbisiganga, where life flows in a more natural rhythm, guided by the wisdom of those who came before us.

May you all continue to live peacefully under the watchful eyes of the great Nyamwezi ancestors, led by the mighty Chief Mirambo himself, and blessed by the powers of our traditional gods, including Limatunda and Liwelelo, who have always guided and protected our people through generations. Here in the confused city, life is quite different ...