To Gemma and Abigail, in celebration of being sisters.
DICTIONARY OF INTERNATIONAL TRIBAL DIALECTS
ADDENDUM
(The following terms were mistakenly omitted from the main dictionary.)
NAMI-NAMI TRIBE OF NEW GUINEA, p. 67
fraa (“frar”): elder tribesman; patriarch
mopi (“mop-i”): a small ladle for serving rice or meal
shup (“shop”): to exchange goods for money or beads. A concept unknown by the tribe until a visit in 2002 by British tourist Rebecca Brandon (formerly Bloomwood)
ROYAL CAIRO INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY
31 El Cherifeen Street
Cairo
Mrs. Rebecca Brandon
c/o Nile Hilton Hotel
Tahrir Square
Cairo
January 15, 2003
Dear Mrs. BrandonI am glad you are enjoying your honeymoon in Cairo. I was pleased to hear that you feel a bond with the Egyptian people and agree it is quite possible that you have Egyptian blood in you.
I also welcome your interest in the museum’s jewelry display. However, further to your inquiry, the “sweet little ring” you refer to is not for sale. It once belonged to Queen Sobeknefu of the 12th Dynasty and, I can assure you, would be missed.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay.
Yours sincerely,
Khaled Samir
Director
BREITLING SHIPPING COMPANY
TOWER HOUSE
CANARY WHARF
LONDON E14 5HG
Fax for: Mrs Rebecca Brandon
c/o Four Seasons Hotel
Sydney
Australia
From: Denise O’Connor
Customer Service Coordinator
6 February 2003
Dear Mrs Brandon:
We are sorry to inform you that your Bondi Beach “carved sand mermaid” has disintegrated during shipping.
We would remind you that we made no guarantees as to its safety and advised you against the shipping process.
Yours sincerely,
Denise O’Connor
Customer Service Coordinator
Alaskan Trails and Adventures, Inc.
PO BOX 80034
CHUGIAK, AK 99567
FAX FOR: Mrs. Rebecca Brandon
c/o White Bear Lodge
Chugiak
FROM: Dave Crockerdale
Alaskan Trails and Adventures
February 16, 2003
Dear Rebecca:
Thank you for your inquiry.
I would strongly advise you against attempting to ship to Britain six husky dogs and a sleigh.
I agree that husky dogs are wonderful animals and am interested in your idea that they could be the answer to pollution in cities. However, I think it unlikely the authorities would allow them on the streets of London, even if you did “customize the sleigh with wheels and add a numberplate.”
I hope you are still enjoying your honeymoon.
Kind regards,
Dave Crockerdale
Trail Manager