*g* I've always been something of a cartography nerd, so I can follow about 99% of the narrative without a map, but when they mention places like the Gulf of Aden I have to think a while before I can picture it in my head. It is such a great read! I really loved the bit about the Portuguese spy/merchant (I'd have to go look up his name) who ended up in Ethiopia, where he was re-found thirty-three years later, old and happy and surrounded by his kids and grandkids. :D

It was warm here this morning, but now the cold front's come through and it's clouded up.