Dear Mr Cornwell, one day I thought for myself, that I must practise more English. Though not to do know how, my wife convinced me to read some books. It should not so difficult as I thought before. As my interest are in history and I read some books of you in German (the vikings stories with Uhtred – you have a fine translator), I found your Sharpe`S series. Well, and finally the thing I want to tell. The first Stories in India were fascinating stories, but with the beginning of Copenhagen to the North of Portugal and further middle of Portugal it was like a movie for me. When I was a young man (now I am 45) I went to all these parts for holidays. Mostly by car and tent. You can`t imagine how I was surprised, when I read something about the typical houses, the gardens, landscapes of Portugal as I saw it! Just a few points I remember: Amarante, Rio Douro, Chaves, Castello de Almourol, Bussaco etc. . Hopefully you had been. They are really nice! Well, for me it was like, someones brings me a nice remember back. I was two times in the north and middle of Portugal (each for 6 weeks) and in the north of Spain. Now I am a travel agent and have no time to travel. So thank you for the third travel to Portugal and, in mine opinion, one of the nicest parts in Europe. I wish you further good ideas for your books. With kind regards, Uli PS: as you see, my English is not really better :-) – I apologize. PS: may be you come one day to Hamburg on your journeys?