Last week we had an important, VIP-level meeting. The kind for which preparations are endless, and staff wrings its collective hands, and fingers are crossed that it goes off well. Fortunately, we had two advantages right off the bat: this Very Important Meeting was held under a most perfect tree (a good omen), and the welcoming committee was enthusiastic:

Thus the meeting commenced in great form and style, with a masterful emcee.

And it continued with a walk to see Important Things.

Admittedly, a long walk. And a very hot one, under an African sun.

Maybe a little too long. But there was a point, and there were no complaints. No whiners in this bunch. They were on Official Business. So we continued.

This was the point:

And after many questions and inspections, even the skeptics were convinced.

And thus the meeting was a resounding, if sweaty, success.