"It is." He smiles brightly, without reserve or hesitation. "It is a city of great trade and learning. People come from all corners of the known world, bringing with them spices, medicines, learning. The three great peoples of the book worship in peace and share their wisdom. It is not strange thing to find groups of learned men in the marketplace, arguing ideas of faith and theology. The libraries are open to any man or woman seeking to learn."

He speaks with pride and joy in the memory but sighs. "I fear I will never see the city of my birth again but I will make a new home in England."