_ 86 _ different things to eat as there are here and, although it is hot, one is so comfortable that one does not feel it. They use huge umbrellas of two or three cloths stretched one above the other. They all carry one to protect themselves when riding as well as walking, and it is quite a sight to see the piazza in front of our church when it is time for our sermon, for it is so full of umbrellas that it looks like an army camp full of soldiers. People are served better here than anywhere else because of the abundance of slaves, who are cheap and cost little to maintain, for a plate or bowl of rice is enough for them to eat, and a bit of fish with the rice on feast days. As to clothing, a pair of breeches and a shirt suffice for honoured slaves who accompany a Lord, and for those of lower status just breeches will do. For the rest, a scrap of cloth is enough, so that they look more like our father, Adam.
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