Roaming Chuck Taylors

My All,

Fate is a fickle thing. Though it had the understanding of unconquerable love to release me from my prison, it also had the audacity and power to prevent my speedy return. It has determined that the means of crossing the great seas that divide us beyond my purse at the present. I am forced to mete out a meagre living by selling unlawful goods for some dark master of the ugly underworld in downtown Shanghai. Until I have saved enough to charter a vessel home, I pray for your confidence; I will be home soon.

Always,
L

My Love,

Fate has favored us and provided me a means of escape from the death camp. I will not delve into the hows presently, but will wait until we are once again together. I have chartered a vessel to take me as far as the East coast on the River Yangtze. It's treacherous rapids are thrilling only in that I know they are taking me home, and the oppressive summer heat is but a small discomfort when I think of our inevitable reunion.

Always,
L

Darling,

It is not a certainty that this letter will reach the safety of your hands, as I have had to trust unknown entities to deliver it. I have been detained by extremist forces during a trek through the Sichuan wilderness. While suffering indignities I dare not share, know that visions of you are a balm on my wounds and tortured mind. Each scar is a mark of the suffering I am only happy to endure to make my return to you all the more sweet.

Always,
L

I have been captured by a band of guerrillas inhabiting the mountains East of Guilin. By day, the have us working in the limestone mines and by night, we are manufacturing bullets for their cause. It's okay though, because the view from the cave is incredible, the local people are lovely and the food is fantastic. In a few months, I hope to be promoted to Lieutenant and they will let me see more of the Li River and maybe do a spot of fishing.

PS- I hope I don't need to say this is a joke, but just in case I get into trouble for this...

Inside the Reed Flute Caves

My All,

I am nearing the end of my journey. China has been incredible; I have seen her cities and provinces, her mountains, gullies and rivers, yet I would have gladly traded all of this for the day of my return. I am more excited now, at the end, than ever, for each passing moment only draws me closer to home, and to you.

Always,
L

My darling,

I have left the hustle and bustle of Chinese city life and begin my travels through the countryside. While I had craved nature's silence, the vast beauty of her mountains and plains brings me little peace. They only serve to remind me of how achingly insignificant I am without you.

Always,
L

I find myself rather enamored with this city, particularly its role in Chinese culture and history. The Capital has a more open impression than Shanghai and while the poor communal housing is tucked in little sidestreets, away from tourist eyes, the view from the coach window is one of manicured gardens and the jumble of cars and bicycles battling for space on the wide roads. The trips to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall have been nothing short of incredible.

My Love,

My heart has known anguish, but never so acute as in this first week I am not by your side. How I long to see you! The petty distractions that Beijing offers, while admittedly wondrous, cannot turn my thoughts from you. I count down the hours of my return. Until that time, my Love, take care and be well.

Always,
L

Shanghai is a city of superlatives. The tallest skyscrapers, the fastest growing, the youngest, the leading capital of business, the most beautiful night scenes. The nature strips and parks are gorgeous groves of bamboo, weeping willows and chinese elm. The air is dense with humidity and car horns, and today, monsoonal rain has me wading through storm water to dry my bare feet on the marble-laid floor of the Shanghai Museum lobby. This amazing museum wants one full day of exploration, but as time is limited, we must continue on to Beijing.