Hello my American friends....my memory of you is slowly fading...especially
those of you who have not written me to tell me how you are doing...so write
to me!!

Fall has just barely arrived; the weather here has been the warmest,
sunniest, and driest in Dutch history. But I'm starting to smell the autumn
air, and to hear the crunching of sparse withered leaves smashing yellows
and oranges beneath my boots. We carved pumpkins last night, and now the
castle courtyard is filled with dozens of pumpkin Picassos, lighting the
castle entrance with a rusty glow. Night time at the castle is my favorite.
The air is so still out in the country at night, and all you can see are the
suspended chandeliers from within the castle illuminated, warm and
welcoming. Beyond the gates, the horses float in the blue, moon-lit ground
fog, as drunken Dutchmen pass by on bicycles, howling "America! America!"
Did you know that geese stand up in the water at night while they sleep? It
is a very confusing phenomenon; I can't understand how that it is at all
comfortable for them.

Today I leave for Germany, to the international book festival being held in
Frankfurt. One of the world's largest book fairs, there are speakers and
readings and lectures all day as well lots of books to buy in lots of
different languages. I'm most excited about the comic book wing!

Since last I wrote, I have been to Paris, Barcelona, and Aix-en-Provence,
and I will write a Haiku about each. Paris is the most awesome city yet. I
made Australian friends, ate crepes, watched puppeteers on the street, and
saw a concert at the Sacred Heart Chapel consisting of 300 guitarists.
Barcelona is full of thieves, as two of my travel companions had there bags
stolen. It is an insane city at night and it never ends. The men are dirty,
the clubs are sweaty, and the absinth burns--it was pretty awesome.
Thankfully, my Spanish language skills kicked Barcelona's though
Aix-en-Provence, though I was sick for most of it, was very lovely and cute,
and had delicious chocolate. French films and pictures books are my new
favorite things, second only to french toy stores!

oook the bus IS leaving NOW FOR GERMANY I HAVE TO GO WRITE ME SOON LOVE YOU
ALL BYE
ROSE