I am writing to inform you that I have arrived safely in Paris. Though the city is quite breathtaking, I find myself more indulgent in the scenery outside of the metropolitan area. The countryside is beautiful, flowers blossom wherever I look and it reminds me of home, the rolling green hills that I missed more than ever while aboard the ship. These past few weeks at sea have been hard, my love, as I have oft found myself daydreaming of the green pastures of [illegible], of your loving embrace. I feared that I would go mad from the thought of it as I crossed the Atlantic, weeks aboard even the finest of ships has left me drained, and if not for it being the only way to return to you, I would venture to never again subject myself to the whim of the sea. However, despite the discovery that I suffer from seasickness with ease, the ship and I have arrived in one piece.
As you know, travel by train has never been one of my strong points, but there was no faster way from the port to Paris, and my guide, a polite young man by the name of [illegible], insisted that we arrive in Paris as quickly as possible. You know how these business types get, my love, and so we set off in spite of my protests. It was on this venture via train that I caught my first glimpses of the greenery. My first thought was that I must be delusional, for it was the very picture of beauty; akin to the scenery found in a magazine. I have enclosed a photograph that I purchased from a vendor in the city, but I’m afraid that it does the sight little justice. I hope, my darling Leila, that I may bring you here one day for you to see it with your own eyes.
Upon arrival in the city, I quickly checked into my hotel room and unpacked my luggage. Afterward I set out to familiarize myself with the city, there are such wondrous sights here, my pet. A tower that reaches into the heavens! It is visible even now as I look out my window. My guide tells me that here it is called La dame de fer, which means the iron lady, but we would know it as the Eiffel Tower. It is another sight that I know that you would love.
There are so many things I wish to tell you, Leila, but my guide tells me that I must leave now; the men in charge of the orchestra will want to be seeing me posthaste. I will write you again soon, my love. I have included a return address, so that you may write to me.
All Of My Love,
Frederick
