A letter for her -17

Dear M

The more I know about you, the more I am sure/positive that you are a very (clever and) smart female. As you described the story of the hypnotist in a prison (which sounded intriguingly surreal), it seemed as though/like there were a pair of invisible wings on your back, enabling you to write (in a way) as if you were flying high and free in the sky. Those words and sentences flowed/were flowing smoothly like a spring river running at full flood/fast speed.

Before I went abroad to pursue my studies, an adviser had told me (and other students) that it was crucial for us to learn to bravely express our thoughts once we landed in America. You know that we are more conservative and much more restrained/quieter in general. "That's a world of different cultures." The adviser emphasized, "Everyone there knows how to get their voice heard by others." After/When I arrived/got there, I did notice the difference. The interesting thing was that I heard some Asian students complain (and criticise) that, although their American classmates were very eloquent, they didn't really have much to say -- they might talk a lot, but the content was of little value. You are certainly good at presenting your ideas, and at the same time, you avoid the disadvantage that some of your compatriots/[the fellows] have [in the country]. I felt I too had a pair of invisible wings [as well], as a reader, flying high and free in the sky.

One interesting question you asked that I forgot to answer in the previous letter pops up in my mind - do people in Taiwan celebrate Halloween? If not, you said, we probably have a similar holiday?

We don't celebrate Halloween in Taiwan; however, according to Chinese custom, each July of the lunar calendar is "Ghost Month". During this month, homeless spirits and ghosts are "released" from the invisible world, and wandering around everywhere. Most families in Taiwan (would) prepare some simple food on a specific day as an offer to our ancestors, in a/the hope of being blessed by them, as well as to those stray ghosts, showing our respect and compassion. People (normally) are more cautious than usual, and there are taboos, (too).

Thanksgiving Day for Americans is just like Chinese New Year for us. I guess you and your family have probably already taken/[took] the Coast Starlight Express, to visit (and spend quality time with) your relatives in Southern California. Imagining the get-together of you all [of you] makes me smile.