Tokyo
Tokyo, April 7, 1888
My dear Parents and Brothers:
On the 13th of this month I am leaving for America on the Belgic of the Oriental and Occidental Company. I am thinking of staying in America for some weeks and leave afterwards for London which I should reach by the end of May.
I have stayed here a longer time than I intended, for the country appeared to me very interesting and because in the future we shall have much contact and relations with Japan. I am learning Japanese: I can understand it already and can express, although badly, what I want. I have travelled on foot and by train and by jinrikisha until Utsonomiya, Nikko, Kodzu, Odawara,
Mimoto, Miyanoshita, Oshihama, Atami, Fugisawa, Yanoshima, Kamakura, Todsuka, etc. etc. The flowers are blooming on the branches of the trees, the camellas are becoming red; the green foliage in the gardens, the plum and the cherry are beginning to give the landscape a white or light crimson tint which the dark pines and the gigantic criptomeria render obscure. Temples are located on these beautiful sites and for the believer, entering such gardens creates a certain impression which predisposes one to retreat and meditation …..
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05-290 [100 Letters]