Hanoi, 27th January, 1979

Dearest Tuấn,

It has been quite a while since I received a letter from you. I wonder if
you still remember me and if you know that I am now sitting here
writing a letter to you, on this afternoon of the 27th Tet. This year's Tet
feels unusually melancholic, Tuấn. Not only has my family made no
preparations for the holiday, but it seems many other families are also
unprepared. Even here in Hanoi, as of today, the atmosphere of Tet is
nowhere to be found. The flower market is deserted, perhaps due to the
cold weather preventing the flowers from blooming.

On the streets, only the young seem to have any enthusiasm, dressed in
their fashionable attire, enjoying themselves. As for me, I have no desire
to go anywhere. Writing this letter to you, I feel like crying, Tuấn.

So, this is a Tet without you, a summer without you, and how many
more Tets and summers will be without you? I miss you so much, Tuấn.
When will we meet again, and will you still love me then? I wonder how
your family is celebrating Tet this year. Are you and Hồng still going out
together, or have you found new friends? Write to me and tell me
everything; I wait for your letters day after day, month after month. Yet,
there's only silence. Oh, I wish there was a phone or some quick way for
us to communicate daily or weekly.

My dear Tuấn, just a few more days and we'll step into the new year. My
whole family is eagerly awaiting the new year, hoping to leave behind
the unfortunate old year. I feel the same, Tuấn. I wonder if the new year
will be brighter. Will my studies go better? Please pray for me, as I have
prayed for you and your family to have good luck. Don't forget, okay?
All for now. I wish you and your entire family—your parents, your
uncle, your aunt, and your siblings—always good health, happiness, and
good fortune.

Your beloved,

Ms. Bạch Tuyết

Dear Hồng,

Thank you for still remembering me despite our long separation. It's
been nearly two years since we were apart. I vividly remember that last
train journey, and it is forever etched in my memory. In these two years,
I have received two Christmas cards, two photos of you, one family
photo, and one letter from you. All these warm, gentle memories, both
happy and sad, remind me of our pure first love.

Many times, I ride my bike aimlessly down Lý Nam Đế Street, turning

towards Cửa Đông, and I feel a pang as if you were still in Hanoi, and I
would meet you soon. On those cold winter days, we would walk
together, and you would be like a little girl with a sulky face! If it
weren't for that departure, by now you might have been working and
become a bride. We would live a life full of struggles like everyone else.
Oh! It's as if you're forever at the horizon, in an endless space. How are
you living, Hồng? Tell me about it; write me a long letter.

As for me, I have written two letters to you. Did you receive them,
Hồng? On these cold, sad winter afternoons, I miss you desperately. I
was supposed to go to Poland for a few years for research, everything
was set, but due to the chaotic situation there, it got postponed
indefinitely. I'm still living the same, sleeping on the desk you saw at my
office. Before, I and my friend ate together, but since October 1980, my
friend’s wife moved back to Hanoi, and they just had a baby, so now I
cook and eat alone. I go to the Cửa Nam market, cook breakfast, and eat
the same meal all day, so it doesn't take much time. The only problem is
that everything is expensive. A duck egg costs 2.2đ, 1 kg of pork is 50đ,
1 rice is 13đ per kg, a banana is 8 hào, and morning glory is 1.5đ per
bunch. I have become quite the expert on market prices! I am now much
better at cooking and shopping than you, Hồng. Do you dare to compete
with me?

The photo you sent at the end of 1980 looks more mature and thoughtful
compared to the one from late 1979. Your letter from December 17
reached me at the end of February. Although it was late, I finally
received it. I wonder when you will get this letter; maybe not until June.
What are you doing now, Hồng? Studying? Working, or not doing
anything yet, probably studying languages? Are your parents healthy? Is
Tuấn still pursuing his drawing? And what about Hoa and Cầm, what are
they doing? And little Kiệt, is he as tall as Tuấn now? Is it hot or cold
where you are? How are you living, in the city or the countryside?
How's social life, and how is your family doing? Write and tell me
everything, don't hesitate. Tell Tuấn to write to me too, and if you need
any help, let me know, I will do my best.

Now that Trà has settled, I will write to you regularly. We will keep in
touch through letters, Hồng. For your birthday, please tell me the exact
time, date, month, and year of your birth, whether it's lunar or solar
calendar, ask your mom for the details.

Please write to me, don't worry about the letters getting lost. The two
letters I wrote to you were sent through a friend going to France for a
meeting. If you receive them, please let me know, Hồng.

All for now. Please extend my best wishes to your parents, Tuấn, Hoa,
Cầm, and little Kiệt. I wish your family good luck, convenience,
happiness, and joy. Also, convey my regards to your dear uncle. I wish
you all the best, and please think of me sometimes, Hồng.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Triều Dương

March 12th, 1981

Ha Noi
I'm sending you a photo of me taken during this past Tet.
 Hong Kong, December 8th, 1980

Dear Tuấn,

I received your letter... But only today am I writing back to you. I hope
you can forgive my laziness in letter writing.

Tuấn, the total amount you sent me was $120. I took it to the place
JPMorgan Chase Bank where I usually receive money, but they told me
that these checks could not be cashed there. So, I had to go to Hang Seng
Bank, and I will have to wait a month to receive the money from
November 14th, which means I can get it on December 14th, 1980. The
amount will be converted to HK dollars, which will be 611.4 HD$. In a
few days, I will go to get it and follow the instructions in your letter.
There's one more thing, the shirt measurements are missing the waist
measurement. You should write to me with that measurement as soon as
possible and use inches (or feet) for consistency. These are the points I
needed to mention to put your mind at ease.

As for me, my family pledged to move to a camp on November 28th to

study English. My older brother is still studying, while my sister and I
continue to work. After three months of study, we will go directly to the
United States. According to the camp's announcements, from February
1981 onward, all Hong Kong refugees going to the U.S. must attend
these English classes (except in special cases). Although I work during
the day, I attend the camp's English classes in the evening. I think this is
the best use of time while waiting to go to the U.S., right, Tuấn? Since
being away from my "golden friend" until now, I also don't roam the
streets much, because even if I wanted to, I wouldn't know who to go
with, after all I’m single.

By the way, could you ask for me the price of a black NIKON FE and a
white FM over there? How much is a good-quality German and Italian
violin? And my older brother wants to know the average wage of
American workers per day. Thanks a lot, Tuấn.
At the end of the letter, I wish you and your family a joyful and reunited
Christmas night.

Yours sincerely,

Mr
 Cookenlle, October 15th, 1980

Dear Tuấn,

I recently learned that you are also considering studying. I am very glad
to hear this, as it means I have a like-minded friend. I would like to
extend my congratulations to you and, if you don't mind, please accept
the documents I am sending so that you can complete and send them to
the necessary addresses.

Let's set aside the paperwork for now and discuss the matter of studying.
Is it beneficial or detrimental to pursue education? What are the trends
and habits, Tuấn?

In my opinion, for people like us who had to set aside our studies to
undertake this half-globe migration, who wouldn't think about returning
to their books? After all, we've spent a third of our lives chasing
education; it would be such a waste to give up now, wouldn't it, Tuấn?
Moreover, it doesn't matter where you are, be it in Vietnam or the U.S.,
people who study always stand out from those who don't. In American
society, with its hourly advancements, the difference is even more
significant. Honestly, I never intended to think that I must obtain certain
degrees to use them as tools for making a living or to outshine others. If
that were the case, working might be a better option, right? After all, by
working, you wouldn't have to endure 4 or 5 years of hard work and
could still earn a living, play, and eat well, and eventually, everyone
meets the same end.

But the main thing is the knowledge. Perhaps you and I can agree that
there are people who get excited at the sight of a book, while others are
indifferent. How can this be explained if we only measure success by
money and degrees, when it is books and knowledge that propel
humanity towards a civilized world? Isn't that right, Tuấn? With books
(as Lenin said), we can live the past, work in the present, and dream of
the future. Truly (and I have no intention of discussing communism
here, Tuấn. Just understand that I am a Vietnamese refugee), if you have
books, you can sit in one place and know everything that happens in the
world.

That was my philosophical take. Now, let's get into specifics. Whether in
the U.S. or Vietnam, there are all types of students and engineers. You
know this from university. Some people have job offers before they even
graduate, while others finish school and look to the sky for their fate.
Even though the wages of Vietnamese workers and engineers are almost
the same, many young people (like you and me) still eagerly enter
school. I believe the secret to success is one and only one: hard work.
According to research from the Dapna and Bruxen Institutes, 80% of
successful people owe it to practice (20% is talent). Especially in the
U.S., where material life is so abundant, it is easy for people to become
lazy and dependent. Honestly, American students where I am are very
lazy. They love disco music, football, and... well, studying is not their
priority. Therefore, although their level isn't high, they still struggle to
get A or B grades. If you graduate with A or B grades, there's nothing to
worry about; with C grades, you can still find a job anywhere with a
salary of $18,000/year (or more); with D grades, finding a job is harder
but not impossible. F and G grades are not worth considering.

Compared to Vietnam, if you score mostly 3 in exams, you would

definitely get C grades here (and the exams here are twice as easy as in
Vietnam). Vietnamese people here rarely get D grades, even those who
only finished 9th grade in Vietnam and speak English badly. To reassure
you, if studying in Vietnam is difficult at a level of 10, here it is only 5
or 6. Your first task when entering school is to study English. After 6-9
months, you will speak English as well as Vietnamese, then you can
start your major depending on your interests (I am currently studying
English too). If you don't study English, you must take the TOEFL exam
to enter school, which is not easy to pass. For example, people who have
been here for 5 years without formal education wouldn't pass. TOEFL
tests grammar, not just speaking skills. Good grammar knowledge
guarantees admission, but just practicing speaking with people won't
help. Americans, like Vietnamese, don't need eloquent language, just
clear communication.

The biggest concern now is age. You must be around my age, right,
Tuấn? If we don't study soon and wait until we're over 30, will we have
the time and mental capacity? Will other responsibilities overshadow the
importance of education?

In conclusion, I would be very happy if you come here to study with me,
and Cầm too. If you complete the initial procedures in November, you
can enroll in the Spring semester (January 1981). Here are a few
preparations:

1. Clothes: enough for both winter and summer.

2. Money: About $2000. This will cover you through graduation because
I can show you how to apply for state and school scholarships. $2000
will cover 3 quarters of English classes; if your English is good, you’ll
need only $1400. This includes three meals at school, no housing, water,
electricity, phone bills... Tuition is around $2000 for 9 months. That's
not too expensive, right?

There are many Chinese (Mainland + Taiwan), Koreans, Hong Kongers,

Thais, and Japanese studying here, and the school arranges part-time
jobs (2 hours a day). We might start working next year.

Alright, all for now. Wishing you good health.

Best regards,

Mr
Postscript:

1. The location of my studies is a four-hour drive from where your

family resides, making it challenging to visit them frequently.
However, if you were to study here, you could manage to visit
home at least once a month (we have a car available if
transportation is a concern).
2. Upon completing your English studies here, you have the option to
transfer to any school of your choice, wherever you desire.
3. Please relay the following message to Cam on my behalf: Mr. Ly
Kiet, along with his brothers and Mr. Nguyen, have also enrolled
for the spring semester here. Mr. Ly Trong has also gone to the
Philippines. Thank you.
 Hanoi, May 5th, 1980

My dearest Hong,

Upon reading your letter and looking at your photos, I was deeply
moved. Your letter, sent from Hong Kong on November 19th, only
reached me on April 15th, 1980.

Do you know, since the day we said goodbye, I've heard countless
rumors about sunken ships, and there were even reports of someone
encountering Tuan in Hanoi. It left me deeply worried. Many months
passed, Mai visited my home, inquiring about you and our family. Until
I received your letter, I was still in shock.

My dear, the distance between us is vast, and I wonder if this letter will
ever reach you. These past few days, as I walked through the flower
garden and along Ly Nam De street, I couldn't help but think of you. I
silently pondered: Where are you now, Hong? Which horizon, which
corner of the sea, and are you still alive? The sea is vast, while you are
but a tiny speck. I imagine those departing souls, and my heart clenches!
You and I are like two grains of sand amidst this storm, the storm that
carries us to different places, to the ends of the world, to await each
other through days and nights with fragile hope. Our meeting was too
brief, and our separation, too long. Yet, I continue to live on, Hong. My
roommates got married last winter's end, and now they've moved to a
collective housing area. A fleeting happiness passed by, leaving behind a
profound sadness amidst this challenging life. Do you know, in the past
year, prices have skyrocketed? A bunch of water spinach costs 1.5 dong,
a kilogram of pork 32 dong, a kilogram of rice has increased and
continues to rise... You are luckier than us, despite the emotional
difficulties. But we will adapt, Hong.

Please write to me at our old address: Trieu Duong, 102 Hon Ma, Hanoi,
and share your stories, your family's stories with me. I've asked someone
traveling to France tomorrow to send this letter to Paris. Please respond
promptly after reading my letter, Hong. If you need a Vietnamese-
English or English-Vietnamese dictionary, let me know, and I'll find a
way to send it to you. And I'm sure you'll receive it. In my next letter, I'll
talk about my work. Wishing you happiness and peace.

With love,
Anh

Mr Triều Dương
 San Francisco July | 3.8 |

Dear Tuấn,

I am writing this letter to inform you that my family has moved to a new
state, California, and we have been living in San Francisco for nearly 2
months now. We received assistance from acquaintances who were on
the same boat.

Now, let me briefly recount the process of our relocation for you. When
we moved, I reported to cut off our welfare benefits in Kentucky (if left
unreported, the benefits for the first month would be $133 in the old
state, which would not suffice in San Francisco). Here in San Francisco,
they provide $248 for each single person, and the amount of food stamps
varies depending on the cost of living in the area. However, the
minimum amount is above $21. As soon as we arrived in San Francisco,
I informed them. From Kentucky to San Francisco, it took us 2 days and
3 nights. We traveled by bus, each ticket costing $133 (on a low-cost
carrier). We changed buses twice, with one stop in Chicago and the
second in Salt Lake City, Utah. On the journey, I had the opportunity to
witness the vast landscapes of America, mostly plains and deserts for
about 2/3 of the way, before finally seeing hills, mountains, and forests.
The 2-day, 3-night bus ride was quite exhausting, Tuấn.

Tuấn, we are currently residing in a one-room apartment with a rent of

$250 per month, inclusive of utilities. I am living with my siblings; I
also have a sister in Kentucky who is married. Life here is vibrant and
lively. San Francisco is one of the major cities where tourists flock to
visit. They ride cable cars, explore Chinatown, take pictures of the
Golden Gate Bridge, and so on. There are art activities happening both
on weekdays and weekends, and there are numerous shops, large
companies, art galleries, and the San Francisco Museum of...?... just a
few streets away from our home. In my free time, I often visit museums
to admire paintings by Picasso, Henry Moore, and others. I imagine it
must be quite hot in Pennsylvania now, while here in San Francisco, the
breeze is gentle, and nights require blankets. The climate is always
pleasant and cool. How is life in Pennsylvania? How are the welfare
benefits there? Please update me in your next letter.

I'll pause my pen here for now, awaiting your response. Please convey
my regards to everyone at home. Lastly, I wish you eternal youth and an
early sweetheart.

Breezy San Francisco,

To dear Mr. N Tuấn,

The bus I rode passed through the road to San Francisco.

Montebello, April 6th, 1981

Dear Tuấn,
First of all, I extend my regards to the health of Mr. and Mrs. Tuấn and
everyone in the family.

Yesterday, my family and I finished moving to our new home with an

official address, which is why I am writing to you now. It's been a while
since I received a letter from you, and I haven't written to you since the
last letter I sent from Hong Kong along with the photo as a souvenir. But
regardless, Tuấn, you should believe that I always remember and
mention you, a good and sincere person. How are you and your family
doing now? I wonder if you received the package of clothes I sent from
Hong Kong before Tet? Let me know in your letter. Now, I'll briefly
update you on my journey and current situation.

Around 1:30 PM on March 26th, my family and I departed from Hong

Kong Airport on a Boeing 747 and safely arrived at Los Angeles Airport
at 3:20 AM, Hong Kong time (we had a layover at Tokyo Airport in
Japan for 2 hours, same time zone). From Los Angeles Airport to my
place is about an hour's drive, in the city of Montebello, very close to
Hollywood – the homeland of American cinema. Here, there are very
few African Americans and Asians; when we go out, we only encounter
White Americans and Mexicans. The sponsor for my family is a couple
from the Northern region who migrated to the South. He used to be a
lawyer in the lower house of parliament, and his wife, who has a
university degree, currently teaches English at a school near our place.
They arranged for our family to stay in a two-story Spanish-style house,
with a small swimming pool next to it. They have been very enthusiastic
in helping us; our family received $1000 from the association for
shopping and renting a house, and they will soon buy necessary items
for us. He mentioned that the city adjacent to ours is very easy to find
employment in. However, I have decided to study English first, and then
consider continuing my education at university or starting work. Isn't
that right, Tuấn? Regarding the enrollment process, I will ask Tư; a few
days ago, Tư called me and invited both of us to hang out at my place.
The distance from Tư's house in Los Angeles to mine is only a half-hour
drive. I didn't expect to live so close to friends here. I consider myself
very lucky, don't you think, Tuấn? Sometimes, I think how joyful it
would be if your family were here too; on leisure days, we could go out
together, shop, help each other, and discuss our future lives. Those are
just my thoughts, but reality is still reality, right, Tuấn?

Well, all for now. In closing, I wish you eternal youth, health, handsome
looks, and success in both your career and life, always encountering
great luck.

Sincerely,

Mr
Postscript: Please send me Tuấn's phone number. Thank you. And my
phone number is...
 Hanoi, July 3rd, 1982

Dear Anh Tuấn,

This morning, I just received your letter dated April 30th, 1982. The
mail is so slow!

Do you know, after receiving the package you sent on June 8th, I
immediately wrote a letter to you, thinking that in a few days, I would
receive a letter from you? Every day, postman has been eagerly awaiting
the mail for me because he is always asked if there's a letter, but we
never received any. So, today, he was thrilled to finally hand me that
letter.

Anh Tuấn, I'm so happy to see both the letter and the photo of Hồng
(Hồng still looks as beautiful as ever, if not more).

I've heard that your family and you are still healthy, especially since you
gained 11kg and are striving for more. I'm starting to feel a bit "scared"
because if that's the case, how can the "little cat" keep up? Right now, I
only weigh 38kg, thinner compared to when you were here. I'm striving
to reach 40kg; I wonder if I can make it?

Health is always precious to humans. It's not just in America that people
value health, Tuấn. In Vietnam, health is even more essential. Life here
is tough, and the climate is extremely harsh. Without health, how can
people cope with life and nature, right?

Spring has long passed, and summer has begun in Hanoi, Tuấn. The
average temperature during the day is 37-38 degrees Celsius, with some
days reaching over 40 degrees. I've started summer break. Do you still
remember the scorching summer sun of Hanoi? For people like me and
Thắng, it's unbearable. During the day, there's hardly any electricity
(because it's allocated for production), which is why I've been getting
sick with a fever for a few days. I'm writing this letter to you while
feeling feverish. Fortunately, summer break has started, but with a face
like this, it's inconvenient to go to school.

In the past, when you were still at home, I never felt the heat and the sun
affecting my health. I could go through the day without wearing a hat,
and I didn't have headaches or runny noses. But now, those pains come
frequently to me. They significantly affect my studies. Headaches make
me not want to draw anymore. Fortunately, my recent internship ended
very well. I got the highest score in the class. Does Anh Tuấn know?
Teachers always praise me for my specialized and fundamental studies.
But conversely, I'm always criticized and reminded about my study
habits, so I always fail to meet the criteria of being an excellent student
and a member of the Youth Union. I can't seem to fix this issue. Out of 7
days a week, I can only manage to attend school on time for the first 2
days. My home is on the 5th floor, so it's very difficult to carry the bike
up and down. Usually, in the morning, I have to wake up early to cook
rice for everyone to take to work, and I also have to take rice for lunch.
If I want to eat rice in the morning to avoid hunger during school, I'll be
late. On the other hand, if I go to school on time, I have to endure
hunger.
[The letter seems to be cut off here.]
 Hanoi, May 5th, 1980

Dear Tuấn,

It's been a year since you've been away. I still remember that little room,
you and I sitting there talking about your journey with its difficulties and
hopes. And now you're in a distant land, serene and peaceful. I wonder
how your girlfriend in Hanoi is doing now, have you two met again? I
wish for your reunion to be complete.

How are you? Have you settled down and made any progress?

After you left, I heard you came back to Hanoi, and I worried too much.
But it seems you've made some initial steps in life.

It's really tough now; many people want to leave but have to endure,
with no way out. I'll end my letter here, wishing you happiness. Please
give my regards to our two uncles and wish them good health, also to
Hoa, Cầm, and my little Kiệt.

Best regards,

Mr Triều Dương
 Kaitakeast, September 26th, 1980

Dear Tuan,

Coming back home from work this evening, I carried with me a lot of
frustration. However, upon receiving your letter, I felt somewhat
relieved. It's now 10:30 PM, the class has ended, and here I am, penning
this letter to you. Through your letter, I learned that your family is all
healthy, leading a happy and wholesome life, which brings me much
joy. I hope you're making progress in all aspects of life, making it more
vibrant and fulfilling. I'm not sure which state you're in. How's the
climate there? Is it easy to find a job? Why don't you take a break and
rest before diving into work? It must be exhausting to start right away
like that. Life rarely offers moments of leisure; it's mostly about
struggling to make ends meet. Whenever there's a chance, just take a
break and relax. I heard that you can have a six-month break at home if
you're there. Why do you have classes two nights a week? It seems like a
long time for studies, with the main focus being social interaction. Can
you communicate well? Maybe I'm being too realistic, but I believe with
your capabilities, you'll handle it gracefully.

As for me, I'm still attending classes regularly. Today, we learned about
"how to make a phone call." The class is now quite empty, as many
former students have dropped out, which makes me sad. Some new
students have joined, but they only know "What is this?" and can't
answer, so the class has slowed down a lot. I've been on a two-week
break because the teacher has to teach the newcomers again. I'll be
returning to class this week. I feel sad and like I'm wasting time here at
the camp; it's just temporary, but fast-paced learning is much needed.
Have you written to Mr. EDWARD? He teaches very enthusiastically;
that's the positive aspect of the class. As for my settlement, it remains
unchanged. The ideal house is still a few weather-beaten planks, looking
more like a smashed eggshell now. It's because I'm waiting to go to the
U.S., still attached to this noisy, dusty camp.
I still haven't got any documents; just waiting, and I'm very sad. From
dawn till dusk, life is dry, narrow, and miserable, with no outlet. The
waiting time has stolen two years of my youth. I feel extremely
regretful; if I had a decent life, these past two years could have built up
so many hopes. I wonder when I'll have that beloved home to fulfill my
longing. "A person without a home is like a bird without a nest." Is there
any sadness greater than when life is still not truly real, right, my dear?

Anyway, all for now, wishing you peaceful sleep on those long nights
after work— may pleasant and strange dreams come to you.

Awaiting your letter,

Your Girlfriend

Ms
 HONGKONG, February 14th, 1981

Dear Tuan,

In this first letter of the year, I wish you and your family lots of luck in
the Year of the Rooster. May all the best things come to your family. As
for me, I'll make an effort to write to you more often (please forgive my
laziness in writing letters).

Tuan, I have received all the letters you sent me, and I appreciate the
two beautiful photos you included. Your sister, whose name I don’t
know, is a "very beautiful girl." Please send her my regards. When I
received your letter, I went to get the clothes made right away. The price
for a shirt remains the same at 75đ, but the cost for making trousers has
increased. When I brought the fabric to the shop 爵生洋服, I was
greeted by a mustached guy and a chubby guy (I’m sure you remember
them). They pointed to the price list on the table, which showed that the
cost for making trousers is now 60đ instead of the previous 48đ, and the
beige trousers cost 135đ (due to the higher labor cost), with a 10-day
turnaround just before Tet. Without your measurements, I couldn’t go to
another tailor, so I had to agree. I chose the exact gray fabric you sent
for the English trousers, but I couldn’t find a beige fabric that matched
the sample, so I chose a slightly brighter shade. I sent the completed
clothes to you on February 3, 1981 (including the postal receipt in the
letter), and I hope you receive them soon. The total cost was 545đ (2
pieces of English fabric at 250đ; custom beige trousers at 135đ, shirt at
75đ, gray trousers labor at 60đ, shipping fee at 25đ). That leaves a
balance of 54đ40. Let me know what you’d like me to buy with the
remaining amount.

As for my current situation, my family received a letter from JVA

stating they received our sponsorship papers from the U.S. and to check
the departure schedule once we’ve completed our health exams. We’ve
all had our health exams and are in good shape. I’ve heard the first
English course will start on the 25th/26th of this month, followed by
several departures to the U.S. I hope my family will soon settle in
America.

I’ll resume work on Monday and continue attending my evening English

classes regularly. The recent Tet holidays felt just like a long holiday
(partly due to the lack of friends and partly due to living conditions, so it
wasn’t very joyful). Currently, in ARGYLE 4 camp, my old classmates
敬克, 礼克 and 秦显 often come over, but I don’t make new friends here
since it’s quite chaotic, as you know. How are things going for you? Let
me know in your next letter.

Wishing you good health and lots of luck in the New Year.

P.S.: I’ve included a commemorative photo and a currency exchange

receipt in the letter.

Your friend,

Mr