"Thanksgiving Day Letter", рассказ на страноведческую тему "Праздники англоговорящих стран"

The following letter has been recovered as a part of a recent archeological discovery in a previously unnoticed cave in the vicinity of Plymouth, England. The letter and travelling gear, namely a messenger bag, some clothing and toiletries, miraculously survived centuries despite bad weather. How those items ended up in that place is still unclear.

***

Dear uncle Elric,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I'm sorry our correspondence has not been possible before now, but i finally have a chance to tell you about all that has occurred in the year we've spent in this strange and amazing land.

So, once we set sail, everything went well at first. The wind carried us far into the ocean. However, a few weeks in we encountered a horrifying storm. The sky was pitch black, and whirlwinds howled as if God himself was reprimanding us for straying to a place where no man must go. Alas, He must've granted us His mercy. The storm passed, and no member of the crew met death, although we definitely felt it breathing down our necks. The rest of the way went without issue.

We arrived in September. While we understood this place was going to be unfamiliar, what we saw went beyond our wildest imagination. Lush greenery surrounded us at every turn, plants and animals the likes of which I've never seen prior were everywhere. It felt as if we stumbled upon a corner of the fallen Edem, still as beautiful as the day Adam and Eve left it.

The nature of this place fascinated us, but tragedy struck like lightning from the sky and shook us out of that daze. Our supplies did not last long, and before we knew it, we were nearly starving. My good fellow Richard fell ill after attempting to eat a fruit with flesh as bright as our monarch's clothes, and would have surely perished if not for another miracle that Lord has granted us. To our amazement, the land was not devoid of mankind, and although the people we met were of different appearance and tradition, we found a way to communicate. It is their kindness that saved us.

It doesn't get as cold as it does at home in winter, but that season still was harsh on our well-being. These people, the Indians, as we took to calling them, taught us how to grow the strange fruits and vegetables, how to avoid the hidden threats of the forest and to hunt the beasts roaming it. Once we were able to, we thanked them with a feast; and what a feast it was! The Indians brought their own food, and while the taste might be peculiar - not all our men could stomach it - the flavour is unique in an awe inspiring way. You'd love the dish they call "popcorn".

As much as I wish i could say all of this in person, I fear I'm not yet ready to head back to our homeland. This wonderful place with breathtaking scenery and no less beautiful people truly grew on me. There is still so much to share, but this Indian girl I've gotten close to is asking me to dance with her near the fire. Perchance, someday you'll meet her; for now, I'll be cutting this letter short and ending it here. I couldn't be more thankful for your care and patience for me during my years of reckless youth, and so, I hope you'll forgive me my weakness this once too.

Forever in your debt,

Your unfaithful charge, Arthur.

***

(The date is impossible to decipher due to water damage, possibly one that came before the letter was left in the isolated cave.)

Pictures made by Aikina Valentina