Page 42 - creative spark 2020

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now, but that is fine. Why? Because we have taken refuge in a
Persian caravanserai! All of our fellow merchants are resting here
too. Other merchants from other countries are also here. There are
Indians, Persians, and Arabians here in this cosy hostel! I am
writing this in the court of the main square of the caravanserai. The
weather is better and warmer here. Shao Mei is playing something
on a board with an Indian merchant. Khao Hui told me it was
called...chaturan..chaturanga..what was it..chess? What a strange
game! Xing is recovering resting his leg here. He has gotten a lot
better. Shao Mei has cooked dinner for us. Ah, the smell! I will go
and eat, and call it a day.

23 JULY 1037

Dear Diary,
We are in Merv. There are many people here. I just bought
some spices and carpets. Why not? I will sell them later in Arabia,
perhaps Damascus. The Persians are quite nice to us Chinese,
and gave us discounts for the carpets. Khao Hui even bought a
carpet for his own family. We got ourselves supplies of food, water,
and clothing, which are very important, since we all know the
conditions in the Arabian deserts. Here, the weather is warm, the
markets are colourful, the local band plays beautiful music, the
smell of spices are everywhere, and everyone is smiling, but that
will all be gone once we reach the feared desert.