Answer:
My dear Eusebio, What a strange and intriguing world I have entered. I am far from our home of Genoa now, and have spent a number of years within the region of Asia, which has been entirely conquered by the Mongol people. We heard nothing in our youths of the Mongols other than murder, fear, and barbarity, but here they have created an empire of peace, prosperity, and toleration. Their emperor, Kublai Khan, has enforced a strong policy of integration with the Chinese people, and has created a society where both cultures live in relative peace. Although they live together peacefully, there is still a divide, with both peoples having separate laws, taxes, and freedoms. The greatest achievement of this empire to me however is their restoration of the Silk Road, which stretches all across Asia and into the Middle East. Here I have made an ample profit trading our European goods for the most fascinating items and materials. The most valuable items I have found here are silk and jade, which are widely sold in large quantities. Spices and herbs abound, with the most amazing and intense flavors being found in the local market. I have found a fondness for my silver and finely made tools in the Chinese markets, where I have traded with the merchants generously. They are wary of me as an outsider, but the open policies and booming trade of the Mongol rulers has assisted in me making many friends and even more business partners. I miss our home often, and feel it will soon be time for me to make the long journey home, but it is astounding living in such an alien world. I hope things
are well at home, and I hope that we will meet again in the future. Yours, Saul.
