. . . I send you greetings from somewhere at sea aboard the Golden Phoenix en route from Macchu Picchu to Germania. My ambition is to visit all the countries of the known world and to learn what each civilizaiton has to offer -- and possibly find a husband (or at least a boyfriend) in the process.

My journey got off to a rather dismal start when I was stuck down by a very bad case of sea sickness which kept me confined to my cabin. To make things worse, the authorities banished Sweetums, my pet cheetah to a cage in steerage. I was devastated but I was to ill and weak to lift a finger in protest.

Fortunately, Senbi Horemheb, an Egyptian medical student was aboard and was able to cure me of that miserable illness even though he was sick himself. In gratitude I gave the kind Egyptian a bag of gold, enough to cover his tuition until he graduates.

As soon as I was able, I hastened to steerage to rescue poor Sweetums. An application of silver to the correct, sympathetic, animal-loving,(and corruptable) palm, allows my dear pet to remain in my suite where he belongs.

I have met the most interesting people in steerage. It was there that I met the internationally-known woman of action, recounteur, and novelist, Heraklia Aelius; and that noted man of letters, Senex Caecilius, inventor of the Double-Dactyl, one of the great milestones of world literature. I urged them both to come up to First Class and share my spacious quarters with me but they declined politely, much to my sorrow. I consoled mystelf with the thought that they, like most artists and intellectuals, enjoy suffering in poverty for the sake of their art and principles. But then again, it may be that the people in Steerage are having more fun than those of us in First Class. This bears further study.

Since I spent part of the day smuggling Sweetums into my suite, I missed some of the events at Macchu Picchu. this was unfortunate. However, I did manage to do some shopping, to see an exciting llama race, and to attend the banquet afterward.

Yesterday, I caught a glimpse of the Goddess Cornelia. What an uplifting and inspiring sight to see her hovering above the mundane wooden planking, supported by a swirling posse of smiling rosy-cheeked putti.

Then, as we passed Eturia, who should happen by but our distant cousin (on the Etruscan side) Tanaquil Sergius! She decided right then and there to come aboard and join the cruise! The Steward Stewardus and his assistant, Reversum, claimed that there was no accommodation available; However, you know how it is. After a bit of silver encouragement, suitable quarters materialized as if by magic.

Our next port of call is in Germania. As the ship heads north, it is becoming colder and colder. I am so glad that I have a nice warm Macchu Picchu shawl to keep me warm. I am sending you one. You will appreciate it on those bitterly cold winter nights in Petra.

Oh, by the way, our mutual friend who runs the art gallery is about to receive some rather risque pots made by a people called "Moche." Local experts say that Moche pots are quite unique and artistically significant.

Finally, I am sending all my friends some cocoa beans. These beans are a real find! I predict that cocoa could surpass incense as a money-maker. Why? First, because cocoa beans make the most wonderful hot beverage. The leaves have both a medicinal and a narcotic effect. Best of all is that the beans can be made into the most delightful confections. My Gallic chef, Marcel, has been experimenting with them. Last evening it was a gateau, which he named, "Folie de Minuit," which all the servants adore. I am sending you some, along with the recipe.

This is all for now. I must get to bed early tonight. I did not get much sleep last night because someone was running up and down the deck overhead. The effect below was like thunder! I hope that those restless people are sufficiently worn out so that they will not attempt their footrace again!

Tomorrow, I hope to become better acquainted with my fellow shipmates.

Bye for now,
Shquilat, Princess of Nabataea