Hello, from England

Dear Daughter,

Papa is in Cambridge in England, and I am in a wonderful cafe called the "Indigo," which as you know is the next to last color of the rainbow, visiting the University here to listen to an important person talk about some very weird stuff about our Universe in honor of a very important person Papa knew many years ago.

Cambridge is a beautiful city, with a river that runs along it, called the Cam. In fact, that is where the name comes from, it designated a Bridge over the River Cam, that someone decided long ago to call it the Cam-Bridge.

It is like the story about where the name Antwerpen may have come from that Papa likes to tell people. Remember the statue in the center that has Brabo throwing the hand of the giant Antinoos in the Schelde? That might be the origin of “hand werpen,” or to throw the hand in Dutch. But, nobody is really sure about that one.

This is also where Aunt Rachel went to school many years ago and maybe one day she can show you the college she went to as well.

I Love  You,

Papa

A Flower Given to My Daughter

Dear Daughter,

Papa is reminded of James Joyce this weekend because it was Bloomsday, something Papa will explain later when you are older.

James Joyce was an Irish writer who loved languages and inventing new words and puzzles with words. He lived in Belgium for a short while and called Antwerp "Gnatwerp" because of all the muggen, something you also don't like here because they bite you at night.

He also had a daughter, Lucia, whom he loved very much and wrote her this poem that I wanted to share with you.

It is called, "A Flower Given to My Daughter." I have tried to provide you with flowers of various kinds over the years, and you gave me the most beautiful one the other day from the vine outside.

Here is the poem.


Frail the white rose and frail are
Her hands that gave
Whose soul is sere and paler
Than time's wan wave.

Rosefrail and fair -- yet frailest
A wonder wild
In gentle eyes thou veilest,
My blueveined child. 


Always keep your wonder wild and eyes gentle to the Beauty of life.

I Love You,
Papa

A Gigantic Memory

Exactly one year ago, the most extraordinary event took place in Antwerp. The Diver and his long-lost niece, the Little Giant came to town and for three days the city was transformed into the most magical stage for a fairy tale of separation and reunion. We followed the Little Giant all day long together on the bike last year on this Saturday, and we saw her snoring and sleeping, wake up, ride in her boat, go "pee-pee," dance, and walk through the streets of Antwerp. It was unforgettable and one of the best memories that I have with you, my Daughter. I hope that you remember the weekend that the giants came to town for all of your years to come. I know that I will never forget them.