april 20, 1999

　　dear peter,

　　i'm afraid you must think i've forgotten you, for i've not written you for such a long time. it's simply because i'm busily engaged①lately. now the spring vacation is drawing near, i'll have a three days' holiday. i'm planning a trip to hangzhou. won't you join me?

　　it'll be good to get out of the city at this season of the year for even a short change. the trip will give us a chance to forget our studies for the time being②. we'll be able to listen to the song of the birds and the music of the running brooks. we can do some climbing too. it will give us the most beautiful exercise in the open air. we'll rest under the cool shad of the trees and refresh ourselves with the purest and sweetest water from the springs. how we'll enjoy the cool breeze and the broad view from the top!

　　i'll be happy if you can go with me.

　　yours,

　　paul