I am on a train! I have been here on the train for three days, so we will soon be arriving in New York City. Since I am traveling, as Adam once did, I will give my best attempt at mimicking him:

We had to go south a-ways back into California before we started our way east, but we’re well on our way now. Oh, how I hate the train. And I hate cities more. It occurs to me that I am going now to a place that goes by the name of New York City. I hope it isn’t what I think it is.

Was it good mimicry? I do hope so, I spent many minutes getting it right.

There is an American girl - of course she is American, this is America - who was picked up a few stops ago. What was it again? Cleveland. We spoke for a long time, and I think she loves me. I told her of the book but she does not believe in the curse as I do, though she was interested in it. She said I had better not die in the war, and I assured her I wouldn’t, for it is only war. A war is no match for the power of the curse.

The girl, I do not remember her name, she is an artist. I feel I should be an artist of some sort, it is the proper German thing to do. I kid, but art makes a good man great, or so it is said. The girl gave me a sheet of paper and a piece of charcoal to learn with, and she gave herself to me as a model. I must say I believe my work is nothing short of genius. I have no passion to better it. It is true that talent is supreme in the arts, as the German masters have proven time and again. Art is beautiful. Yes, what a beautiful distraction.

News on the train tells that the Russians have invaded Germany. You can imagine my joy at this, as I may sleep peacefully tonight knowing the Russians will be no more. All’s left is the rest of the world. I would like to return to America as soon as we have taken it, I’m sure we can civilize the Americans and the savages within the decade.

Enough talk of the future. The girl says this book is a travelogue. She helped me spell it. The idea is odd to me, but I am beginning to understand. She says a travelogue - I spelt it alone this time - is a book meant to tell the details of a journey, as Adam was taking and I am now taking, too. Knowing this, I will begin giving more description of my journey, starting with the train.

The train is large, and inhabited by the most unbelievable American girl. She is fair of skin and hair, and has blue eyes.

No other details are worthy of mention. It is a train. You know trains, for you invented them so we would not have to walk. Adam did not understand this. Adam did not understand many things.

The girl calls me. I will continue writing later.