Again, short chapter, but there's meaning in there. I'm breezing over this part because it's not really important to the plot. All you need to know is that Bulma gains confidence and grows wiser.

Last time: …I'm looking forward to seeing the city. I hope it lives up to my expectations.

February 24, 563

Dear Diary,

Sorry I haven't written for a while, but college is hard work! The head chef is French, but I don't know how he ended up here. I don't have the courage to ask him, either. Anyways, he talks with a funny accent, like he has something caught in the back of his throat. It's really hard to understand him.

Also, I didn't know I was this bad of a cook. The first day of class we had to learn how to crack eggs. I thought I knew how to do that: just tap it on the counter until it cracks, then pull it open so the egg part comes out. Apparently, I was wrong.

When he taught us how to crack the egg, he said, "Now, an egg is not a stone; it is not made of wood, it is a living thing. It has a heart. So when we crack it, we must not torment it. We must be merciful and execute it quickly, like with the guillotine." I had to hold in my laughter during this speech. Who ever heard of being merciful to a frozen chicken embryo?

Well, when I tried his method, I couldn't crack open the egg. It was supposed to be a sharp rap on the bowl, but nothing changed. He eventually came over and tried to open it, but he couldn't crack it either. Finally, he rapped it as hard as he could, and the egg exploded in his hand. I was trying so hard not to laugh, I had tears streaming down my face. After that, Monsieur Hillaire started pointing out every mistake I made to the class. I've had to work extra hard so he won't catch me doing something really stupid.

I still have a picture of Laranzo in my room. He used to be the only picture I have, but after almost eight months in Guanan, my dorm room has become full of pictures of the city.

It's so beautiful here! The streets are always full of people, and since this is one of the oldest cities on Vegeta-sei, there are many historical sites and museums and, well, tourists. What's really awesome is the diversity here. I didn't know Vegeta-sei was home to more than one species of people. It's always so full of life here.

I wrote a letter to Dad a few weeks ago. Just the basics, telling him I was alright, asking about everyone over there. I got the letter back today, and it was full of descriptions of Laranzo. My dad knows me too well.

I have to stop writing now. Tomorrow is finals and I have to figure out how to keep a soufflé up.

Love,

Bulma

Those of you who review often know that I usually respond if your e-mail address is readily available. Therefore, if you like getting e-mails, please review!