Letters: language learning, San Simeon appeal

A reward -- in any language

I’m one of the many Beijing-based language students your piece mentions [“How Do You Say ‘I’m Lost’?” Jan. 6].

For those of us in for the long haul, words can’t even begin to describe the challenges and rewards we face. Many of us get suicidal at some time or another. Most of us eventually have trouble speaking our native language. Most of us can’t ever go home again . . . because the home we remember somehow isn’t the same as the one we left years before.

Even our ability to appreciate the many rewards of months spent in China has changed from what we originally expected.

Still, the rewards appear in the random events of daily life, rather than a feeling of achievement or improved career opportunities.

To me, there is nothing more meaningful, and I can’t imagine living any other way. It’s too bad there is really no way to properly tell the average American what it feels like to give up everything to be here.

--J. Natsun Eisen, Beijing

San Simeon sounds inviting

Christopher Reynolds’ piece on San Simeon [“The Inner Workings of the Castle,” Dec. 30] is a marvelous example of keen observation, a relaxed sense of story and a writing style in perfect pitch.

I have never been to San Simeon and have never wished to climb that particular hill. But now, even at 76, I believe I would like to come out there and see for myself.

--James J. McManus, Madison, Ga.