Dear Baya,

     You and I have discussed all sorts of things ever since I was young. As my mum’s (step) dad, I’ve always looked up to you. You’ve travelled to so many places – India, Nepal, Japan, China, America, Australia. I’ve spent weeks in your huge library. You’ve taught for thirty years at the famous university at Cambridge. It’s no wonder that you seem to have lots of ideas about many things.

      I don’t always agree with you, but I do find what you say is exciting and makes me think (and often laugh) and even helps me to understand how bits of our world works.

      As you know, I’m just getting to that point in my late teens when I really have to sort out my ideas and make sense of things. I’ll soon be on my own – a grown up! It’s a bit scary.

     Could you do something for me? If I write you some short letters asking questions, could you try to answer them? I don’t need anything long and learned. Just what you think now – off the top of your head. Having these letters at hand over the years ahead would be really great. I’d hear your voice and remember our walks and talks. And I think it will help me when I don’t understand things and feel lonely and confused.

          No hurry to reply, but it would be great if you could.

                  Lots of love,

P.S. Incidentally, if you could explain why I call you ‘Baya’, that would be nice as I’ve heard different reasons.