Afreen Monologue

My name is Afreen, and I am from Baghdad. I am writing this travelogue to one day bring enlightenment to my friends and family regarding the upcoming experiences and places I discover. Growing up as an Islamic woman, I was never bestowed with complete privilege to form my true character. My parents named me Afreen because it means beautiful in the Persian language, yet I dislike it, because beautiful is all they have ever wanted to make of me. My merchant father has supplied me with ample goods and books from surrounding cultures for me to read, but still I am left astounded by my lack of knowledge. I want to explore not only to satisfy curiosity, but also in an attempt to nurture a better future. In the early waking hours of this warm evening,
As I am writing this, I’m scared of what my community will think of my family and I. I know it is unsatisfactory to abandon everything in pursuit of my own knowledge, and it may appear selfish, but the merchant talk in the city can’t fulfill my inquiry any longer. I need to go see the world for myself. Mother and Father, I hope you can forgive me, for the intent of this travelogue is to ease your anger with me when I return. Love, Afreen

Japan The first place of my travels was an island called Japan. China has been attempting to take over Japan many times now, but has never been successful. Therefore, the Japanese were able to pick and choose their own qualities based on Chinese government and religious practice. Japanese culture appears to be far different from what I had heard about China. The Japanese engaged in cultural exchange with China when the Constitution of Prince Shotoku was created. This Constitution chose which aspects of the Chinese model the Japanese should adopt, such as Buddhism and a bureaucratic structure of government. Also, women are allowed to work there, and there is even an Empress, named Suiko! It was thrilling to learn that the Japanese treat women
Upon arrival I couldn’t help but stare at all the beautiful architecture and trade route the city of Frankia had to offer. King Charlemange has left a lasting impression upon this Empire through standard coinage, safe trade, alliances, education, and creating Lingua Franca. Lingua Franca is a common language that can be used to assist communication between different cultures and merchants. By having a common language, communication of new innovations and ideas can be shared freely, which enhances cultural exchange. A common religion unites the city to promote education within churches, and women are allowed to make and sell their own goods for personal profit. Although the government is a Monarchy, the Magna Carta offers a way to ensure the king does not obtain too much power by stating a list of regulatory expectations that the king must follow, such as citizens rights to property. People here practice monotheistic religion through Catholicism. Catholicism is a popular religion and I have even encountered missionaries at home before, but here Catholicism is implemented into multiple different aspects. For example, all churches are required to have a school for children. However, the church has begun to gain too much power, and corruption is near. The Church exercises its influence and the people listen, leading to ridiculous turmoil, such as the talk of taking the Holy Land away from my people. The tension between