"I saw a man in this city who could swallow swords. It was a terrifying but fascinating performance."

"The Chinese are skilled in crafts, but they are not a people of religion."

"The food in this land is very spicy. My mouth was on fire after every meal, but I still enjoyed it."

"I saw a bird in this land that was as big as an ostrich, but it had a long neck like a giraffe. It was a most peculiar creature."

"The women of this land wear veils that cover their entire faces, so I could not see their beauty."