\Kaspar\

\I listen intently as Arum describes her ideas for an ecological world; I'm fascinated by how much she knows about sustainable living practices. "That's amazing that there's a mushroom that can be used in construction!" I exclaim. "I had no idea. Yeah, I really hope people learn to let go of their focus on money - I mean, I can see how money's useful, but it's so weird how it seems to be the most important thing ever to some people. Anyway, I like your ideas! I've actually always thought that an ecological world would be more rural, with a return to farming instead of industrialization. There could be small-scale organic farms, with familes working together there, growing what they need, and buying and selling with other farms or people who don't live on farms. There could also be small, locally-owned businesses that would provide other things that people need, like clothes and stuff. And there could also be universities for people who wanted to do something more intellectual in their lives. Most issues would be solved by the community, not a state or federal government - you know, there could be community meetings where citizens could discuss what kinds of things they wanted to fix and how to fix them, like in ancient Athens. I've always thought that's a more effective way of handling issues because it makes sure that the people in charge actually care about what they're doing, rather than just about getting elected into office again. Switzerland actually does make use of that system, which I've always found fascinating. Definitely transportation and the Comforts of Modern Life would still be important, but people would cut down on how much they use them - like instead of constantly going on short trips to faraway places, maybe they could take trips once every couple of years and spend more time at their chosen destination, really learning what it's like to live there and gaining a deeper understanding of it. And I'm a huge advocate of getting electric high-speed trains and subways to take the place of airplanes and cars. I wish public transport were more common in the US, like it is in Europe. I mean aside from being ecological, subways are super fun, at least for me," I laugh. "I think maybe fighting climate change can show us new ways to improve other aspects of our lives too, like community ties and learning to value friends and happiness instead of the economic aspects of life. It seems to me like there's a lot that's wrong with our current lifestyles, and adopting a more ecological, less consumerist way of living can help solve most of those problems. Anyway, that's how I feel - do you think so too?" To lighten up the conversation a bit, I add, "Um, this is sort of changing the subject drastically, but what kind of music do you like?"\

Poinsettia

"Oh, I love the classics too!" I answer. "I've read some Steinbeck - not much, but enough to get an idea of his style. I also love Frances Hodgson Burnett and O. Henry and all those other famous older writers... One of my favorite fantasy series is the Chronicles of Narnia - it has the most amazing writing style, super atmospheric and vivid, and the worldbuilding is fascinating. I also like how it becomes more meaningful as you get older - there are things in it that I understand better than I did the first time I read it. The Melendy Quartet by Elizabeth Enright is also one of the best series I've read. It's about four kids growing up during World War II, and it has a host of colorful characters, tons of humor, and a way of making you feel like you're living right in the book. I think the best thing about it is that the world it portrays is one you want to live in - it just celebrates the wonderfulness of life in a really warm and joyous way. And for books that aren't in series, I just finished reading Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu, a light YA romance which is super sweet and happy and which I would totally recommend... Oh wow, your summer plans sound great!" Once pangolin's taken a cookie, I take a small one too, just because I'm starting to feel a little hungry again. "You're welcome!" I say. "I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly older country and folk, music which is supposed to be country but isn't really, in my opinion (like Alison Krauss' songs), and songs inspired by traditional music from around the world. I really love Irish and Greek music, for instance. Sometimes I do listen to more popular music, though, like Martina McBride's songs, and I really love the Indigo Girls' music - would that be pop? Or something else? Anyway, for favorite songs, I have probably a million, but some of the ones I'm most into right now are "The Marvelous Toy" by Peter Paul & Mary (funny and cute, good for listening to when you need cheering up), and "The Lucky One" by Alison Krauss, which is really soft-sounding and harmonious. I also am currently slightly obsessed with "Behet Ghol Midam" by Mohsen Yeganeh, which has the most amazing melody and instrumental I have ever heard, as well as having gorgeous lyrics. I don't understand them in the original language, of course, but the video I found of it has subtitles with the English translation, so I know what it says. It's just... it blows me away every time I hear it. I can't recommend it enough. Anyway, what songs and music do you like? And do you play any instruments yourself?"

Okay! Here at last! Again, my sincere apologies...

\Kaspar\

\"Oh, that's cool that you like to sing!" I say. "I understand not really wanting to do it in front of other people, though. I tend to feel very self-conscious as well when I do something like that, although I've never actually done any singing performances. Hmm, I like most types of movies - I'll pretty much watch anything. But I guess I especially enjoy adventure movies. I watched one a few months ago called Uncharted, about how the main character tries to find a treasure (as usual in adventure movies) and his missing brother. I think there's going to be a sequel, because he still hadn't found his brother by the end of the movie, and the final scene was kind of mysterious. The only thing that irritated me was that one of the villains was Spanish and the other was African-American; it's like even now, with all the emphasis on diversity, Latins and Africans are still habitually seen as shady characters. I wouldn't mind if it were just this one movie, but it seems to happen a lot. But I did enjoy it anyway." I pause for a moment, wondering whether to tell Arum about my dream of being a screenwriter, and then decide to go ahead. "Actually, when I'm old enough, I really want to be a director or a screenwriter and play a part in making movies myself. I just think it would be super interesting to imagine something and then get to actually see it happening on a screen. Have you given anythought to what kind of career you want to have?"\

Poinsettia

"Ooh, your Fourth of July traditions sound like so much fun!" I exclaim. "It's always wonderful to get together with extended family. Unfortunately my relatives live in various places all over the world, so it's really hard to get everyone together; there are some I've never even met! I actually met a couple of my very distant cousins virtually just yesterday, and it was so weird. I mean, if i'd met them on the street, I wouldn't have known we were related, and yet they were my own grandmother's cousin's grandchildren (okay I know that's like super distantly related, but still.) And being in the woods near a lake... wow. My family and I just did the traditional type of Fourth of July - we had hot dogs outside for dinner, and then we went to see the local fireworks display. It was really great. Sports... well, I play soccer and badminton in the backyard with my dad and sister, but other than that, nope. Do you?"