Page 21 of Kate & Frida

Frida Rodriguez ... En Route

July 2, 1992

Paris, France

Dear Kate,

THANK YOU for the Reporter’s Note Books! Best Present Ever!! And perfect timing. Niko’s back in Paris and get this: Not only did my professor get me a letter from a paper called Alt News L.A. – Niko says there’s no better way to become a War Journo than baptism by fire. Ready or not – now that the UN has control of the airport and I have my credentials letter, Niko’s pretty sure he can get me into Sarajevo!

I shouldn’t have told Kirby. He says Niko’s being irresponsible. I reminded him of all the trial-by-fire War Journo Dames I’ve been reading. I told him what you said about how it’s impossible to be ready until you’ve done it but I know the risks. Not that I’m going to carry a revolver like old Clare – thanks for her memoir – it gives me courage every time I read about another woman who did what I want to do. Anyway things got heated. Kirby said reading isn’t doing, and I flew off the handle and did something stupid. I accused him of being jealous of Niko. Now he’s not talking to me at all which is awkward in a hotel with only one tiny elevator.

That’s a gloomy note to end on. How about this instead? Old Sven sounds perfect for you and what a romantic. That picnic – swoon – look out Lloyd Boom Box Dobler! I hope the candied lilacs make it to you without getting crushed. I figure you two lovebirds can nibble on them while you read to each other.

Lots to do before I leave. Have a Happy Day – the real kind not the constructed kind!

Frida