Oct. 26, 1912

Reached Colombo about six P. M.

Had not intended going on shore but

Miss Leishman, our stewardess insisted

on taking care of the children for us

so we decided to go. It was very beaut-

iful as we were going into Colombo.

The sun was just setting and the 

lights certainly were gorgeous. We

would not have enjoyed them so mcuh

had we known it meant bad weather.

Quite a crowd of us went on shore together.

Went in a launch and had dinner

at the G. O. Hotel. The dinner was

all right but we were not used to

the cooking and were afraid to

eat the highly seasoned stuff. After

dinner Mr. Cornel who was paying

for the evening suggested a rickshaw

ride, and it was too funny for any

thing to see the whole crowd of us start

off for our ride. First we went to the

Post Office as Annie and Mrs. Parker

were sending cables. Then we had another

ride and ended up in the shopping

 districts.It was lots of fun to shop.

Got beautiful hand made linen lace.

Annie got two little books  Jim wanted 

some little baskets for souvenirs and

had such a good time. Walked back

to the wharf and went in a rowboat

to the boat. They were coaling when 

we got back. Every door and port hole

was closed and it was so stifling

hot. We all went to the dining

room and had Ginger Ale and

sandwiches. It was so close that 

we did not sleep much. I fanned 

the kiddies nearly all night.

Oct. 15, 1912

Have been feeling rather wretched
since leaving Marseilles but am
quite myself again. Reached
Port Said at five P. M. Went on
shore with Mrs. Reid. Took C.(Catherine)
and Jean Reid with us. Mongolia
anchored a few yards from wharf
so we went in in little rowboats
Port Said is a dirty place but
rather interesting. The shops are

very small. The owners stand

at the door or in the street trying

to coax people to buy. We got some

post cards and candy and I

bought a hand embroidered bag

as a souvenier. No twilight at

Port Said so we only had a very short

time on  shore. After dinner we

went up on the upper deck and watched

them (the natives) coal. They work very swiftly
yelled or sang all the time. The only
light was coal burning in braziers.
All the coal was carried in baskets on
their heads.

 

Oct. 10, 1912

Reached Marsielles at noon. It was

quite warm and not at all
pleasant at the wharf. I took care
of the children while Annie went
on shoare. Stayed on the top deck as
they were coaling and everything was
shut up down below. Annie went on
shore with Mr. and Mrs. Maclean
They found it rather difficult to
make much headway as none of them
knew any French. All the poeple at
one table got back in time for dinner
Had a good time at dinner and in
the evening. Stayed at Marsielles eight-
teen hours.