Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Found Diary 1952

(bought, Op Shop, Brisbane Dec 2020)

Holy Baptism.St. Paul's Church, KogarahNorma Lois Delaney - was baptised on Sunday, March 18th 1928 by Stanley G. Best, Rector.

Diary - Front page.

To my old Matey le Roy!

With all the luck in the world,From Gus. "Crescent" Evergreen Diary. 

 Tuesday, 5 August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

We left Sydney, Mavis and I on R.M.S. "Mooltan." My family and friends gave me a terrific send off aboard ship in the music lounge. Present were Mamma, Dadda, Joyce, Pat, Meg, Jane, Jassy, Auntie Louie, Betty Brennan, Betty James, Bonnie Glew, Pat Fitzimmons, Kath Wright, Dudley Jefree, Mr and Mrs Everson, Rita and Cliff Finn, Mrs Gibbs and Hazel Butler. 

Dudley took me to Chrys' place first as she was ill and I presented her with Dudley's long awaited for frying pan. 

The party consisted of much talking, presents, thank you's, a large send-off cake from Rita and Cliff and lots of Scotch. Mamma later lost her new tartan umbrella aboard and I lost the bottle of Scotch which Mrs Gibbs had given me, which I guess wasn't very surprising as I was quite high with the grog. 

Amidst kisses, hugs, laughs and tears everybody went ashore, that is of course except people who had paid passage money and I reckon I being one of those was the only reason I remained on the ship. The Mooltan chooffed out of Sydney harbour to the tune of my sobs and chokes, and with no help from the teaming rain and my uncontrollable tears.

I was later to learn that Meg shed quite a few quite a few tears herself, Daddy broke up and Betty James received a dose of the cold and a day off from Work.I believe that the Eversons and my family proceeded to the Gap from where they flicked the headlights on and off of Mr Everson's truck to bid me farewell. I'm afraid I sighted none of this but appreciated the deed nevertheless.

Apparently the "Mooltan" steamed into a cyclone along N.S.W. Coastline which resulted in the majority of tourists achieving sea sickness. Whether I was lucky enough to be a good sailor or the fact that I was as high as a kite by then, I don't know but next morning I woke up as bright as the Tivoli Foyer on Opening Nites and unharmed by a "heavy head" or that fatal disease - sea-sickness. The ship had been tossing about like a drunk on Saturday afternoon at Woolloomooloo and I had felt nought. 

Wednesday, 6th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan":

The sea is pretty calm and nothing of any note happened, except perhaps that I should much prefer a cabin all to myself as the 4-berth that I occupy with Mavis Cornwall, Hermione Bensley and Francis Noble is approximately one-inch square and boasts one porthole down an alley way draped over a cold water wash basin, 4 bunks, one wardrobe, one dressing table, one mat of dubious character and positively no foot space whatsoever. I managed to hoist one wardrobe port on a hook, one on the floor, some sundries on the chair beside my bunk, which is a "lower," and 2 ports on top of each other under my bunk. Every article is still packed up snug and looks to me as if that is how the situation will remain for the rest of this trip. 

This is all, however, quite beside the point when I get carried away with the whole affair and find myself wondering what the Hell I'm doing aboard this ship, and why I ever left such a swell abode as No.11 South Street, Kogorah. 

Later on I guess I shall look the business squarely in the face and discover that this move is only temporary and it's so nice to think that my home will still be in Kogarah when I return and the light will be on in my room to welcome me back to same. This is a very noble and pilgrimage thought I must admit but nevertheless it does nought to reconcile me at the moment as I have a terrible case of homesickness.

Thursday, 7th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

We arrived at Melbourne to the accompaniament of a very unusual, Melbourne sunny warm day. I had some fun finding my way to Auntie Pearl's place but must have gained some knowledge on the transportation situation as I used train, bus and 2 trams before I reached my goal and only to discover from Auntie that I could have done the job in ¼ the time by using one tram. I waited on the front lawn, after a one mile walk of 49 (Hurston?) Avenue, making myself comfortable with book, apples and cigarettes as well as Auntie's front door mat on account of the grass was quite damp but it was the only position I could find which sported a few rays of sunshine. 

It was rather disappointing to find that Auntie wasn't home but my book was quite interesting "Streets of Askelon," by Don Tracey and I was learning that suburbs in all cities are more or less the same. 
My 'blues' were on the way to banishment after my overnight stay with Auntie and Uncle - they are swell people and I'm afraid I must have bored her stiff with my griping.  But being the good soul that she is, she listened with an attentive ear and heard me pour my heart out.

Friday, 8 August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

I chooffed back to the ship, picked up Mavis - we boarded their quaint little train, (dog carriages, with 4 2nd class, similar in structure to a tram and boasting 4 carriages - not to mention the fact that the seats face one another which makes the point of staring at odd faces and being stared at unavoidable - a most regrettable situation), and travelled once again from Port Melbourne where the "Mooltan" was berthed into Melbourne and the dirty, muddy Yarra River.

I lowered myself to the tourist-type and sighted off the shops - which didn't impress me at all, including "Myer's," their being D.J.'s store and thence with Mavis to Captain Cook's Cottage, (he wasn't home but we didn't wait as it wasn't such a nice day). We followed through by climbing into a tram and made a trip to St.Kilda and the famous St.Kilda beach, which is very similar in appearance to Brighton-le-Sands. The homes however, out that way are quite spectacular and their Luna Park is much larger than Sydney's. It was freezing cold, not unusual for Melbourne, so we whizzed back towards the ship area again. 

Per the excursion back and whilst in the quaint train the lounge steward (or in terra firma language, drinks waiter), struck up an aquaintance and asked yours truly to dinner and a show in Melbourne that night. I agreed, only owing to the fact that I was thoroughly bored sick of Mavis and still homesick. So even though this character happened to be a pommy and a cockney at that, Bob Moore, by name I rushed through a dry clean wash and once again found myself on the train, to which I was now fast becoming attached, headed back towards Melbourne. We had dinner in a downstairs cafe - steak and my first eggs since I had left Sydney. No movies, however and even though I ached longingly to visit a nightclub, Melbourne does not possess such things, so the one alternative remained a visit to the Trocodero. We danced rather well and the orchestra was swell - that's all, except for the fact that he talked too much. We had beers in his cabin and then I chooffed off to bed.

Saturday, 9th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

The farewells at Melbourne consisted of me wondering whether Auntie Pearl would be able to see me off as she hadn't promised owing to the fact of not being well herself. She madie it however and what was more, had Dulcie (North?) for company. I missed them on the ship but they caught my eye when they had trotted back to the wharf, and so amidst streamers, much moving and fluttering of handkerchiefs we steamed forth from Port Melbourne. Such a lovely surprise which ultimately sent me into stitches for a few bars upon my arrival down to the cabin was a parcel from Dulcie on my bunk. A bottle of Sherry no less, jeepers but that sure gave me a laugh, especially as I have been on the wagon since I left Sydney. 

Mavis eyed the bottle with a disapproving glare but she's a bit beyond me so at least that scores me with the whole contents to brood, when Mavis crowd's her "Ancient Mariner" act a bit too much. 

Sundary, 10th August 1952Nothing of note during the day apart of me writing letters and that the "Mooltan" is still chooffing "Over the Waves," and what is more lamentable, I'm still on it - for 2 pins I would have disembarked at Melbourne but Great Balls of Fire I couldn't even find those damn pins. 
And then of course I guess a deLaney never turns back. (Boy, who am I kidding?) 
Came the evening I got caught up somehow with some horrible type with grey hair, thinning on top and a moustache. I suppose he was fully clothed as well, but these facts seemed to be more noticeable. Sick of the cabin Mavis and myself, I made an effort and agreed to accompany him to his cabin where we indulged in 6 plonks apiece. It was pouring hell for leather but I managed to drag (literally of course) this moron up on deck and we whizzed along to the dance. I had 2 dances with this peasant but the Hell of it was, I happened to be sporting a sweater, raincoat, jeans and snowboots. My dancing seemed to be up to par, however, or maybe the plonk had helped some - I don't know. The outcome of the evening was the presentation of a photograph of the Harbour Bridge , (Imagine the beautiful Sydney Harbour Bridge) from this unnecessary human being. 

During the night, before I met him, I did have a few enjoyable drinks with Mr and Mrs Redmond at their invitation.

Monday, 11th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Arrived in Adelaide. Here we go again - I'm with the "lady" and we set out to cover the shops. Not very interesting but what did impress me was the tempurature 37° no less and the tidiness and cleanliness of the town. The homes are particularly neat, complete with gardens, lawns and gravel drive-ins. 

I made a definite dash to the G.P.O. but couldn't get onto Mamma and Dadda. However, I did 'phone again at nit 'round about 6pm. Mamma and Dadda nearly fell into the receiver with excitment. I guess I was plenty exhilerated myself. After the shops we tripped by tram out to Glenelg Beach - a very nice suburb but the water and beach are not very impressive on account of there's no surf. A phrase of note about Adelaid, Bonnie writes me in a letter that Adelaide is a nice quiet little city on the outside but if one digs deep enough it turns out to be rather like the set-up of "King's Row," a rather nice little town but known for it's Churches, Celery and Queens.

Tuesday, 12th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

The RMS "Mooltan" chooffed out of Adelaide at 12.30pm - blowing a gale and freezing cold, the weather dampened the farewell which didn't come nearly up to par with either Sydney's or Melbourne's. We are now in the Great Australian Bite and the sea is very rough with plates and glasses sliding off tables and breakages in all directions. Otherwise uneventful so I climbed into the cot at 7pm. 

Wednesday. 13th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

The Great Australian Bite continues and plenty rough at that. I had a nap during the day, which is most unusual but entertainment is sure scarce. However, these early nites and sessions of creaming the face, hands and feet, eating lots of fruit and applying solution No.41 (Innoxa), I feel will surely pay back in big dividends - who knows I may even land a film contract upon my arrival in London (always kidding)!

Thursday, 14th August 1952

Bored to tears so put my wasted energy into the effort of writing 9 letters. Later I had drinks with Bill and Tony and met Joan and Mary who are English women who have been living in Sydney with their husbands and children for 6 years and are now returning to Plymouth, where their husbands will join them later. I like them very much. Joan has a terrific personality. I fronted the cot early once again, my mother would be proud of me.

Friday, 15th August 1952I was in the lounge most part of the day having drinks with Redmonds, Joan and Mary and met up with 2 American women who proved to be very interesting. One, Mrs Kelly, come from Los Angeles, California. The other, Mrs Young, originates from Altanta, Georgia. They are both getting off at Marseilles. I'm still healthy, bored, inactive and hit the hay early once again after having gone through the old one-two beauty ritual.

Saturday, 16th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
Arrived in Fremantle and took their cute little train into Perth. It most certainly is the most impressive of our State Capitals that I have seen. Wide and long streets lined with trees - beautiful homes and beaches which remind me very much of our own surfs in Sydney, so naturally, I guess I would become kind of attached to Perth. 

The Swann River is beautiful and their shopping centre quite large, not to omit of course their delightful and numerous parks. Mavis and I hiked to Y.W.C.A. - to find out about accomodation in England at this establishment as a temporary abode. The woman there was quite helpful and advised us to write a letter to their London branch giving us the address of same. We did this very thing and left the G.P.O. hoping for the best - not however, before I had 'phoned home in Sydney and got £1/4/7d (3 minutes) worth of Dadda, as Mumma had whizzed off to the movies. I guess I must have been a bit muddled with the time as in Perth we are now 2 hours behind Sydney time and Dadda was getting ready to go to Bowls. 
We left Fremantle the same afternoon and chooffed into the Indian Ocean.

Sunday, 17th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Began to answer my 13 letters which I had received in the mail at Fremantle. In the evening I had a pleasant chat about things in general with Bob on the For'ard Sports Deck at about 11.45pm. I guess that's all.

Monday, 18th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Still writing letters and the tempurature is getting warmer, the chat continued with Bob into the early hours of the morning.

Tuesday, 19th August 1952The day passed much the same as the previous 2 except that I had a couple of double scotches with a query of a  Scotchmen and there for the life of me, I couldn't get rid of him. Georgia said a witty thing during my drinking period with the Redmonds today. The Doctor apparently told her to stop in bed as he thought that she had pleurisy. Georgia's reply to this was: "Doctor, when you get to my age, there is only one reason to go to bed and that is to go to sleep." 

Wednesday, 20th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

My first swim in the ship's pool, as it was only filled yesterday. It's an 8' x 6' tank with a depth of 4ft. However, as it is so hot now, (but I'm not complaining on account of being so warm is really heavan sent), it's rather pleasant to dunk oneself in this small area and I found that if there aren't many peasants in cooling their heels, I could manipulatte a few short swims, (posing up large to an audience with my 87 varieties with the "stroke"). and a dive here and there. The sun deck is fairly spacious, so I found a nice spot and proceeded to drop dead and sunbake. Hey, and it didn't take long to burn either.

Friday, 22nd August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Hermy and I went to the movies this evening aboard ship. "Lullaby of Broadway," Doris Day starrin. I met Bob again after he had finished work which helped to fill in a couple of more hours. Hell, but I wish I were back in Kogarah and that's for damn sure!!

Saturday, 23rd August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Hellelujah we crossed the equator today - some fun!! The whole (patron?) list put on some kind of a shin dig - they called it something like King Neptune's Ritual or other. The important peasants got all trizzed up in the traditional regalia and make up and amongst themselves they really had a Wow of a time, dunking people and dunking themselves. I happened to get dunked myself but had on blue denims and nought else, so I guess it didn't matter any. 

However I was a bit terse about my blue jean scuffs as they are now all but falling apart. 
In the aforesaid traditional manner, though, I grinned and laughed haw haw with the rest of the morons not the Hell that they would have noticed what I was at in any case. 

Later Hermy (Henry?) and I paid 1/- each for a certificate stating the fact that we had crossed the equator and were now offically initiated - So be it!! 

A small note, here to the fact that I am completely sorry for myself with one dandy of a cold - ears blocked, nose pouring and my cough improving with every effort of lung power. What was more important though, I guess but more discouraging nevertheless - I had a beaut 'blue' with "The Lady," but it helped the atmosphere a total score of nil so I guess I could have saved myself the breathing space. I am thoroughly convinced that she is a pillar of stone without thought or feeling of anyone or anything other than herself. 

I was supposed to have met Bob this evening but what with having my nerves shattered by Mam's and this small matter of my face looking worse ( if that be possible), than usual by my fit of crying after our battle, I reckoned on hitting the hay and leaving him for dead. However, the next day he told me that he had searched the ship for yours truly for 1 hour and finally got stuck into some plonk with the boys ('cause I guess he was carrying on some and a person has to take that floozzi with a grain of salt), but just the same this small piece of repartee kind of reminded me of Trevor. Hell but I wonder what the Hell the boy is doing now ?!!?

Sunday, 24th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Hermy and I went up to the Bridge, (that is the Bridge of the Ship) and cased the joint including a little of the old one-two in regards to the steering of this tub. We were told about the radar machine and it's works but God my brain doesn't take much in so I guess I'm still at a loss re the data. The Compasses were all in tact and I guess according to the fellas up there everything is OK, and the ship is flying "Roger," whether that's important or not I wouldn't know, 'cause at the moment I couldn't care less if it sank or swam. Met Bob this evening for another of those cosy fire side chats but a small piece of Monsoon that was left over from some place caught up with the "Mooltan" and it poured down here no little - so I left the boy and chooffed back to the cabin and my now, quite familiar cot.

Monday, 25th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

We berthed at Colombo, Ceylon. The main impression that I seemed to get of Colombo was that it was filthy, sticky and amassed with beggars. As a matter of fact the main occupation of everyone here seems to be of the beggar and they depend wholey on the tourist trade for their livelihood. Very small children who have been maimed at babyhood and many of them purposely are hired out whenever a ship berths they proceed to get right into their act of: "No Mammy, no Pappy - money - pennies?" and follow through by rubbing their stomachs to indicate their state of hunger. They're not to be outdone by their elders, however, who also have a pretty good script, but it appears that this business has been going on for countless years and in Ceylon and India is considered quite the normal thing. 

Mr and Mrs Redmond, Joan and Mary and their children John and Julie and myself hired a taxi and so we toured the City in comparative comfort, except for the fact perhaps that the tempurature was about 190° no less. The taxi took us ot Mt. Lavinia where there is a colonial Hotel and an adjoining Beach naturally we parked the bodies in the huge lounge overlooking the Indian Ocean and partook of a few (spots?). 

The bathing sheds which belong to the Hotel are really terrific, huge and luxurious, Hot and Cold showers and baths, full length mirrors lining the walls and oodles of separate cabins for complete privacy - it is very much like an old Roman bathing pool.

A lace (all hand made) factory is also situated at Mt. Lavinia and the skill and alertness of the women here all sitting in Yogi fashion is truly amazing. 

We all drove then to Galle Face Hotel which is on the other side of the City and considered "The" Hotel of Colombo. How they ever make it pay, I'll never understand. A six piece orchestra fusses around melodiously during the lunch, which made it all cosi-fan-tutti and there were about six waiters  to each table. I had an enormous meal consisting of 5 different kinds of cold meat, 4 different oils and salad  which I stacked on  a mile high. Later we visited the markets - the only thing I purchased was a cotton shirt of newspaper print design for approximately 5/- Sterling.

 
We cased a Buddhist Temple which was very elaborate but I'm told was erected strictly for the tourist trade - as we had to take our shoes and hats off to enter same and when we were leaving, millions of Singalese Characters darted in and out of everybody's feet lunging on our shoes and tying laces but mostly screaming: "Tip, tip, tip," and their hands opened palms up and arms fully extended. A snaked charmer did a bit of an act on the roadway but I reckon that the snake hadn't read his act over properly, or he may have missed out on his daily siesta as he was definitely sluggish and in need of some Dr. McKenzie 's Menthoids. 

Upon arrival back to the ship I had had it and was so thankful for that tub of water and a bit of fresh air - even then I could still smell Colombo. 

Tuesday, 26th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Made a bit of an alteration in the ship's daily routine by blonding my hair with Napro. Actually it was the first time that I had ever done it by myself and the final result wasn't too bad at that, but as they don't market Napro in England and I'm not stocked up well with same, tried to economise and only used one packet instead of two, hence the ¼" dark parting still sits cockily on top of my skull - but at least ithas made a slight improvement and helped my moral somewhat. Had a few drinks and answered my mail. Met Bob in the evening and had a few laughs - with his cockney accent how could I help but laugh. Hell, but the god-damn monotony continues and I remain bored and unchanged.

Wednesday, 27th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Hermy and I, to fill in time chooffed along to the kid's Movie Matinee at 3pm - Just shorts most uninteresting, but nevertheless this filled in an hour. The usual drinks with the Redmonds and a few more days of this and I'll be taking a "klutch"(?) over the deck railings and into the "brink." 

Thursday, 28th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Arrived in Bombay. My, but this really is a city and I reckon would be nigh on perfect except for the fact that prohibition is enforced here and has been thus for the past three years. With the Redmonds again, (although onlyh the three of us this time), we toured Bombay by taxi. 

We sighted off a Hindu Temple with various characters chanting and going through rituals of burning incense madly. We choofed onward then to Malabar Hill  by way of the Marine Drive, which is a terrific waterfront roadway covering a distance of about 4 mile. This Drive is lined completely with newly built apartment houses, all of them being five stories high and some of which are still in the state of erection and these Hindus sure work hard  for their crust. Malabar Hill presents a terrific view of the City and Indian Ocean - from whence we took in The Hanging Gardens under which is the City's Resevoir. Adjoining this is the Tower of Silence. Here a race of Indians - Pisars hang their dead or whizz them down a kind of shute, whereupon the local vultures, who are continually hovering overhead, eat the bodies leaving nought but the bones. This seemed to me a bit gruesome, but it is their religion so who am I to disuade the fellas. 

We drove back towards the city and sighted off the markets, the Victoria Gardens, here stands their Museum - but we didn't inspect same as I'm not a real tourist at heart and neither are the Redmonds, actually I'd rather keep in touch with the living, than the dead. 

The washing square was perhaps the most interesting of the day's "doings." It consists of ½ a square mile of stone wash tubs where all the fellas stand in their own separate tubs with theirs stacks of dirty linen and proceed to belt the living daylights out of each article, by bashing same onto a stone slab. It's certainly a busy little hub and most fascinating to watch 'specially as we had a grandstand view on top of an overhead bridge. The most amazing thing about his whole episode though, is that amidst alol this milling around of human bodies, stone slabs. lots of msucle, filthy water and no suds, appears a beautiful white wash and Persil or Lux advertising Agent would be proud of. Although I guess that this maltreatment of their clothes certainly must play one Hellava Havock with buttons, zippers and press-studs.

That collossal joint known as The Taj Mahal was our next item on the program, from where we had  lunch overlooking the Gateway of India and the Ocean. The Taj Mahal is all I've heard of it plus some. Words fail me, but for luxury and spaciousness and beauty it is surely the last word. Mrs Redmond (Bill), bought a frock at La Pompadour (one of the many shops residing in the Taj) - and quite a cute little salon at that. 
Later shopping was the order and I secured for myself a pair of Hindu Sandals in black and red suede covered in imitation jewels and gold braid - I rather fancy myself in these and at 25/- I reckon they were a pretty good buy. 

Bombay is much cleaner and less evil smelling than Colombo and so could be enjoyed even though its was a stinking monsoon day, complete with sudden, drenching downpours. 
I guess the only objection I had to walking down the streets was that the local residents all eat the Beetle Nut and a green leaf for dessert. I believe it's all quite nutritious, (well they reckon the taste is not objectionalble anyway) but when the taste has gone out of same they crook up a nice chesty hock and together with the remains of this red Beetle Nut, they spit. Never having any particular object in mind and nor do they carry spittoons on their heads - this red spatter can either hit a passer by, the footpath, a barrow of fruit or - - - -  in the eye. So everytime I heard a healthy croaking near at hand I took cover and hoped for the best. 

Finally we dropped ourselves back to the "Mooltan," very tired but completely happy with our purchases. Mavis , being the log that she is managed to accomplish the near to impossible by arriving back late at the wharf so causing the guys to have to bung the gangplank onto the ship for her to practically crawl aboard much embarrassed. Brainless clot.

Friday  29th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Back to the Ship's routine once again. I have worked out a little script for myself, however, which helps the situation no little and helps to keep my mind quite orderly. It goes something like this. Wash out my handkies and pants - iron hankies and pants - Swim, sunbake and read - paint nails if they so require and pluck eyebrows. Write anyh letters which are necessary and post same, perhaps a game of table tennis - a few drinks and a bit of writing in this here novel. Of course there's breakfast, lunch and dinner to think of and the pressing of a frock for the evening. Occasionally I wash my head or read my book and have a cigaretter - perhaps an odd chat here or there. 

Once, but only once, I walked a mile around the deck with Hermy actually I couldn't see the point in this at all so I crossed the mile hike of my list of "Things to do" or "How to Build a Happy Boat Trip." Guess I'll stick to the swimming pool, the occasional Scotch and the good old Sun.
Of course if one gets tired of this hectic life, one can always pose up large in one of those abominable deck chairs (which were definitely made for people who hate to be comfortable), prop the pins in a perpendicular position on the top railing and go into a semi-coma of gazing at the ocean and flying fish just as 400 other peasants are doing. 

The grey-hound racing act was in full swing this evening and I happened to be a jockey but only succeeded in coming second which caused a few foolish peasants to lose quite a packet of dollars on the Tote. Met Bob again this evening on the boat deck but my patience with him is getting rather thin.

Saturday 30th August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

The day passed much the same as the previous ones, except that in the evening they bunged on a Mad Hatter's Dance Evening and the participants really did themselves proud, they had gone to a lot of trouble and the result was a fine parade of startling hats. I sat mostly in the lounge with the Redmonds, Georgie and Mrs Kelly - Joan and Mary. 

Things took a turn for a change however, when Mary, Margi, and myself whizzed along to case this dance. I actually, hadn't seen much point in this to start with as there are about 20 girls to every man aboard. Still, as I say, we trizzed up starboard or should I say back starboard expecting to add to the stag line. Of course you wouldn't want to know but I managed to rope in a ship's officer which still amazes me and continued to have three dances with the boy. This episode was possibly too much for my system to bear all at once so I retired gracefully to the lounge, Bill and Tony and a few rounds of Scotch.

Sunday 31st August 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Passed as usual very similar to 30th and it follows all of the previous days on the "Mooltan," swimming, sunbaking, drinking, washing, a chat with Bob in the evening and I reckon that wound up a very busy day.

Monday 1st September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
Another active day - exact replica of yesterday, I'm beginning to think that I'll never fill this novel. 

Tuesday 2nd September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
We arrived at Aden at 12 noon, after jazzing up and down outside the Port as there wasn't a parking place for the "Mooltan." The ship was hours ahead of schedule, finally, however, we chooffed into Aden and berthed. 

Tony and Bill included me in their tour once again so after having proceeded ashore per launch, a distance of about 100 yards, Tony grabbed a taxi and we whizzed off. And brothe, when I say whizz, I really mean whizz, that Somali fella travelled at a rate of about 60 miles an hour steady for the whole of the time we had him hired. How we managed to stay at an even keel on the road, or how we didn't manage to land on a camel's back, cart and all I shall never know.

But I have some kind of vague feeling that there's one boy who is not going to live a very long life. However, after having travelled at that fast rate of 1 knot an hour in the "Mooltan," for the past 12 hours and after having driven through the street of Colombo and Bombay at an average speed of 10 miles an hour - we found it quite exciting and the breeze it stirred up quite exhilerating. 

As a matter of fact we were so overcome with our velocity for speed the three of us stop laughing for some considerable time. This taxi fella took us to Aden Proper - the Crator City which is built inside an extint volcano and from there to the Oasis. The Oasis happens to be Aden's only hunk of vegetation. The bore pumps up water at a rate of 10,000 gallons per hour. This water comes to the top positively boiling from where it is swirled around into pools as well as drinking water, for the surrounding gardens where they grow vegetables, flowers and trees, although at the time of our visit they were very arid, it appeared that nothing really fronts with life here 'till the winter months arrive.

Incidentally I didn't site one blade of grass in the whole of Aden it sounds damn silly and a bit like Joyce's exageration phrases, but the folks in this here city haven't had a drop of rain for 10 years.
Whilst inspecting the Oasis we stepped across the border (in reality just a mess of broken wall and barbed wire) into Arabia and primped along in the dust and sand for about 50 yards to see some newly born camels, which were sweet but not quite in my line 'cause I guess I'll just settle for Johanna and Candy, my tortoise and cat respectively, who I hope are keeping very well and missing me no little. 
This little bit of extra effort, however was more or less to establish the fact that: "We have been in Arabia." - kind of made it valid. 

From here we drove through tunnels hacked into tremendous sandy mountains - they extended through these like rabbit holes for distances of about 100 yards or so. We also passed the salt hills and windmills surrounding same which pump water for the benefit of same - the aerodrome and European's quarters, (which were white, two storey, very clean and well kept, but surrounded in sand and once again no greenery whatsoever).

The air strip managed to front the only aeroplane I had sighted since leaving Sydney. We arrived at The Tanks - now this was quite interesting as they consist of enormous pits complette with mounting steps. It appears that these pits have never been recorded in History, either as to who built them, why and when. The only clue that seems to be available is when "The Tank" were discovered which was in 1855. However, apparently the logs who dreamt up this terrific scheme hadn't figured on the rain situation in Aden, 'cause the most these colossal pits have ever held (that is known of), has been 2" of the old one-two juice from the Heavens. 

Sitting around the cliffs, hither and thither and here and there were odd groups of natives eating tree leaves. We were told that these leaves are to them like beer is to us - so that kind of settled that and I could well imagine our (mopons?) sitting in some grotto a few and telling dirty yarns, (or better, shaggy dog stories at 12.30pm any day of the week). 

After all this information fluffing around we chooffed back to the shops and sited off same, after of course Gary had given various pennies and six pences to some little kiddies who really did look pathetic and quite clean. I bought up for myself a set of filigree stuff planted with Chinese figures. It consisted of a bracelet, ring, ear rings and broach, - a bargain at 10/- Sterling and I was complimented on such a bargain upon my arrival back at the "Mooltan" by the Stewards and co, Ltd. (one and all etc). 

We chooffed back to the ship, got cleaned up some and did a bit of bartering with the small native craft below. Had drinks to cool down and steamed out of Port and on into the Red Sea and it's colossal heat. A beautiful moon above and reflected in the water magnificently helped us, (Hermy and I) to spend the evening on deck instead of sleeping in our bunks. 

A dance was in progress aboard from 9pm and although I sat out on deck and not in the dance space trying to pose up large and look disinterested I was asked for the pleasure by quite a nice looking moron, but a pommy nevertheless. We had 3 numbers off straight of jitterbugging and I'm sure I lost 1 gallon of juice in persperation. He rather fancies himself somewhat - but give him his due at least he had rythm. Not another  soul got on the floor they just sat, gaped and applauded - this helped to build the moral for a short time, but it was damn hot and hard work for the 12 minutes as the tempurature was well over 100°. 
I sat with (Gary Tony?) and Bill out on deck after this episode and pumped some gin squashes and ice into myself and consequently shortly made up for my loss of energy juice. 

Later, before Hermy and I fell asleep in our deck chairs, we watched some terrific swimming done by some powerful porpoises. A lovel calm evening and almost a perfect day. Oh, I bought a carton of Lucky Strikes for 10/- and some gum. 

Wednesday 3rd September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

A simply gorgeous hot day and I had myself a terrific day. Started off early by answering my Aden mail. Then toted myself to the Sports Deck were I proceeded to sunbake, swim and read my book "And Ride a Tiger," by Robert Wilder. I watched a school of porpoises from the railing they were diving and speeding along by the side of the Ship about a few feed away . Enormous creatures and really mighty swimmers. 

Coming down to our deck after spending all day up there, I had myself a beautiful cold water bath. They day was completed nicely by a few drinks and once again sleeping on "A" deck with Hermy and watching a terrific moon turn on its glamour. 

Thursday 4th Septermber 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Another day on the Sports Deck - swimming, sunbaking and reading - dead tired at night - slept on the deck again - not deck chairs this time however, but on my rug, sheet and pillow

Friday 5th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Spent today the same as yesterday - on Sun Deck. In the evening I got caught up with a "Bill" and joined him in Scotches 'till 11.30pm when the bar closed. Slept on deck again and killed a huge cockroach with my orange. 

Saturday 6th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Arrived in Suez at 2.30pm but nobody was allowed ashore. Went for a 6am swim previous to this - I must have opened my big mouth last night and agreed to go with the "Bill." Boats came alongside the "Mooltan" bartering leather goods, carpets and beads. However, I believe that things are much cheaper in Port Said so I bought nought at Suez. 

Hellishly hot here and as we got a fresh supply of water here an on account of the water that we had taken on at Aden was putrid - Hermy and I washed our heads and sat on "A" deck. Our hair was dry in about 15 minutes. 

In the evening the committee turned on a "Topsy Turvy" dance night. Which, when deciphered means that the boys dress and girls and  vice versa. The clique went all out to be gay again and a few of them looked rather swell, the boys as girls won hands down though. All I could make of the girls trying to imitate boys wqas that they all seemed to be sporting a moustache and side leavers each a piece. I had one dance then felt bitchy so I had a few drinks with Bill and Tony and Ted Richard. We met a nursing sister at the table who comes from Kogarah and who did her training at St.George Hospital. She knows most of the people there that I do, but for the life of me I can't remember her name.

Tony bought me a small ivory broach from one of the traders who came aboard the ship and travel with us up to Port Said. 

At 7.pm we chooffed out of Suez and into the Canal. It was a beautiful moonlight night and the Canal looked most spectacular as we are only a few yards from the shore on either side. The Canal is about 80ft wide. I slept on deck again in chairs this time. Hermy didn't come up, she had a date someplace I think and spent the night in her bunk when she turned in. 

I watched the shores of the canal until I fell asleep - the moon made it quite bright so it was quite entertaining really.

Sunday 7th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

I woke on and off from 3.30am and onwards, gazing at the shore of sandhills, huts, ruins, barges with huge sails and carrying gravel. Trees are dotted along the way and there is quite a lot of vegetation. There are actually some beautiful homes surrounded by spacious grounds of some remarkable green lawn situated right on the edge of the banks. I packed up my bed at 6.30am and went to the bunk - washed and changed into my shorts, collected Hermy and we whizzed up to the Sports Deck for'd, justt below the bridge so as to watch our progress through The Suez. Natives were digging sand endlessly and piling same into trucks which were then chooffed off by donkeys pulling same along lines or steam trains whizzing the trucks along these railway lines stretching as far as the eye can see. All the natives in fish boats and big sail boats and on the shore wave madly and yell and scream, but they're not to be outdone by the peasants here aboard cause they go into an act of flinging arms and handkerchiefs everywherre too just as if the fellas on shore are their long lost brothers. 

We passed a large army camp - English, but I wouldn't have any further clues about that. More than half way through the Canal, we came to a turn-off where we turned slightly to the right as off to the left is a lake where ships were stationary waiting for our convoy to go through - there are about 10 ships ahead of us and one behind us. 

The shorelines are really quite civilised with roadways, cars and milk and mail trucks, electric wires and the works - the whole business just feels as if we are fluffing along in a Pitt Street tram on account of land seems to be within a hand's stretch. I guess though it's quite a change from seeing all sea and water jazz so I reckon that's why everybody  is quite excited and standing out on the decks, snapping their cameras and posing up large with field glasses. I have neither of these. I haven't sighted the lady yet this morning but as she possesses a camera I wouldn't be at all surprised to see her posted up in the Crows Nest - she's log enough to do same and that's for damn sure - boy is she a nut. 

Arrived at Port Said at 11.am and as usual there were dozens of boats hugging the ship's sides as soon as we arrived with their wares to sell and much bartering in view. 

After lunch I went ashore with Bill and Tony. We tripped over to Simon Arzt - a huge department store where I purchased a leather grip and a bracelet of hand carved and burnt bone, mounted on sterling silver. I was quite pleased with my shopping but will have to pull my horns in and won't be able to buy a single thing at Marseilles as the funds situation is fasly dwindling and from where I stand now, my position looks rather grim. 

We chooffed out of Port Said at 5.pm, Bill, Tony and myself watched our departure from the Canal up for'd on the Sports Deck, it was very impressive, especially as 3 British Naval Sloops were whizzing along by the side of us. 

A terrific sunset and then after dinner I hit the hay early as I was dead tired. Only 10 more days to go now to England and our next port of call will be Marseilles. A small note:- I didn't sight one female - apart from the "Mooltan" crowd, in Port Said. 

Monday 8th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

Quiet day on Sports Deck in the sun reading. In the morning I answered my mail from Port Said. Came the evening I went to the movies aboard ship with Bill Redmond as Tony Redmond went to a Masonic Lodge meeting. After a few drinks they climbed into their cots, however I met Bob on the For'd Sports Deck and we had a few nice hours of chatting and finally turned in myself.

Tuesday 9th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

My family would be proud of me, on account of I did the first big washing I have ever done in my life. What's more it turned out clean and wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Very proud of myself on my super human effort, perhaps now it doesn't bother me so much the fact of the laundry aboard ship closing down, I mean. I might even condescend to take in washing as a profession! 
Bleached my hair with Napro and Peroxide and was quite pleased with the result. I cut my fringe into the bargain and the effect was very chic. - I guess things are going too well today to be true. I then followed through with new nail polish and purchased my 400 fags for taking ashore at Tilbury. 

Came the evening - a fancy dress "do" and I got it into my head that I had to get trizzed up and be in it. I eventually fluffed around in black pants, black stockings, black suspender  belt with a rose (red) pinned to one suspender, high heel black shoes, black and gold stole around my hips and black brassiere - I carried a ship's (troy?) by means of a black chiffon scarf, loaded with cigarettes and sprays of flowers. As a cigarette girl in the parade I won nought but plenty of praise, a special mention by the judges and attentive admirers for the rest of the night. Had quite a few dances including one with Tony Redmond and one with my officer. 

Later I had drinks with Bill and Tony and met Bob at 12.30pm. We had a nice evening - then I climbed into the pit at 2.30am. I guess I had a pretty successful day at that - Yeah I reckon I enjoyed today just fine. 

Wednesday 10th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
Up at 6.am - Hell!! But only because everybody else seemed to be jazzing around in the cabin, getting dressed  and all expectant about something. When coming to completely I learnt that this morning we pass through Menissa Straits and by Menissa, Italy on one side (around the boat) and Sicily on the other. 

Rather overwhelming I thought to be right over here and Australia so far away. 

At 10.am we passed Stromboli, now this is really something. It's like a picture post card. A volcano plonked right in the blue Mediterranean. There are two cities on the Island - white 2 storey flat roofed houses and quite a lot of trees and grass surrounding the two. On the Volcano side are barren heights of glacier  looking dry lava and mud. The crater is still active and smoking all the time. The captain it appears went all out to please the tourists and the "Mooltan" cut in close to Stromboli and made almost a complete tour of same, which when upon being made, cut at a forty-five degree angle away from the Island and so back on our original course. Hermy's father loaned us his binoculars for a view of Stromboli and I can't think of anything that has impressed me more on this trip. It was mighty. 

I dumped my washing, tided up, washed a blouse and mended a frock - cleaned my lighter and tidied up my papers. It's getting a lot cooler now, so I guess it's a sad farewell to all of those beautiful, sweaty tropical days. Although it's not cold by any means - I guess just real Spring weather. 

I sunbaked in the afternoon and did some ironing. That's about all. I was very tired so I went to bed early.

Thursday 11th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

At 6.30.am we passed through the Straits of Bonaficio. I saw most of this through the port-hole. The ladies in the cabin have been fluffing around since about 5.am this morning getting dressed and washed to go up on deck so as to view Bonaficio. I finally got on deck myself and sited this off. Very interesting - several Islands dotted here and there with of course plenty of habitations. 
On the Starboard side of us is Corsica and is supposed to at this time of year, be a sunny coastline. But Hell - it's freezing and quite a drop in tempurature from yesterday even and most assuredly from the day before. We are now in winter woollens and it looks mighty like as if we have seen the last of that hot weather. Tomorrow, the swimming pool will be covered over - so I guess that's proof enough of the summer season ending.

Arrived in Marseilles at 11.pm - by the time we had gone through all their red-tape of passports etc, it was 12 midnight by the time I chooffed ashore with Bob and Stan. Jeepers, but I sure had myself a Wow of a mighty time. We invaded 4 nightclubs  and jived in everyone - at the Pierre then Matre (or something like that), the Captain of the French Police was so impressed by our exhibition that he shouted us a few rounds of drinks. I drank everything that was handed me and got quite a beautiful glow within. 
We had breakfast ashore at 7.am and just had time to chooff back to the ship - bathe, changed and meet Bill and Tony.

Friday 12th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

At 8.30.am I whizzed into Marseilles again with the Redmonds par taxi. We kept the taxi the whole of the time and made a tour of as much as we could of Marseilles. We visited the Notre Damn de al Garde - a Catholic church on the hightest point in Marseilles with a tremendous stature in gold of the Virgin Mary on the utmost point. 

Then to look down onto the Harbour and the Chateau D'iff - mighty. We saw the steeple chase course and the race course which both bounded an immense garden park. The streets are mostly cobbled and narrow, but clean  - however, some are wide and lined with very pretty "plain" trees. 
We drove through the markets and shops and finally by the drive along the coastline which was dotted here and there with cafes (open air, as well) beaches, pools and shops and very large summer homes. 
Later we told the taxi to wait whilst we window shopped and I bought 2 perfumes, "Concreta," and "Replique," one in solid form and one in liquid. The window shopping was a necessity as articles were far too expensive to indulge in same. 

After this we stopped by a wayside cafe and as by way of a kind of pick-me-up I had a bottle of milk - 2 cognacs - 1 Gordon Vermouth and 1 Manhattan - very nice drops too. But I think that they only succeeded in further stimulating me as I felt swell and happy. 

After this we drove back to the "Mooltan" and so sailed at 12 noon. I reckon that if I had enough folding money I could settle in Marseilles for a long, long time. I loved it tremendously and enjoyed myself maybe the most in all my life. The rest of the afternoon we sailed along the coast of Spain - it was an uneventful night, but then, most people had really hit themselves in Marseilles and the majority of  same were pretty tired tonight - I climbed into the cot and slept in 'till 9.45.am - Say, some swell sleep.

Saturday 13th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

As I wrote for yesterday, (at the close of same) I got dressed and fronted the day at about 10.am. Proceeded then to answer my mail which I had received in Marseilles - 10 letters. Wore myself out but feel as if I have done a good day's work. I also washed and ironed and wound up the day by reading, thence to the Smoking Room after Dinner to have drinks with the Redmonds.

Everything seems pretty definite by the way they're speaking that I shall be going by their car with them from Tilbury Docks out to Judy's flat to stay a few days, until I know what I'm doing - which makes me so very thankful, if it all comes out that way - as, at least I won't be having to live with neurotic Mavis. 
Later I hit the hay - having previous to this met Bob on the Far'd Sports Deck for a short chat - slept soundly as usual. We've been sailing alongside the Spanish coast - with land in view for most part of the day.

Sunday 14th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"

This morning we chooffed alongside the Rock of Gibraltar and it's a beautiful day. Today, I'm going go pack madly - so I'd better get off this seat and my stern and proceed to do same. l
Mr Barnes, the steward has been very kind about my bags, labels and the baggage room. I've now finished my mail and posted same - so I guess, that in a way, I feel as if I'm doing something even it if doesn't look as if I'm getting anywhere!! I've just cashed my last travelle's cheque, which leaves me flat - £8 in notes and some silver. The ship's shop closes down today for the rest of the trip so as to stock-take - I must whizz up there and get a few odds and ends. 

Hermy told me that this afternoon we passed by Algiers and Cadiz; with Africa on the Port Side. So I reckon that we must have - nice old drop of interesting business that - still I'll probably want to know about it when I'm 90. 

Terrific twi-light this evening, it was light until 9.pm - I guess that's the kind of evening that we are to expect in England - Ho Hum!! Told the lady that I won't be living with her. I went to bed early and left Bob in the lurch, just couldn't care less - creamed by face and I wish to Hell Mavis would drop dead or shut up!! Good Night!! 

I walked 2 miles today, around the decks.

Monday 15th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
This morning at 8.am we passed Lisbon - Portugal and Hermy walked her mile before breakfast. Travelled along the coast for a ways and I commenced my packing and consequently spent most of the day in the baggage room getting things "T'd" up and putting Cook's labels on various things. 
Mavis and I decided to split up  in London when we reach same - the feeling is mutual. 
In the evening I went to the dance and met up with my officers - Shammis, who was very attentive and I spent the latter part of the evening in his cabin at a party - and a nice old drop of party too - radio and grog all laid on, I could rather fancy myself in a cabin like this for all of the trip (by myself of course), although come to think of it Shammis (Irish, naturally), wouldn't be hard to take at that. 
I arrived back to my cabin at 6.30.am and natterd to the stewards.

Tuesday 16th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
Early morning we took the Customs Officials aboard at Bristol where we sighted fields and farms of violently green grass, divided off by hedges (in place of fences), crops, haystacks and scattered farm houses could also be seen by the aid of binoculars. The tempurature has dropped completely now and reads about 47° - My goodness. 

In the evening  - Gala Evening at that, no less, I went along to the dance and met up with Shammis again (as was expected), we had a few dances then retired to his cabin for another Gin Party and a good time was had by all. 

A further talk with the stewards at morning tea-time.

Wednesday 17th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
Finished my packing during the day and aided by Mr Barnes (our Steward and a very nice guy) I completed same early.

In the evening I attended three parties. Bruce (an English boy, (16)) had a birthday "do" and much plonk - Bob found me there and I had to go along to the Steward's Cabins for more merry making - I'm quite merry by now as I'm sinking gins. I met Shammis at 4.am when he had finished duty and completed my farewells at his party in the cabin with Scotch Whiskies!

 
Thursday 18th September 1952 - RMS "Mooltan"
To bed, naturally and I'm feeling a bit poorly. However I managed to pull myself together as I had to stand in a 2 mile queue to get my Passport stamped to enable me to go ashore at Tilbury, England. This done and breakfast partaken of, Bill and Tony Redmond and myself got ourselves organized by standing near the gangplank with handbaggage within bending distance. Two hours later the mail came through and I received a telegram from John (Mengai?) telling me that he'd meet me at Tilbury.

It never rains but it pours, specially as I had arranged to stay with Bill and Tony 'till things started to develop. Eventually we went ashore after saying "Goodbye" to various people, various numbers of times and got cleared finally from Customs (Hell what a mess that was. After searching frantically for my bags up and down the hall a dozen times, I learnt from the P&O man that as my bags were labelled with Thos. Cook & Son's Ltd (Agents), they would be cleared by these fellas and then sent onto me at Redmond's address). That's that. 

John (Mengai?) was outside the Customs and planted a kiss on me, (I just know I'm going to be repulsed by him ina very short while. As he had booked Manis and (Tin?) at the Hotel Majestic in Kensington. (not knowing that Manis and I had divided) 

I had no alternative but to say adieu to Bill and Tony (they're going to 'phone me Saturday), and drive to London with John and Harold. Tilbury and the journey to London was not impressive at all but I can't get over the fact that I am actually in London. 

In the evening John and Harold took me to "The Trocodero," a night club in the city (I am living about 10 minutes from London), by way of the tube trains so as I could see what they're like. At the tube trains I dropped money into machines and received my change and tickets out of same for the journey into Piccadilly Circus. 

We then climbed into a lift which is run automatically and went down by same onto the level of the tube platform. The trains run every 3 minutes and travel about 40 miles an hour, having automatic closing doors to boot. 

"The Trocodero" is a huge place and very "refeened," with dancing to an 8 piece band included. I think, however that I'm going to get very sick of John Mengai as he has hinted a few times that I can go with him to Austria next week. I'm wondering what my payment for that is supposed to be.

Friday 19th September 1952

John took me over London by car. I saw Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Serppentine where they row boats, fish, swim, sail boats and dog's swim all at once in this filthy muddy looking water. However the parks themselves, including Kensington Gardens are really beautiful. 

We drove over Waterloo Bridge and then down to see 10 Downing Street adn then to Baker Street (where Sherlock Holmes eventuated), and then to where Charles Dickens used to live. We then took in the Tower of London, and later I also saw Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Euston Station where the trains to Scotland have their terminus - and The Strand - Mayfair - Park Lane (where apartments are anything around about the figure of £200 per week), Piccadilly again, Soho, Oxford St, Regend Street and miles of stores. There are no awnings over the stores and the windows look rather bare and undressed without same. 

Trafalgar Square with millions of pidgeons and everybody buys packs of pidgeon food at nearby stalls 'specially to feed the birds. I saw the Albert Hall, The Paladium and Drury Lane. 

That night I had a Spanish meal and we went pub crawling to a few low dives in Soho, including "Dirty Dick's,"  and the "Barrel House" - a whisky saloon right opposite a "Play House." "Dirty Dick's" has 3 floors with upstairs for snacks and drinks, the top floor for dinners and drinks and the basement where it is really mighty is a genuine dive where every possible available stickable thing has been stuck on the bar, walls, pillars, posts, windows - stamps, dead lizzards - stuffed rabbits - shrunken heads - dirty jokes - sculls, skeletons, letters, autographs, sketches, sourvenirs from foreign lands etc. 
Terrific night. 

Saturday 20th September 1952
Had my hair done at H.D. Evans Department Store. A girl did same but did not leave the lotion on long enough (some English concoction), and consequently it was still fairly dark down at the roots when she had completed the job. Sumptuous Salon and very large, carpets an inch thick and pink and blue furniture, curtains, counters and drapings. In this salon they service for hair, feet, hands and nails, electrolysis and Dimathermy(?). 

Wandered around the stores for awhile but felt quite lost - so did a small purchase of bandaids and aspros (they don't sell Bexor Vincents or any other kind of powders in England for that matter) at a familiar store - none other than Woolworth's. 

Along the footpaths are bins like garbage cans or kitchen tidys with a marking of "Waste Pig's Food," - these cans are distributed to various Pig Farms by the Council. There is not a thing wasted in England as every thing is so scarce. They even pile up stocks and stocks of waste paper - positively acres of it out in the country areas and pulp it down for further use. 

Beautiful Stoes and Theatres but I seriously think that their shopping for wearing apperel is definitely not as good as Sydney's. And whilst on the outside everything looks cheaper than Australia by the time I worked into the good stuff (just pricing of course as my money is dwindling but fast and I havn't bought a thing) such as overcoasts, suits and stgs handbags and shoes. 

Another night with John Mengai - ho hum, and back to my cold room at the Majestic Hotel in Kensington, which is very close to Buckingham Palace, and costs 15/- for bed and breakfast.

Sunday 21st September 1952
John took me over to the Local Pub for drinks, (it is now Sunday morning - imagine drinking on the Sabbath - but as staid and proper as the English are they seem to be quite broad-minded about this fact). The Pommies hate and abhor slacks and shorts - they dress and make up very plainlyon the whole but on the other hand all over London and England for that matter the have Prostitutes standing at every corner making a business as it actually is here, of the whole affair. The girls incidentally are on the majority around the age of 16, but there are also quite a few older characters in the 40 stage.
The signs of the prostitutes are platform or ankle strap shoes, silver fox furs, black skirts and white blouses. The Pimps or pervs, (males) are noticeable by yellow ties and long hair. 

My bath this morning was as usual quite vacant and I now believe that the English Bath once a week, on account of with all the people staying in this Hotel, I am the only one on this floor using same - and that's for damn sure a positive fact. 

Bill and Tony Redmond invited me out to their daughter Judy's flat where she has been living for 15 months with her girlfriend Joan Madden. As I am now thoroughly repulsed by John Mengai I am tickled pink by the offer so I'm going out there to live with them until I decide what is to be done. 

John and Harold drove me out to Surbiton Surrey to the flat and Bill and Tony were a very welcome sight and helped me a lot to overcome my home-sickness once again. We had drinks and a salad then said "Good-bye" to John and Harold who were the next day going to travel onto Austria. I met Joan's boyfriend, John and Judy's Jim who are both Yanks who are at present stationed in England.

Monday 22nd September 1952
Had another party in the evening and visited "The Anglers" where Joan used to work as a barmaid - night. The pubs here open about 10.30.am, close at 2 or 2.30.pm, open again at 6 or 6.30.pm and then close about 10 or 10.30.pm. There are hundreds of pubs and Hotels all over the city, suburbs and counties - these also supply counter lunches. The flat is very large but apart from the what girls have bought and Jim and John have supplied it would be bare. Joan and Judy have visited Holland and been to the south of England.  My ports have still no arrived from Tilbury Docks. 

Tuesday 23rd September 1952
Jean, Bill, Tony and I went to the Local Movies this evening and saw "The Golden Horde" and "Dreamboat" starring Clifton Webb and Ginger Rogers - a double feature programme with no interval - everybody smokes and ashtrays are supplied on the back of every second seat. Girls walk through the theatre whilst the films are sceening selling ice creams, chocolates and soft drinks. The programme generally finishes before 10.pm.

More drinks back at the flat and off to bed. Jim and John bring Yankee cigarettes, canned American beer, Post Fashion and Home Journal Magazines. I sleep with Joan and Judy in their double bed, whilst Tony and Bill have the other bedroom - we also have a big open fire in the lounge and dining room. Everything is on a ration card here in England and this morning Tony drove me down to the local rationing office at Surbiton where we got our tourists ration cards for ourselves and Bill. 

In the afternoon I got my driving license from the traffic officer at Surbiton. All this matte, consists of is the paying 5/-d at the showing of one's Australian driving licence. My Ports have still not arrived and I am living out of my overnight and make-up bags.

Wednesday 24th September 1952
Surbiton is a pretty suburb with winding lanes, tons of trees and two storey apartment houses. Quite near and in Surrey the Film Stars, John Mills, Richardh Attenborough and Moira Shearer live. Moira Shearer's home, which is more like a castle actually is in Hampton Court. 

Bill and Tony and I went into London, I visit Australia House and my bank and then the P&O Office where I tried to get a return booking on the "Himalaya" on the 28th December when they are sailing. The only thing however is a £250 single cabin on "A" Deck - was floored as this is the only cancellation 'till 1953, December - things look very grim. The wages here are so small that it would be useless to live and save at the same time - besides which fact - employers do not like to take Australian Girls into Employ. Wages range from £4 to £6 - rooms 15/- to 30/- for bed only - then a huge tax out of that plus insurance, (a national "must") plus 3 meals to buy and fares which are positively a scandalous price. 

Back to the flat and an early nite filled with piles of worry afte I had sent Dadda a telegram to send my my return fare. I reckon it will floor him and I don't quite know how Mamma and Dad will take the whole thing as it looks as if I am flunking the whole trip and actually I do feel guilty, especially about all the presents, farewells and people's kind thoughts and Mumma and Dadda's help and money to get me here. 

But after are very long chat with Joan who has been trying to work here constantly for 18 months I am convinced that I would be up hill all the way. Joan and Judy received an allowance a piece each month from their respective families. 

My bags arrived this afternoon plus the bill from the Agents, Thos Cook & Sons Pty, for £2.18.9. Bill, Tony and I went to Hampton Court Gardens - the Palace where King Henry VIII used to live and which is not not used by Royalty at all, the gardens and Palace Rooms with paintings, tapestry ornaments and original furniture were colossal. Tremendous rooms and grounds and courtyards. Further afield past fountains, ducks, ponds, trees, lawns and gardens are the hunting fields which stretch for positively acres and acres of which are overrun with deer, rabbits, possums, and sheep. 

The three of us went through the famous "Maze" at Hampton Court Gardens. This consists of a hedge which is trained to travel in and out and around with a path placed between - like a track or a fun-house affair, with a bit of luck one eventually finds the centre, a seat and an oak tree then proceeds to work out to the exit. God - such fun. Amazing thing, people did seem to be having a jolly time in same.

Thursday 25th September 1952
I went into London again with Bill and Tony Redmond to the P&O Office and tried to get a cheaper booking - no dice, but I was told that if they could possibly transfer same, later on, they most definitely would, so I went to the Bank, withdrew £45 which leaves me £8 in the Bank - borrowed £30 from Tony and paid my deposit of £75 which was the least they would allow and I feel as if I should secure something and see what works out later on. 

My bags arrived during the afternoon, yesterday at Surbiton which was the first time that I had sighted them for over a week, that is  since I had left the Docks at Tilbury. 

In the evening the family and I went to Kingston Movies and saw "Ivanhoe" which starred Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor. Actually Sydney 9 times out of 10 do not get the movies later than England - that is American ones, but English ones, sometimes, don't even get to Australia from here.

Friday 26th September 1952
Tony, Bill and I left Surbiton at lunchtime and headed towards Landsend. We travelled through Epsom and then Reigate. We stopped off fo drinks at "Tilgate Forest Hotel" in the district of Peas Pottage, it was a Sumptuous Country-Club establishment with a huge cocktail bar and mighty carpets. 
We then drove on to Brighton and first off paid a visit to the Lanes where just about the oldest antique shops in the world are in business. There are dozens of these tiny, narrow lanes which are packed with dozens of dark and dingy antique shops in ancient buildings. Along the beach are amusement piers (2 in reality), one is the Palace Pier (the bigger of the 20 and the other is West Pier. 

We drove along the Madeira and Marine Drives right along the water front, which is lined with colossal and expensive Hotels and Apartment Houses for miles along. It seems to me that may  be all of England seems to spend it's summer vacation here in Brighton. The Pebble Beach is the most amazing thing, as there is ont one grain of sand on the whole of the beach. Along these pebbles, however, are aquariums, roller skating rinks (open air), fun houses, miniature trains - tramways on which one can travel for miles along the water and little sun huts and dressing sheds, all for a price of course. 

Further along at 3 or 4 various Hotels, they have included on the menu, indoor swimming pools, dance halls and fully licensed bars. 

Driving on we went through Worthing and Arundel and a beautiful old castle at same, then to Chichester and Portsmouth. We stayed over night at the Royal Beach Hotel at Southsea, in colossal rooms where we had our own private bathrooms. The city is overrun with Americans and English Sailors. Here at Southsea they also have an Amusement Pier and as well as the usual stuff on the Pier they also sport a Play House which generally puts over a Variety show similar to a Vaudeville "do." 

We were very tired however and shortly after Dinner and a few drinds we hit the hay. The bowling Greens at Brighton provided for both the ladies and gentlemen to play on the same day with a green each.

Saturday 27th September 1952
We left Southsea at 11.am and drove on to Southampton where  we had drinks at "Ye Old Aurndel Hotel" which was built in the "Town Walls." Tony and I previous to these drinks walked to the top of the Old Walls and had a look at the ruins of same and the Arundel tower and battlements which were built in 1150 together with the Catchcold Tower and an Old Norman House, also some ruins of the flagstone floor in same. 

The tower and these walls were burnt by invaders and again bulit up by the French in 1338 as part of the city's defences. 

We drove on then to the "Original White Hart" Pub in Ringwood on our way to Bournemouth. We ate Scotch Eggs and Pork Pies and drank tomato juice. Travelling on towards Lyme Regis on the coast we passed villages with thatched roofed cottages and small doorways - the homes were built very low. 
On to Honiton in Devon where we stayed overnight at the "Dolphin" Pub. Bill and I went to the local Movies and saw "Frannie Goes to the Races," starring Donald O'Connor and Cecil Kelloway. The waiter here, Fred, who was a cripple was a real gem. He carried our bags in and so acted as a porter - brought morning teas, cooked breakfast, waited on tables and it was to him that we also paid the account.
Sunday 28th September 1952

Sunday 28th September 1952

Leaving Honiton and the "Dolphin" we journeyed on to Exeter, thru' green fields which were divided by hedges. We noticed lots of sheep in lamb and discovered that the wool of same is very course and more like string. 

Next came Torquay with the water front lined with beaches and this time no pebbles, but a reddish coloured sand, quite a pretty town. Here they also sport Spa Baths and Vita Sun Glass Rooms in most of the Hotels, which are mainly for health seekers. The city also fronts the inevitable Amusement Pier. 
Driving on to Totnes we sighted a 15th Century Cathedral in the pouring rain, then later we had drinks at "London Hotel" South Brent and chooffed on to Plymouth where there were stacks and stacks of English Seaman and Gobs. Here we crossed the River Tamer by the Torpoint Ferry and so entered Cornwall and of course stopped at Mt. Liskeard at the Forge Cafe (an old Blacksmith's shop) and devoured Cornish Ice Cream simply splathered with Cornish Cream. Boy, but was that a mighty dish!! 

Through Bodmin and so to St. Ives which is right on the West Coast of England a quite famous Seaside Resort. The lanes here between the hedges which they incidentally call roads are so narrow that the car scrapes along the hedges touching same on both sides - I hate to think what would have happened had we (ve?) met up with a car going in the opposite direction, (which we didn't) as it was a two-way street, imagine!! 

The sand at St.Ives is the closest I've ever seen to Australian sand and the sea front is very beautiful and we were told it is densely populated here in the summer season. The tides in England are very big ranging sometimes as far as 15 feet. The water however is still, not surf-able and comparatively flat. 

We stayed the night at Parthminster Hotel St.Ives and my room was really mighty with a gas fire, naturally and once again I had a "Jolly-D" double bed. The view was terrific overlooking the Irish Sea and the sands. The Hotel had just one colossal position. Bill and I had a terrific laugh about the sumptuousness of the Hotel after looking all afternoon for a "small pub" in the country idea " and we wound up in the largest Hotel in St.Ives and the most exclusive.

The cocktail bar was a dream and the barman, Max, whom we got quite friendly with has a friend, an Englishman, Ted Player, who is head barman at the Australia in Sydney and another friend, Greg Cullen, who has taken over the licence of the Gardiners' Arms at Mascot in N.S.W., the whole three of them belong to the U.K.B.G. (United Kingdom Bartenders Union). It was great dozing off to sleep in my scrumptious bed listening to the ocean on the sands in the Bay - I rather fancied myself at the point up 'till I sighted my clothes drying, after I had washed same, hanging in front of the gasfire in my room. 

Previous to going to bed and after dinner Bill and Tony and I entertained Captain (whom we had met on the Mooltan) (Richards crossed out) and Mrs Richards in the Bar, as they have their home in St.Ives. 
I also plucked an Ivy leaf from St.Ives for my Scrap Book.

Monday 29th September 1952
We left Parthminster Hotel at 10.am and drove to Penzance, saw a swimming baths here but no beach, had drinks at the Turk's Head Pub and sighted a castle in quite good condition off the mainland situated on New Quay where there is a surf beach, no less, altho' the shoots would only travel in for about 25 to 40 yards. It is a very hilly town, very much like Coogee or Clovelly with very narrow streets. 
Driving on we had drinks at "New Inn" in New Quay and later in the suburbs, passed some pretty parks, gardens and ponds complete with ducks and swans. 

On to St.Colomb Minor and St.Colomb Major and then to Wadebridge where we had lunch at "The Bridge on Wool" Pub. Later we crossed same bridge and drove on our way to Camelford, passing St.Astell were dozens of mines where they surface china clay for pottery.

Travelling through the country nowwe are passing all the time, miles of hedges and fields, thatched cottages, forests and very orderly farms of vegetables, sheep and cattle. Now in Devon again and so to Hartland and stretches of flat and windy moors. All through Cornwall Bill had looked frantically everywhere for Cornish pasties but actually we ended up having these at Bedeford in Devon - Barnstaple, South Molton, then 2 ½ miles this side of Wiveliscombe we stayed at "The Rock Inn" in Waterrow, in the bottom of the Valley surrounded by extremely pretty hills and in front of a small stream, (which incidentally we found later to be the River Tone in Somerset. no electricity here, gas is the mainstay of the Inn and we even used candles in our bedrooms, no less.

 
In the bar mine host sported a polyphone which is hundreds of years old costs about £150 to buy an old fashioned contraption , (naturally), in the shape of a grand father clock only more squat and wider with a glass case front. It plays a round disk record which revolves very slowly and has holes punched in same, as in a pianola rool and of course changing of records is required at different intervals or when one gets tired of the present disc. The recond on the night was "I'll be your Sweetheart" - to play this business one drops 1d in the slot and the grinding gives out with 2 verses and 2 choruses of the number, which is actually twice around the disc. 

I ate madly for dinner - enough to fill a horse and then some - wizard food, consisting of Pork, vegetables, cherries and Devonshire Cream, couldn't possibly eat another bit. We chooffed up the hill for exercise and then retired after a few Rum & Oranges.

Tuesday 30th September 1952
We whizzed off from Waterrrow at 10.15.am, through Wivelsicombe, Bridgewater, Lullsgate Bottom and had drinks at "Plough & Horse," Patters Hill. On the road to Bristol the front left tyre of the Hawk blew out, 2 miles before the city. It was pelting rain and freezing, Tony changed tyres and we are now travelling without a "spare." 

Once into Bristol I fluffed into the Post Office and sent a telegram off home to Mumma as it is her birthday, today, however, I did forget that we are 10 hours behind Sydney time here and Mumma will probably not receive my good wishes 'till tomorrow, Eastern Standard Time.

We caught the ferry outside of Bristol at Aust, by waiting 2 hours for this ferry in a queue of cars, as it only takes 17 cars per trip. It is a very small ferry with quite a trip to do and has a round shape with a turntable right bang in the centre of the craft. The vehicles drive onto the ferry from the side and then settle themselves on the turntable which is then manoevered round by means of ropes of a couple of fellas until the car is in the required position to shoot off forward and park. 

The first mate of the ferry was in the Merchant Navy during the war and was stationed in Adelaide for a time, he liked Australia very much and was all over us like a rash. 

The Bristol chanel is very muddy and rough so it was quite a hazardous trip, (I'm kidding of course). 
Now in Wales we passed thru'  Chepstow, Tiddenham, Woolastun, Alvington, Ayleburton and Lydney. Now in Gloucester - Birstall Hill, with a colossal view into the valley below and a look-out point - to Cirencester and then stayed the night at "The Bull" Tavern after crossing the Coln River into Fairford. This Tavern is over 700 years old and is renowned for trout fishing in the river in the summer and the hunting season in the winter. 

Bill, Tony and I occupied the Paradise Rooms for the night. These consisted of the double bedroom and the attic, where I slept, which entered into the double room, (kind of a maiden's retreat). We had drinks after dinner and were entertained by a pally Englishman with a dog who absolutely adored Australian Soldiers and later by a chatty Irishman who plugged very hard at doing a line for me- he was quite nice but my interest waned and I made my way towards to Paradise (up 100 stairs, spirally), discreetly, of course, when I later learnt that he possessed a wife and a daughter 17 years of age, however, he was good for laughs and we quite enjoyed his company.

Not before I had tried snuff from another charactger in the bar-lounge, though, did I retire completely. Tony and I of course had to be in this repartee - it was quite an experience, like damp nut-meg and pepper and it being my first time of taking same - it left me cold.

Wednesday 1st October 1952
We left the Bull at about 9.30am this morning and drove to Oxford where we looked over the famous University and did some shopping for Bill - onto Dorchester and Henley-on-Thames - for drinks at "Carpenter's Arms" at Maidenhead. Then Windsor where we skirted Windsor Castle with the flag flying, which means here in Britain that someone from the Royal Family is in Residence. 

At the round-a-bout the police on point duty, from whom we asked directions was really a gem as he was extremely wrapped in himself. We put this down to the fact that his post was outside Windsor Castle and that probably helped to give him that smell under his nose, but we managed to giggle somewhat for quite a few miles about this character. 

On to Staines - and then back to Surbiton, Surrey. The whole round trip, by Tony's mileage indicator in the car, toted up to approximately 800 miles. During out trip we sighted about 5 R.A.F. Stations and 4 Army Camps of both English and Americans. 

In the evening, Tony (Redmond), Bill (Redmond), Judy (Redmond) and Jim (Judy's American boyfriend), Joan (Madden) and John (Joan's American boyfriend) and myself went to the Apollo Theatre in Piccadilly to see "Sea Gulls over Sorento," - a stage show, which was a comedy and a very good one at that.

Thursday 2nd October 1952
We rose and shone at 15 Avenue South, packed overnight bags madly and with Tony (Redmond) gooding us on as men always do and nothing to do themselves but sit in the car and honk the horn, we finally whizzed off at 9.20am headed for Scotland. With the maps in every pocket of the car we were turning round in cirlces and 10 miles south-west of London instead of north-east of same.  (Judy Redmond and Joan Madden also on this trip)

Tony (Redmond) had a long chat with the "A.A." man at the round-about, (Automobile Association), and more spreading of maps on the sidewalk this time and after 30 minutes concentration we were away to Hampton and this time with our fingers crossed. We drove through Runnymeade where the famous Magna Carta was signed by King John in 1215. There is a huge poster board on the green field at Runnymeade to this affect, then through High Wycombe and to Amersham for lunch (what a joke, after such an early start, we are now only about 30 miles from London). 

Lunch was swell, as a counter lunch we had egg salads and butter rolls followed by beers and Scotch at the "Griffin" Hotel, served by a chinese in chef's cap, apron and the works who later came running after the car with Judy's bag in two which she had left sitting on the table at the Hotel. 

Through Aylesbury where most houses have thatched rooves and others are covered in beautiful red vines, Buckingham, and at Towcester we pulled up to look at the deer as they were in a field right by the road and we managed to get an excellent view of same. 

Hittlebury, Northampton, Leicester, Toughborough where Judy purchased a pair of pink winter pyjamas, Nottingham and reached Mansfield, a coal mining town to stay the night at the "Red Lion" Hotel. As they had already served dinner here, the 5 of us trooped out into the fog and drizzle looking for eats, after much dampness we found "Jacks Shop," which was mainly patronised by Bus conductors, conductresses and drivers having supper. We filled up on eggs, chips, sauce and bread rolls followed by potato crisps and ice cream. 

Later we returned to the hotel to be entertained by a television show in the lounge whilst we sipped Scotch and Beer. The programme consisted of a play, teenagers discussion and a character explaining and demonstrating how to make Buck Rarebit, and a world newsreel.

Friday 3rd October 1952
The inevitable bacon and eggs for breakfast and we chooffed off at 10.am, travelling through coal mining districts. Heath, Chesterfield, Sheffield, Barnsley and then had our morning drinks at "Sun Inn" in Wakefield, where we saw a photo of "mine host" and his twin brother which was taken at Harry Lauder's home. 

After I had cleaned the car windows and we had devoured some brazil nuts, we whizzed onto Leeds which is a very large city with a huge shopping centre. We lunched at the "Wine Lodge" where a circular bar is built in the basement of a building. It was a very gay place with notices and adds posted all around the entire restaurant - a couple of them went like this:-"½ pt. of beer or wineA meat pie& a cigarette& ½d change out of 1/-d.""Something to Eat, Something to Drink, & Something to Smoke = 11½d.

Át a corner counter are orders and collects one's own platefull of sandwiches, pies, cakes, rissoles, salad, or buttered rolls and at the circular bar we ordered the beers and I had rum and orange. A commissionaire jazzed around the joint in a full uniform of red and gold with cap to match and white gloves tucked in the shoulder band, collecting all dirty plates etc. Dogs are naturally trotting in on leashes with their owners at the other end of same and I say naturally, because all bars and lounges are draped with their inevitable dogs all over Britain. To all this a character was playing an organ whilst he smoked a pipe madly. Also and automatic glass washer and dryer was working merrily on the counter. 
This bar and cafe opens at 10.30am - closes at 3.30pm - opens again at 5.30pm  and finally closes again at 10.30pm. 

Then we were off again to Harrogate, Ripon, Darlington, Durham and then stayed overnight at Lampton Hotel in Chester-le-Street. We had a few drinks then trotted off to bed very early in the piece.

Saturday 4th October 1952

We left Chester-le-Street at 9.40am and passed a stately castle at about a mile from same. Newcastle and an impressive airport, Porteland, Belsay where we took on some petrol and we all paid visits at the Percy Inn in Otterburn which is a very pretty little village. Around this area we passed through a lot of open country which is very much like N.S.W. countryside, it was a mighty sunny day so we were able to appreciate the land all the more. 

As we neared the border we passed the last Hotel in England which was named "Redesdale Arms." Along the way we sighted off long haired sheep with a stringy texture, black faces and legs and long tails and we are now beginning to see acres and acres of heather in all shades of mauve. This country is much prettier than the English orderly fields and meadows. Pine and Fire Forests are in great evidence. 
"Newcastle & Gateshead Water Works" was a tremendous lake surrounded by stone fence on the road side and pines and firs on the fields' side. We drove over the border and into Scotland at 12 minutes to noon. More heather and what was more we laughed madly at seeing some yellow sheep. We didn't know if these were natural, dipped or had just been drinking miles of orange juice. We found out later that they had been dipped. 

Jedborough and the ruins of an ancient church into Lauder for lunch at the Black Bull Hotel where I thought I lost my glove clip but later found same in my hand bag no less. 

Edinburgh, a huge city and even though it was Saturday quite a few shops were open all day. At one large store, C&D Modes Ltd., it was their bargain day and people were all over the shop like a rash - just buzzing with activity, it was absolutely packed with shoppers. I purchased a small tartan bag here for one of Jay's kiddies. 

We crossed the Firth of Forth by the Queens Ferry on the "Queen Margaret Granton" which was a paddle wheel contraption. There are 3 Ferries working across the Firth of Forth. Lock Seven - Kinross and stopped the night at the Bein Inn by a babbling brook, surrounded by hills, just this side of Perth. 
Tony, Judy, Joan and myself walked to the top of an underbrush and tree covered hill after half wading and half using stepping stones across this said brook. The dog from the Bein Inn unearthed a hedge-hog and we watched hundreds of rabbits chooffing around on the hill top, (these bunnies, in England and Scotland, are protected - amazing thing). 

Sunday 5th October 1952
This morning Joan and I went for a walk in the crisp air with Paddy the dog, had breakfast, then left at 10.am and took the by-road to St.Andrews. Near Cupar we saw pheasants, then passed Guard Bridge and sighted an R.A.F. Station where Jet 'Planes were in operation flights, 11 planes were taking off and whizzing very low over the car in flying formation. 

Lots of hay stacks in the fields, cattle, sheep and a plantation of sugar beet - it's freezing cold now too, incidentally. 

Arriving at St.Andrews we drove past the ruins of ancient St.Andrews Cathedral and a huge cemetery, we drove through an old stone gateway and then an exit gateway into the harbour, which is protected by brick walls. There are loads of old tile and shingle rooves on most of the buildings. On the high wall 'round the cathedral was an alcove where once had been a shrine atop of an ancient gate, this seems unimportant but Joan asked me to include this fact. 

The purpose of this visit to St.Andrews is of course to view the famous Golf Course where all the important world matches are played, so we proceeded to same. No play is in progress at all here today as it is Sunday and I reckon that everybody in Scotland goes to Church especially in St.Andrews, so the big course is closed, but there is a smaller adjoining one for public and visitors' use. 

The harbour is quite sandy but the water is flat and it is quite evident that there is a large tide here as there is all over Britain. 

Now to Pickletellum Inn and then onto Newport and Forth of Tay where there is situated a very long rail bridge. More Fir forests and sited some more rabbits and crows. Tied along the fences at intervals are dead crows ass a lesson to other crows so as to scare them off, but I don't think it does. 

Newburgh and most of the men in Scotland we are realizing are wearing caps. At Abernathy we had drinks at looked at mine hosts' French Poddles, (which the Scots call "wee beasties"), at Abernathy Hotel. 

On a Sunday in Scotland all pubs and Hotels are closed except to travellers and they close even to these at 9.30.pm, opening in the morning at 11. Perth and the River Tyne where we lunched and consumed chips and bacon sandwiches and large ice creams. Highest hedge in Scotland at Blairgowrie, mountains and vast plains and stretches of heather - Spittal of Glenshee - crossed a hump bridge of which in Scotland there are quite a number. 

Here I should write some Scottish translations,  so I shall: Burn = stream; Ben = mountain; Lock - lake; Glen = valley. There are dozens of burns in the bens which flow freely down into the glens like cascades and waterfalls into the long winding river or main burn in the valley. Sheep are chooffing all 'round the country and mostly perch themselves on hill tips in precarious positions. 

Glenshee Hills and we rounded Devil's Elbow into the County of Aberdeen and so to Braemar and saw Ivercauld Arms Hotel which was a very ornate establishment. A gold course is situated here in between the mountains. Now this is a point of interest we drove over to Balmoral Castle here in Braemar where the Union Jack was flying madly in the breeze atop the tower. Queen Elizabeth was in residence this day - with Phillip, no less, altho' we didn't sight the Royalty we had an excellent tour around the impressive Castle. 

Heather is in great abundance in the valley in colours of red, pink and purple. Tomintoul, the highest town in Britain and only about 3,600 odd ft., but hell, it sure was cold enough to be 8,000ft and that's for sure!! We are now definitely in the "Highland;" we sited off some grouse here, the first I have ever seen and entered into the county of Banff; the River Spey and parked ourselves for the night at Grantown on Spey at the Palace Hotel. The weather is working itself up into some snow, we are told I sure hope we see some, tomorrow. 

We changed into our suits, got all trizzed up and vacated to the Cocktail Bar and proceeded to get friendly with some nice Scotsmen, who were quite wealthy fellas, we were late to discover. There were also 2 Americans there who were touring Britain, they were quite entertaining. I had a colossal evening and made a hit with Bill Phillips a wonderful Scotch character, handsome and loaded with dough, his father, who was also in attendance, owned 5 butcher shops of which Bill managed three, he was an ex-Squadron Leader and I am now convinced that real Scotsmen are not mean with their money and possessions, on account of these fellas are mighty generous. 

We had dinner and retired once again to the Bar, which, by the way was a very sumptuous one at that. More drinks and everybody was having one fine time, the bartender started off his portable radio and we made (hop?) with the dance. After a few hours of this I went for a drive with Bill in his "Snipe," around the hills and what was more it was snowing. I got to bed at 4.am after a super - colossal evening. I think Scotland is terrific.

Monday 6th October 1952
Joan and I washed our heads as the water here in Scotland is much better than England - breakfast and had I (sic) photo's taken by Bill with his technicolour film. Much waving goodbye and we chooffed off in the snow. Beautiful scenery, as the surrounding mountains were all covered in snow and there was even some on the road and car. 

Carr Bridge - here again I must write that I think Scotland is wonderful! Inverness now, and the shops are closed, even though it is a Monday on account of it "being Autumn Holiday;"  - Loch Ness for 30 miles to Fort Augusta - Drumnadrochit and had drinks at Drumnadrochit Hotel by Loch Ness. Inverno (Pist?) - Tich-na-Brouich - Fort Augusta and the end of Loch Ness - Loch Lochy and more snowy hills. 

Although it's cold here in Scotland it's different to the cold in England as there the dampness get's into one's bones and damn well stays there, but here it's quite bracing. Fort William and Lock Linnhe - Ben Nevis 4,408 and snow covered. Loch Leven and here we crossed in a turn table ferry which only carried 2 cars per trip, we travelled on the "Queen Creagan" Ferry. 

Barcaldine Forest and more Pines and Firs, on to Oban by way of Connell Ferry Viaduct which is actually a train and vehicular bridge. The toll across same was 5/10d for our car and passengers. Tolls in Britain are a terrific price for both bridges and Ferries. Going across may of the lochs, we noticed that the water lay in different levels - but failed to find the reason for this. 

We reached Oban, a sea-side resort and stayed overnight at Royal Hotel. Mine host here wore kilts of the McKenzie creed and while I think of it Bill told me last night that my tartan slacks belong to the McLeod Clan. The dagger, known as Sgeian Dhup which is plaid in the top of the sock costs about £14.14-

Tuesday 7th October 1952

We left Oban at 9.45.am onto Tyamuilt and a colossal Highland Castle and noticed that Highland Cattle have long hair on their bodies and long straight horns of course, on their heads. Loch Etive and sighted fellas up to their knees in the burns, trout fishing. Lochawe and another castle ruin - mighty clouds drifting around all the Bens - Dalmally  - Tyndrum - Crianlarich - Glen Falloch where we had  snow water drinks from the stream which eventually flowed into Loch Lomond. Fairy Loch and drinks at Inverbeg - Luss - and saw paddle steamers being built on the shores of Loch Lomond at Balloch. These steamers are used as tourist vessels over Loch Lomond.

Alexandria - River Clyde - Glasgow, (a huge industrial city) - Uddington  - Hamilton - Lesmahagow - Abbington (Abington) - Crawford - Beattock - Ecclesfechene (Ecclefechan)  and to Gretna Green where there are 3 old "Original Marriage Rooms and Blacksmith's Shops," which are quoted as being the marriage rooms of olden days, in which over 10,000 weddings took place. 

Then we crossed the border back into England again, Carlisle and through to Penrith where we posted ourselves for the night at Crown Hotel. A very quiet place, Joan (Madden) and I had ginger beers  and double Gins, wrote letters and trip books, 2 stuffy pommies tried to get friendly but we weren't interested  - nor were we feeling wordy. Off to hit the hay early and whilst Judy (Redmond) was asleep, Joan and I giggled somewhat.

Wednesday 8th October 1952
We left Penrigth at 9.30am - Lakes district and a tourist waterfall, which we looked madly for but did nae come in sight of. We past by a sheep sale or raggy looking lambs and puddled up short further along the road, when we discovered that we had come across a hunt. This particular group was known as the "John Peel Hunt," and as it is so hilly here, there are no horses entailed but every thing goes by foot. 
There are 24 beagle hounds in the pack and the hunters have red coats, black jodpurs and caps on body and head. About 2 dozen cars are parked along the main narrow road and various English types are gazing up at the hills watching the progress of the "doings." These are dressed in the oddest of Wearing apparel, including screams of hats, the "must" of a walking stick and the women wear fur coats and jazz around importantly with smokes hangning from their mouths. These characters are really the gentry of the English Country. 

We watched here with the rest of the crew for about 1 ½ hours till the fox had been caught and the participants vacated to the local pub. 

Keswick and then drinks at Prince of Wales Hotel by the Grasmere Lake. Ambleside and Windermere  Lake - WIndermere itself and lunch. Kendall - Carnforth and out to the sea flats of Bolten-le-Sands - Lancaster and Lancaster Castle where the War of the Roses was made so famous. 

We chooffed over Blackpool Bridge which floored us completely, on account of it only cost 7d for the crossing of same, a price which is very unusual for England. Blackpool, a huge waterfront city full of piers, illuminations and reminded me terrifically of a glorified Lune Park, (very juvenile, why these British people go crazy over such a place, I shall never know). Towers (illuminated, of course), side shows, fortune tellers - photographers - eats - circus - theatres  - aquariums - sleek tram cars decorated with lights and the rooves of same made of glass - Judy (Redmond) bought some chocolates without ration points but the cost of same was 10/- for 5 bars - appalling price really, even for England. Judy was very put out about her shopping. 

R.A.F. Camp at Kirkham - Preston and on Route 6 and when we hit Chorley, we also hit a heavy coal lorry taking the full bump on the driver's side. The truck driver signalled to turn right and then whizzed into the left as we were coming through on the inside. The two doors got bashed in somewhat but everybody agreed that we were lucky to get out of the accident, alive. I nice type who was travelling in the car behind pulled up and gave us his card in case he should be needed as a witness if a court case eventuated: Frederick W. Cox - Home address 551 Kings Road, Stretford. 

The door now, will not shut properly so both the front and back are tied with string and as the windows on that still will not close properly we are getting all the fresh air about the place. Both the truck and our car are insured so it will all come out in the wash and I guess that we won't need the witness for the court case after all. 

Wigon - Route 49 - we sight Potato Picking, and more coalmining districts - Haydock. Interesting point, on coming into Warrington: "Six Fatal Accidents since 1951. Please Drive Carefully through Warrington." 
We waited for 2 trader ships to pass at the River Mersey on account of the "Swing Bridge," which swivelled around on pivots, the bridge was of steel, built on a stone pilon. 

We chooffed on - no fee here - amazement was shown on every face in the car. Frodsham - Chester and it was here that we stayed the night at Albion Hotel. Judy, Joan and I walked around the shopping centre, had a milk shake in the only Milk Bar that I have seen in England and returned to the Hotel to front the cot. Bill and Tony had a Bill Williams in tow at the Hotel who, to we three, appeared to be pseudo Aussie.

Thursday 9th October 1952

We left Chester at 9.25am and crossed the River Dee into Wales. We viewed Water wheels grinding flour. Wrexham - Ruabon - gypsy camps and passed a pub called "Australian Arms," - Lolangollen - Oswestry and dozens of coal mining districts. Llynclys - Pant - Llanymynech. Fields, hedges, canals with locks and more sheep, cattle and pigs - more haystacks.

Welshpool - more hills and forests. Llanfair Caereinian and had drinks at Great Hotel. Raining but very pretty here in the Berwyn Mts. - Mallwyd - Cemmaes and had lunch at Wynnstay Arms Hotel in Llanbrynmair at Montgomeryshire. Carno - Caersws - Newtown, and now back into England from Wales. 
Newtown - Craven Arms - Ludlow and Bridge  where there was room for one way traffic but being as the English are, they had 2-way traffic. Leominster - Bromyard - Worcester - Eversham - River Avon - Broadway, which was very pretty - Moreton-in-Marsh - Chipping Norton - Oxford - Henley and back home to Surbiton and Bed, after having drinks at Henley in the "Fox" Hotel. 

Two small notes before I end this day. The curb stones on the sidwalks in Britain are about 2" high and cars and vehicles frequently park with 2 wheels on same. 2nd note: The Scotland trip we did about 1,650 miles by the indicator. Oh, and further, gaslight instead of electricity is used frequently all over Britain even at about 15 miles from London on the street lights. 

Friday 10th October 1952
Bill (Redmond), Tony (Redmond) and I chooffed into London where I discovered that Dadda had sent my £250 Sterling into my account at the Commonwealth of Australia Bank. We visited P.&O. office and once again tried to get me a cancellation (a cheaper berth), no go, but left a note of authority to transfer same if something came up whilst we are in France. Washed and ironed and bedded early. 

Previous to this we, Bill and I had our hair done at Bentalls and the lass did mine quite well although the cut wasn't the best. We had a mushroom omeletter at Bentalls too., 

Saturday 11th October 1952
Much packing for France and activity going on at 15 Avenue South, Surbiton, ironing, washing etc. I yanked all my bags out and repacked neatly. (1st time of re-organisation since Brixton). In the evening the 7 of us, including John and Jim, went to the Haymarket Theatre in Piccadilly and  saw "Waters of the Moon," which featured Wendy Hiller and Sybil Thorndike. This was a non-smoking theatre. I enjoyed it immensely.

Joan (Madden) told us another bedside tale, whilst the 3 of us were in bed and I had my first ride in a London taxi.

Sunday 12th October 1952
Sunday, oh my - packing; writing up diary, trip book and much American  canned beer and lots of open fire - it's damn freezing cold. The seven of us had a happy busy Sunday. Bill and Tony weren't feeling much pain 'round about six pm, Joan and John went into London to a movie, Jim and Judy wanted to be alone - so Bill, Tony and myself chooffed off to bed a 9.pm - Hellishly tired.

Monday 13th October 1952
The five of us whizzed around the flat for 2 hrs from 6.am to 8.am when the taxi arrived to take us to Surbiton Station. We limited our luggage to one overnight bag each and rugs. In the pouring rain we took the train to Clapham, changed there to Victoria Station where we caught the boat train to New Haven arriving there at 11.15.am. 

Through the customs - as we were only allowed to take £5 Sterling into France and 200 Cigarettes - we boarded the "Londres," which steamed into the English Channel headed for Dieppe. The trip on the ship took 3½ hours. A point of interest on same was that basins were placed all over the ship for sea sick passengers, on the floors, in the toilets, in the lounge and dining room and at the bar and on decks. 
And for the short trip that it was, there were certainly dozens of characters very ill, although once again I escaped same and came out smiling and on top of the weather. I consumed 6 straight Scotches on board with Joan, Bill, Tony and Pat and Jean Roach, after we had consumed a dinner of delicious chicken. The plate of chicken cost 9/- Sterling, the Scotch (for 1) cost 1/3d Sterling. 100 francs = approximately 2/- and 1,000 francs = approximately £1 Sterling. 

We arrived at Dieppe and got soaked to the skin in a heavy downpour again, boarded the train here and chooffed off immediately - our destination, Paris. The River Seine runs practically alongside the rail tracks for the whole of the train journey. The country here is scattered with farms, orchards, sheep, cattle and haystacks and occasional villages. 

I noticed as we sped on, a "Singer Sewing Machine" Factory and later a "Caltex" Petrol Pump Station and incidentally, all vehicle driving is a left-hand-side-wheel business in France. On the course of the Seine there are locks and weir and quite a few shipping craft, together with a swing or swivel steel bridge. The train was a "through," but I did manage to jot down a few of the stations names; Bonnieres, Rasny sur Seine, Gargenville, Triel Sur Seine, La Frettie sur Seine, Cormeillus. 

We arrived in Paris at the station right on the scheduled time - at 6.4pm. From here, some peasantry french Bum with a broken nose clamped on to us, enquiring if we wanted a taxi. Thinking that he was a taxi man we lumbered after him, to find out that he just directed us to the rank in the hopes of a tip. 

The streets of Paris are absolutely packed, but it's wonderful - just imagine being in "Gay Paris," and me of all people. Tony and Bill took one taxi and Tony gave this, log a tip, so when he pushed us in to a taxi behind their's (that is Judy, Joan and myself) I nearly knocked my skull off in the process, we wouldn't give him any tip, even though he and I shouted at each other. He finally gave up in disgust and the taxi fella droe us to Le Grand Hotel Du Louvre, at Place du Theatre Francais, Paris, where the five of us are booked in for 2 nights. 

The taxi fare only cost 170 francs which is equal to almost 4/-, so I gave the driver the 200 francs. 
We piled out at the Hotel and fluffed through the revolving glass doors and registered at the counter, a bell boy showed us to our sumptuous rooms, (he couldn't speak a word of Englishand Joan, Judy and I weren't doing so well with our French , but we managed to get ourselves installed on the first floor in regular Hollywood themed style rooms. Joan and I shared a twin bedroom and bathroom attached. Judy had a single room also with a bathroom)

We overlook the Paris streets from our room and have glass doors opening onto a Balcony. The five of us went to a night club for supper, drank white dry wine and ate pork chops, chips and French Bread Rolls. Later we had drinks in the Hotel Lounge and Bill and Judy retired to bed. 

We three then walked around Paris looking at the most gorgeous ships in the world. They're really mighty!! I sure do wish that I had a lot of money to buy the articles, especially in the way of wearing apparel, that I saw. We chooffed back to the Hotel and had ourselves baths in tubs which were as big as the "Mooltan" swimming pool - also in the bathrooms are baby's baths.

Joan and I left the french doors from the balcony open so as we could hear the terrific din of traffic and horns, which goes on all night, as does the night life of Paris.

Tuesday 14th October 1952
We awoke to the tune of horns and miles and miles of vehicles, as if life never stops in France - and I'm sure it never does at that. 

Joan, Judy and I went shopping or rather window shopping in Paris. The Shops surpass any dreaming that I have ever done in the past about luscious clothes and jewellery. I should more than anything almost like to live here for a few years, married to some wealthy character, as it would be the only way to live in France because the cost of living is worse than England, especially in eats. However, somethings are comparatively cheap in the way of wearable articles and chunky jewellery. 

Judy bought 2 bracelets, necklace and earings, I bought 2 lighters - one for a gift, a book of Paris scenes, postcards and 1 pr mesh stockings and perfume (solid), Joan bought stockings, a broach, a hat and perfume. 

We had lunch at the Hotel in the Snack Bar - I had an omelette - and we had a bottle of Champagne between the 4 of us, as WIne is fairly cheap in France. Joan and I walked along the Rue de la Paix, among many other streets and saw the Opera House. 

In the evening, as Joan and Judy weren't feeling so good after the French Rich cooking, Bill, Tony and Pat (Roache) and Jean Roach and I went to "la Maxeville" for dinner. It is a 2 storey club with plate glass windows overlooking Boulevarde Montmartre. An 8 piece orchestra entertains on the mezzanine floor, here, that is so the patrons from the 1st floor can look up and the 2nd floor patrons can look down. All very chic! 

For the first time in my life I had snails (6 of them), they came in brown and white shells - 3 times the size of our garden snails, they were cooked and steaming hot and as they had apparently been cooked in butter and parsley they came out green. Special holding pincers with a handle are used to hold the shell, whilst with the other hand one uses a two-prong fork and twists the snail out of it's shell. 

We drank Beaujolais and Moulin a Vent as wines with our dinner. To follow the snails, (which were simply delicious and I intend to have them as often as I can and also try frog's legs when I get the chance), I had a mixed grill with shredded chips that came out like spagetti, water-cress and liver , kidney, chop, frankfurt and sausage to follow this I exhausted myself on Meringue Glacee ua Chantilly, which is a large meringue covered in loads of fresh cream. 

We finally emerged from the fattening-club and walked about 2 mile past most shops, theatres, movies, clubs, cafes and neon signs, to Denis a tube railway station Strasbourg. Here we met with a frenchman who was very talkative and amazingly enough, didn't want anything, but, as a matter of fact gave us some perfume, information about Paris and the tubes and also gave me his business address in Switzerland, (Perfuming business), in case I ever get there - Ho Hum!! 

We boarded the tube train after leaving our friend at the map above the R'Way of the whole tube system, (they have a map of such at every station in Paris), and got into a bit of strife with the guard whilst on the trip, as we had unknowingly bought 3rd class tickets and were sitting up as large as life in a a 1st class carriage. However, the Guard didn't think it at all funny and was quite terse with all of us. 
By the time we had paid the rest of the fares, plus the fine, it would have been cheaper to get a taxi, but we did have fun. We had drinks then at a low dive, just for a joke, - the proprietor however, overwhelmed us by bunging on his white starched coat at our entrance and ushered us to the Salle du Premier, which was where his 1st class customers dined and wined apparently, the others had beer of which they approved very much and had 4 cognacs - nice old drop too. 

The little joint was called "Du Rousseau." The drinks we discovered were less than ½ the price of our Hotel or in the better end of town, which were served on saucers with the prices of same marked on the side - 40F for the beer each a piece and 50F for my cognac. We then proceeded back to the Hotel by taxi and chooffed into the Snack bar for 2 final night caps. I downed a Suze and a Dubonnet and clocked myself off to the cot, Joan was still awake so we giggled over my tale of the night before dropping dead asleep.

Wednesday 15th October 1952
Whizzed by foot up to the Largest Palace in the World which is now turned into a kind of Museum - it is the Palace de la Louvre, and is quite near to our Hotel. The 7 of us now (including Jean and Pat Roache) walked through Les Tuileries. A beautiful park positively covered in statues, monuments,fountains, kiosks, gardens, lawns, children's playgrounds, and sporting at the entrance L'Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and a monument to Rousseau. 

Further on was a huge monument which was presented to Louis Phillip 1st in 1836. It had originally been built in Egypt hundreds of years before this and re-erected in Paris. On one side the history of same is written in Latin, on another side same is repeated in French, on another side are Egyptian carvings in the stone adn the last side has a diagram carved on the stone of how this huge towering pillar was re-erected in Paris at La Place de la Concorde. 

We trotted on and nearly got mowed down by the erratic horn-blowing traffic quite a few times, and into L'Avenue des Champs- Elysees which is positively packed tight with super dream stores. This avenue led to L'Arc de Triomphe de L'Etoile wherre the memorial to the unknown soldier from the 1914-18 World War is situated underneath the arch of same. It is a flame burning endlessly, a carving on the stone in memory of the fallen at the War and has been covered in wreaths and flowers, quite recently. 
We climbed the 300 odd steps to the top and overlooked Paris almost completely. What a mighty view, thirteen avenues enter onto L'Arch de Triomphe de L'Etoile and appear to radiate from same. From here we also had ourselves and excellent view of la Tour Eiffel. 

Returning to earth again we had lunch in an arcade snack bar in la Rue de Revoli and from there to Salon de L'Automobile where Bill and Tony got their International Driving Licenses and from there we taxied to the American Express Co. We booked for the Follies Bergere tomorrow night  and started bookings for Spain come this Saturday. 

Chooffed back then to the Hotel and once again looked over L'Opera. Bill, Tony and Judy chooffed to their rooms for a rest whilst Joan and I wandered to Au Louvre in search of a Passport Photo counter  as we all have to have snaps for our Spanish Visas and I have to have one for my International Driving Licence. After much mixed French and English we found our objective and proceeded to have our photos taken by a "Photomaton" and the whole operation, each a pieceand with photo's and sale complete, took 8 minutes at the cost of 150F. 

Back to the Hotel where I wrote cards, letters and my trip book - to send a letter air mail, from here to Australia , costs 160F. We changed and the 7 of us went to a late dinner at the "Moulin Rouge" in Montmartre. I had more snails  which were excellent, we drank dinner wine, then later, beer. The night club is terrific. I guess it's just as I imagined it to be from the book. 

The floor show was super and 5 times as long as any floor show in Sydney. Two orchestras are employed as well as dozens of waiters flitting about and about 2 dozen girls also in uniform who were mostly selling magazine souvenirs. The club itself is built in tiers and the dance floor is a platform which recedes under the orchestra stand. The back tier which looks down onto the floor is actually a drinks bar, half circling the club. The entrance to this is thich with carpet and fronts two sets of plate glass swing-doors. The walls in the foyer are lined with past and present artists of their shows.

 
Three movies screens hang over the floor space and on these are flashed sketches and dits (all in French and some of a very crude nature), whilst the dance music is in progress. The walls and the ceiling of the club room are covered in murals and paintings of the arty types. 

It was a mighty night and I'm sure that I could visit "Moulin Rouge" again without any pain whatsoever - like the rest of Paris it was mighty. We clocked into bed at about 2.30am, still drifting and dreaming, actually I can't believe yet that I am really in Paris. (Back at the Hotel I had a Pernod to drink).

Thursday 16th October 1952

Rising earlier than usual, Joan, Judy and I had the usual breakfast of tomato juice and coffee then fluffed over to Au Louvre to get Judy's snap taken - this completed we hiked up to L'Automobile Association where I received my International Driving Licence for 450F. This is good for 1 year and can be used almost anywhere in Europe. 

We met Bill and Tony for lunch and had omelette "gentilhommes" and bolognaise. From there to the American Express Co. and the C.I.T. (Italian Tourist Bureau). We are now going to Italy by bus, which leaves tomorrow morning at 7.30am from Paris, instead of visiting Spain. Judy, Joan and I then braced our muscles and walked along the Seine River to La Tour Eiffel, opposite which, is le palais de Chaillot. 

En route to same we walked across du pont Carrosel, past the Canada Club and sighted some wayside book and painters' stalls on the side walks - past Pont Royale. Pont de Solferino, Pont de la Concorde and Pont d'Alexandre III (this is a beautiful bridge bedecked with gold statues), Pont des Invalides, Pont de l'Alma . We noticed boat tours in progress along the Seine and numerous enthusiastic folks fishing. French children are dressed enchantingly  - the boys perhaps more charmingly than the girls. 

The Eiffel Tour is Colossal and today the tourists were flocked around same, like bees around honey and as there was a queue to board the elevator to the top we decided not to wait but fully intend to get to the top another day. 

We returned to the Hotel and at 6.30pm the 7 of us chooffed to the Restaurant "Jack Ball," 26, Rue de Gramant. Here we had our nicest meal yet in Paris. I had Muscles Mariner, which were hot and done in the same kind of sauce as the snails. Bouf Bourguignon, which was beef cooked in red wine with mushrooms and potatoes, and tarte maison, an apple tart with sliced apple in the centre and on top , covered in white wine and syrup, to all this we drank Monbazillac as an after wine and Beaujolais for a pre-dinner wine. 

After dinner we chooffed along to Montmartre and to the "Folies Bergere." The foyer was mighty with an oval bar in the centre, a painting display at one end (where same could be purchased), and articles such as perfume, ornaments and underwear on display in show cases, lining the walls were photos of the artists and one could also buy soft drinks and hot dogs. 

Below the foyer was an entrance to "Continental Dancing," Oriental Music was drifting up from same and apparenty for the price of 100F one could see something like the "Dance of the Seven Veils." The show itself was colossal, it began at 8.30pm and didnt conclude 'til 12 o'clock. 

Upon returning to the Hotel, we packed madly, in readiness for a 7.30am departure the next morning, by bus to Lyon. Bed didn't front consequently, for Joan and myself 'til about 2.30am.
Friday 17th October 1952
Rising at 6.am we had breakfast of rolls and coffee brought on trays to our rooms, gathered things together and caught a taxi to where the bus was waiting, we left at 7.30am approximately and passed la Madeleine and so on through and out of Paris. Fontainbleau where we could see from the roadway, Madame Pompadour's old home and further on an impressive Palace. 

Montargis we stopped for morning tea, and watched some French women washing clothes in a canal. The long thin loaves of bread are brought and carried home under their arms, this fashion is rather prominent all over France. 

Loire River - Briare - Neuvy - Chartre sur Loire - Pouges - Nievre, (this village has very narrow cobble stone streets as do most of the French villages), on Loire River. Moulins we stopped and had lunch at Le Grand Hotel de Paris. At Roanne we had lemonade , Tony had a beer and Joan bought 50F worth of roasted peanuts. 

At almost 7pm the bus pulled in at Lyon which is a very large sea-side city. We stayed the night at the Hotel Continental - had a huge overpowering dinner of luscious fish, steak and fruit and Crème Cure (which was pure cream made up in small circular pats like creamcheese - mighty drop). We drank Pernod and Martinis and Carafes of wine with our dinner. Bill and Tony had a bath with their room and as we couldn't find another one within "Coo-ee" distance, the 5 of us used Bill's - and so to bed thoroughly worn out.

Saturday 18th October 1952
Up with the birds again at 6.am an in the bus again after pine-apple juice and the inevitable bread rolls and butter. Across the Phone River in a very dense fog with the driver madly honking the horn all the way. Actually the reason wasn't completely all fog it seems to me that these mad frenchmen are crazy with the horn and the speed. 

Along the journey I noticed farms, cattle and sheep, acres of grape vines and we are driving with the mountains ahead of us. Col-de-Porte Mountain - Rives (Pines?) - fields of corn and haystacks built around poles which are staked by ropes to the ground. 

We are now surrounded by mountains on which are large forests of pine trees. Isere and white faced cliffs - an old Monastry was built on top of a mountain which we sighted just before entering Grenoble - a big city, where we had morning tea. Here we noticed a few bombed sites (and actually we haven't seen very much of bombed buildings at all in France), and new stone buildings, some 11 storeys high going up in their place. Huge timber yards and onto La Gresse and climbing higher into the mountains all the time - French Alpes - high rock mountains and sheer drops into the valleys. Bullock teams pulling the ploughs on the farms - and in the distance snow on the peaks of the Alps. 

The valleys are very beautiful but the steep roadways with their hair-pin bends and "Z" turnings are very treacherous and comparatively narrow, as it is quite thousand feet into the valleys below us. Brion Bridge over a truly beautiful gorge, a sharp steep drop, miles down between steep cliffs. Pine Forests are on the mountains close to us but snow is quite pretty well all the time now, the bus is going about 10 to 15 miles an hour, (or is it kilometres). 

Grande Moucherolle, Grand Veymont and Mt.Aiguille - spectacular scenery. Clelles, a very old village, with the now usual narrow cobble-stone streets and narrow high stone houses, flocks of sheep with a few goats mixed in each group and these are usually attended by women as are the cattle, even the farming is done mostly by the French women and the men apparently do the roadwork and logging. 

There are hundreds of ploughed fields in the valleys and tall poplars seem to line the roadways. There are also quite a few viaducts which we have noticed during our trip today, the mountains are now varying in vegetation, some being grassy with bushes and shrubs, other with the Pines and some are quite bare of any life at all, but the majority are very steep and towering. 

Col-de-la Croix Haute (Neck of the High Cross), clear valley streams running over rocks and pebbles are now appearing along the valley and maple trees are lining same. St.Julien-en-Beauchère Station and town - la Buech River - high blade-like mountains of rock and we noticed quite a few old German fortifications in the hills cleverly built and tunnelled over the roadway and stone fortification walls. 

Grape vines - apple trees - Laragne and Sisteron with blade shaped hills and crevices in some at the entrance of the village. It is here in Sisteron that the River Durance joins the River la Buech, we had lunch at La Potinière, Aix-en-Prov: Cafe Glacier, at Avenue de la Liberation - (Basses-Alpes). We had Hors D'oeuvres, Vol-au-vent Firanciere au Caneloni Nicoise, (rissoles with white sauce), Rizotto au Pommes Mousseline (Rice with Pototoes), and Roti de Porc and Roti de Veau (Veal and Pork chops). Dessert was pears kind of stewed with the stalks still on but peeled. 

Back into the bus and we crossed the bridge where the Rivers join, Sisteron is a very pretty town with a mighty view of the rivers running over the white rocks and pebbles in the valley, the water is a gorgeous clear blue and looks just right for swimming, although it is very shallow in parts. 

We are driving along by the Bléone River - Valonne where we sighted a suspension bridge and tower - Les Gillons - soil erosion on the sandy dry hills with scattered shrubs growing on same. Barrême for afternoon drink - Moriez and Chuarry, small streets, peasants and poor crumbling houses and a memorial for the 1914-18 War. 

St.Andre Les Alps - here there is a terrific damn (sic) with Mountains lining the far side and a stone wall bordering the roadside - through a tunnel and the damn now continues on the opposite side of the road and round the mountain, through the township where the streets were so narrow that the men working on the buildings at street level had to stop work whilst the bus drove by. 

There are quite a few tunnels along the road, tunnelled through the sides of the mountains, some have side openings along same to allow extra light as occasionally they are qute a few hundred yards long. 
Vergons - sheep and cattle which are generally tended by the women as are also the farms, the men work on the roads and the logging. The logs are carried down from the mountains by means of cables - about ½dozen logs at a time. Everytime the bus passes traffic coming in the opposite direction, we stop and slowly pass same as there is no space to spare whatsoever. 

La Galange and we stopped again to allow a flock of sheep go by with the inevitable 3 goats and a dog. Col Ouvert - Le Coulomp - La Var River, viaducts, olive trees in terraces on the hills. Railway line is now running by the side of the road and we noticed a Fort on a nearby mountain. 

Entreveaux, at the beginning of this very ancient town we noticed a stone village built on terraces at the top of a very steep mountain, into Entreveaux and crossing the river here was an old draw bridge which made an entrance into the main part of the town, with turrets and battlements complete and a winding stone wall travelling right to the heights of the mountains and more houses. 

Grapevines and olive trees are growing in terraces onn the hills for the rest of our trip through the mountains - Tuet - by passed Cannes and into Nice, The French Riviera, the playground of Europe. We unloaded ourselves from the bus and got organised into a taxi like a bunch of grapes. After a short delay in the taxi, as the driver chooffed us off to the wrong Hotel, we disembarked at the Hotel Chatham where we stayed the night. 

This time Joan, Judy and I had the bathroom attached to our room so we could repay Bill and Tony for their hospitality - we changed into our suits and as our Hotel didn't serve meals we were advised by the desk clerk to adjourn to "A La Reine Jeanne," a restaurant in the next street, which we did. We were very pleased with the service, food and the restaurant itself and passed remark about the gushiness (perhaps a little overdone, but then we had to make allowance for the fact that he was French) of the head waiter. He was quite handsome and young. We had omelettes and Crepe Suzette which our charming friend made with his own fair hands and Frenc wine.

 
We all decided that we must have been at the "over-tired" stage as we were on the "giggling" script with gusto - so we hit the hay after paying an onlookers' visit to the Casino which cost 100F each to attend. Much gambling and tense faces were in progress in the inside rooms but gambling is quite legal here. 

Sunday 19th October 1952
by the time we had organised ourselves for a look around Nice it was crowding 12 noon, so we strolled to 9 Rue Grimaldi, to A La Reine Jeanne once again for brunch. Today we took a table in the garden adjoining the restaurant rooms, in the sun, it was very pleasant there. The head waiter was all over us like a rash and we started the day with martinis, followed by grapefruit, eggs done in spinach, chicken, (Joan had Muscles), and apple tart which the waiter told us he had cooked at 5.am this morning. The forks fascinated me as they were gold. Palm trees and Willows were draped around the garden and some tables sported umbrellas. 

After brunch we ambled towards the beach, through an impressive park which entered onto the Riviera. The promenade stretches for miles, the beach is of pebbles and the water is very blue and calm, (there are no tides at all in the Mediterranean), there are Hotels and apartments the length of the Riviera and later in the afternoon people started to show themselves and take the air, the rise very late here as they play very late - or rather 'til early hours of the morning. 

While Bill and Tony went walking, Joan, Judy and myself took an hour's boat trip which cost us 250F each a piece to Villefranche. It was very pretty and a beautiful day, and rather reminded me of Sydney Harbour in places. We walked along the Riviera upon our return to shore, had a chocolate milkshake at a promenade Milk Bar for an amount of approximately 3/3d each, then returned to the Hotel where I cut both Joan's and Judy's hair. 

It was about 9.pm after Bill and Tony had gone to the Casino that we decided to take ourselves out for a stroll and something to eat. We wore our feet to bones after much trotting around shops and along the promenade, it was here however that we met an American. Bill  - -  from Wisconsin, who is on the continent for a 5 month holiday. At the time of our meeting him he was very lonely for English voices and company and was gazing out to sea. He asked us to join him in a drink, but as we hadn't eaten we declined, however he tacked onto us. It was about ¼ ot 11 when we decided to eat and back to the our familiar restaurant we chooffed. As Bill had eaten we arranged to meet him after to indulge in a few drinks but it was  quite obvious that he was more keen about Joan not letting him down than he was about Judy or myself.

Naturally our friend at the restaurant was surprised to see us and as the place was practically empty, he started in with the chatter and then asked me out to dance. We thought that he was kidding but by the time we had finished our steak and the fruit,, (he fed us the grapes and pears), we discovered that he was on the level, so Judy and I agreed to meet both he and a younger waiter in 15 minutes outside our Hotel. 

Joan left us outside la Reine Jeanne and whizzed off to meet Bill, whilst we trotted back to the Chatham. Bill and Tony were in the lounge where dancing to a piano and drums was in progress. We told them about our date and after much giggling and a drink we were dancing with some frenchmen who were also in the lounge. Tony went outside to see if the boys had turned up, then Joan arrived to inform us that he was at the bar on the other side of the street drinking beer with Bill and our Fellas, so we all adjourned over there too. Introductions and Judy's date was Ronnie and my casanova, Rovert. 

The six of us, advised by Robert, then went walking off to the "Black Cat," which was a dive further down town. A midget standing about 3ft high attended the door and we jazzed downstairs where a one man band and vocalist of piano accordian and drums was very busy making the song and music. (Incidentally he didn't let up all night). Two small rooms with tables and chairs, a stone floor and walls, sketches with cartoon-like figures, mostly nudes, such as Adam and Eve just about complete the club, but the people were very friendly and lively. 

We drank champagne and danced, the band-come-vocalist fella sang "Daisy," on our entrance thinking we were English and the manager, who was about 6'2" tall and the midget did a ballerina floor show in full costume. 

Later the froggies went gay with a tune that called for breaking and smashing plates and glasses by throwing same onto the centre of the floor, (this we were told was traditional and quite the "done" thing). The pieces were all swept up by a lass and then everyone started in on a repeat performance. 
Robert was by now getting very romantic and danced me into the adjoining empty room, this was followed by the light turning on and off and much laughter from the French and a tune from the band fella to fit the occasion. After a line of charm from Robert in my pink ear a hand appeared 'round the doorway of our room with a huge bell attached to same, which was clanged madly. I finally got out of the room with a lot of tact and eyes and teeth. Judy (Roache) and I later (much later) left with Ronnie and Robert and headed for the Hotel where, at the door, we said our goodnights with kisses and handshakes and climbed into our cots upstairs about 5.am. 

Joan (Madden) arrived in at 6.30.am. 

Monday 20th October 1952
We left Nice by bus at 9.30am and headed for Genoa, travelling along the coast on the mountains we had a mighty view of the Mediterranean for our complete trip. The yachts, villas and luxury boats were really something wonderful along the way, together with the beaches and pools belonging to the homse on the hills. 

Monaco, which is the richest principality in the world - Monte Carlo - Menton, all these cities are amassed in glorious shops, sumptuous Hotels, sports of all kinds and everything smells of luxury plus. 
The frontier and border of Italy and France. Our passports were gathered by the conductor in the bus and same were inspected by the French Police on this side of the border which is distinguished by a black and white pole which is dropped across the road on a hinge. They were stamped then we were all asked if we had anything to declare, as we are only allowed to take 20,000 Francs out of France. 

The road where we are waiting to be cleared overlooks the beach, Sea, railway, fowl runs and huge turkeys. Two people were put off the bus here and have to return to Paris, as their visas are not satisfactory for Italy. The bus then drove for about 50 yards and our passports were turned over to the Italian Police for stamping, once again. The police and bus-man were quite taken up with my coin necklace and even the Gestapo looking ones had a look at same. One gave me an Italian 5 Lire, another gave me a coin for phone calls and a fellow passenger gave me an Egyptian coin, so I rated rather well.

 
Two uniform policemen (Italian) were dressed in grey with grey soft hats turned up on one side a quill-pen feather on same and a yellow pom-pom. Judy received three winks from one of these characters and after much giggling and old fashioned flirting from the three of us to the fellas in uniform we decided that we like Italy. 

All along the journey we noticed quite a lot of bombed ruins, shell and bullet holes in buildings and houses and mostly on the structures that were near the sea and on the cliffs. Driving along we sighted acres of cacti, orange trees, grape vines, olive trees and tomatoes. The sand on the beaches is a dirty colour or pebbly. 

Transito - San Remo - tons of horn honking by the driver and now cacti and ferns in hot houses and under thatched awnings, rooves. Big homes on cliffs - swimming pools - in terraces we saw growing carnations, roses, more olive trees and grapevines and whole families (men, women and children), were working together in these gardens. 

Most of the luxury homes had sun decks and rooves. San Remo and 2 policemen got aboard the bus complete with holsters and guns and communicated to check the tickets with the bus drivers. 


"Gran Bretagne," (Great Britain) Hotel for lunch, San Remo is a very clean and pretty city but definitely for the tourist trade and so expenses here are higher than usual as all sea side places in Europe and England seem to be. 

St.Lorenzo Al Mar - miles of advertisements from here on into Genoa, huge notice boards and bold advertisements, ones that one could hardly miss - I guess that's the idea - it certainly is the most impressive that I have even seen. For lunch we had figs, apples, spaghetti, snitzell and Hors D'oeuvres. 
Imperia - Zona Bhalheare - small surf working up here, but still the fawny coloured sand. Andora and another surf beach, there are no tides here on the Mediterranean, no sharks - only cobbles and dirty sand. Alassio - Allianco - tomatoes - women washing clothes in a canal and drying same on the walls and sidewalks, (it reminded me quite some of Colombo and Bombay, as a matter of fact - most of Italy is very much like those Eastern Parts). 

The women are often seen here carrying baskets of washing, vegetables or wares on their heads. Varigatti - Varazza, about now the driver of our bus bunged on the radio and the programme we were entertained by was certainly much, much better than English Radio could ever offer. We noticed a rock towering out of the sea quite close to the roadside on which was a shrine of the Virgin Mary. Donkeys in the villages were loaded down with packs, cases and boxes of wares and wines.

Genoa - large shipping docks and dozens of lines and trade ships at the wharves. It is a huge and dirty city and none of us were very happy about staying overnight there, especially when we were deposited at Hotel Firenze Turigo Genoa. It was a dirty hotel and the dinner was shocking. The bathroom in Bill and Tony's room was really something to write home about - about 2½' wideand 3ft long, with a seat to sit on and a step for the feet - which made the water on 2 levels - quite a novelty, but I like to like down, myself, I kept thinking to myself that somebody would chooff in with a supper tray. The noise in the street under our rooms was deafening with trams, trains, cars and trucks working overtime all night. We were so tired however we dropped off smart quick to sleep without much twisint of the arms at all - Judy was not very well either. 

Tuesday October 21st 1952
Breakfast at our Genova Hotel really took the cake, one plate with a hunk of jam in the middle - 5 pots of butter arrayed around same and which had obviously been dropped on the floor at some time or other. Five knives were plonked blade down on this plate and 1 all each (?) and there we were. 
Judy (Redmond) had her coffee and roll in bed and perhaps it was best at that as she still wasn't feeling the best and I reckon that the appearance of our breakfast  table wouldn't have helped matters any. Left the Hotel at 11.45am booked at the C.I.T., which is the Italian travelling agency and which the Italians pronounce (Shit - truly), for Milano. Left our bags at the station and had lunch at Stella Hotel Restaurant of cutlets, rusks, oily lettuce and the inevitable "steam." 

We looked over the town after this - narrow slummy streets and weekly washing strung across same - tiny shops - dirty streets of mostly cobblestones. In the shops  they were selling amongst slices of fish, octopi, shell fish, muscles, star fish and oysters. Back to the Station to gather our ports and have a drink. Joan (Madden) and I had a giggling session trying to find the toilette for Bill and then when we did, we almost chooffed into the wrong one - so we found ourselves confronting a lot of embarrassed laughing men's faces. 

The bus left at 4pm and the country is much the same as yesterday, advertisements on roadway - Tortona and washing on pavements - poplar trees, grapevines and the countryside is much cleaner and prettier than the city. Brick and tile yard - farms. Remembering on past towns nylon stockings are about 10/-per pair and 150 Lire = 2/-d Sterling and 100 francs = about 2/-d Sterling. 

Piancenzo and then Milano. Here we disembarked and Tony pushed us all into a taxi together with our baggage with 2 bags in front, Joan, Judy and Bill in the back with 3 cases and me on their laps and 2 cases on one dicky seat, Tony thinking that he had organised everything climbed into the only space left spare in the cab, and said "Oh, this is all right - there's plenty of room in here," - and he was perfectly serious about the whole thing. 

Piling out at "Hotel Terminus Bellini Milano," we organised ourselves in beautiful rooms and once again shared Bill and Tony's bathroom. We had a lovely dinner and fruit - retired to the lounge where we had drinks and chooffed off to bed about 11.30pm.

Wednesday 22nd October 1952
Rose about 8.am - bathed and breakfasted, we looked over the town and discovered some really choice shops, bought a few knick-knacks and rode in the trams, we looked through the beautiful Cathedral of Milano, fed the pidgeons and had our 'photos taken. The fellas that we passed in the street, young and old alike whistled at us, looked us up and down and practically undressed us - I guess they do that to all women here - we wouldn't know. 

We ambled back to our Hotel, wrote and dined, then adjourned to the classy lounge to do our letters and trip books - I caused a big stir when I dropped the top of my pen and the whole of the staff and the lounge occupants were all over the floor like a tin of womrs - the carpet was pulled back, chairs disarranged and everybody put out in general. Hell, I could have found the thing myself, but everybody had to get in on the act. Bed came about 1.am after company in the lounge, drinks and packing

Thursday 23rd October 1952
We had breakfast and went shopping for an hour - back to the Hotel, collected our baggage and by taxi drove to Milan Station. At 5 past 12 the train chooffed out of the station headed for Switzerland. Rho Station - lunch on the train of Italian wine, Hors D'oevres, Veal and Spinnach and Rice, Gorgonzola cheese, coffee and fruit. 

On the way back to our compartment we were spoken to by a Swiss chap who lived in Surry Hills, Sydney - 30 years ago, he welcomed us to this country, we said thank you and good bye and trotted on. Arona and the Italian Lakes where Lord Byron lived and wrote of for some time. They're really beautiful, blue and mountains surrounding same. 

Tecino River - Stresa - Baveno and here in the lakes we noticed small Islands scattered everywhere, there were little villages built on same even though some of them were quite small, a few even boasted a church to complete their town. There is a lot more habitation around the Italian Lakes, than what there is on the Scotch Lochs. Glorious mountains on both sides of us with trees and shrubs covering same.

Verbania Pallonza - Pasta Agnesi - grape vines on terraces - we are now supping Dreher Birra (Italian Beer) and Vichy Water, (like a tonic water and not as bubbly as soda water). Italian Border and we had our passports stamped by the Italian Police - 5 minutes later we had our passport stamped by the Swiss Police - snow on the Alps in the distance - rushing mountain streams over pebbles and rocks and spanned by hump bridges. Snow on the hills quite close to us.

Iselle di Trasquera - Snow next to the Railway Line and Tony endeavoured to take photos between the tunnels and electric poles. It is on this line that the longest tunnel ni the world is situated. Tony took 2 photos of the snow and mountains at Brig Station. 

Visp Veige, mist in the mountains lying low and Tony took another photo' - farms, poplar trees, sheep and cattle. The cows have wide collars with bells attached to same 'round their necks in case of getting lost. Aerodrome (Bex?), small planes and tiny hangars of dirt floors and grass growing over the top of a hollowed out cavity. 

Leuk - Louche, Swiss Army (Jimmy Stewart) in green uniforms. Charrat Fully - Pine Forests on mountains and grey-sand flowing valley river by the railway line - weather-board 2 storey homes and houses posted high up on the side of the hills - vegetable gardens. 

Martigny Station - waterfalls - beehives and haystacks with poles in the centre. St.Maurice and sulphor baths advertised - Bex les Bains - Aigle - Montreux town on a huge lake surrounded by mountains. Vevey - homes with water frontages, miles and miles of vineyards, both on the flats and in terraces on the hills. 

Lausanne - Nyon at 6.45pm and Geneva at 7.04pm. We caught a taxi to our Hotel which was the Hotel D'Angleterre. We were very thrilled when we discovered that our rooms overlooked a huge lake, Lac Geneva and the promenade was very similar to that of the Riviera. Next door to our Hotel is the Grand Casino and life doesn't start 'till 12 midnight. We had a stroll to the shops and sandwiches and beer at the Casanova Buffet, then returned to our Hotel for more Swiss Beer and later to bed. 12 francs 18 cents = £1 sterling in Swiss Francs that is. We then all chooffed off to our luxurious bedrooms for the night. 

Friday 24th October 1952

Cigarettes of all brands are sold here in Switzerland quite freely (all except Australian of course), and very cheaply as there is no duty to be paid on same, although I guess that this is the only cheap item in Switzerland - anything else from soft and hard drinks to eats and clother are very expensive . 

We walked around the town and perhaps the nicest shops of all are the jewellers stores as of course this is the country for watches - there are really some gorgeous watches on display in the windows to write nothing of the clocks which come in all shapes and sizes and design - the prices of these though are unthinkable. 

Lac Leman is very pretty and about 7 bridges span same - a weir works across about the centre and there are numerous ducks and swans residing on these green waters. The city itself is very large and clean but mostly caters for the tourist trade in the summer seasons. It is positively packed with Hotels, Restaurants and Casinos and Amercians, just apparently loaded with folding money. 

Joan, Judy, Bill and I used our bubble bath essence that we had bought in Milan and fronted up large by having ourselves each a piece of bubbles, before chooffing off to bed. I am now smoking French Cigarettes, Gauloises, by name, (having been converted to same by my French Frog, Robert of Nice) as we have run out of American smokes and this brand only cost 95 cents per packet. 

Tony with all his organising has so far managed to almost lose his new Italian Chapeaux, packets of fags and his holy passport. Hell knows what's to happen if he mislays his collection of beer bottle labels. which he treasures, as does a small boy over a bag of marbles. The Hotel is luscious but very quiet except for the nearby ""Grand Casion" and the gay types at same abode.

Saturday 25th October 1952
We left our Hotel D'Angleterre at 8.35am and caught the train at Genève Station which chooffed out at 9.15am, on our way to Frankfurt. Farms, poplar trees and it's raining rather heavily. On the station at Genève I noticed gum and chocolate coated peanut machines and Automaton Machines which for a price distributed Cigarette, chocolates and matches. 

Lausanne, then headed back north again after changing the engine here from back to front. Yverdon, still raining and quite a heavy mist. The trains in Europe are very luxurious and even though we are travelling 2nd class they are much better than any 1st class carriage in Australia. 

Neuchatel - quite a lot of people have motor scooters in France, Italy and Switzerland and even the tradesmen, such as bakers, seem to use them for their work. There are just as many women as men in possession of same and pillion riding on these is no uncommon sight. We have seen very few cottages on our trip - homes mostly consist of 2 to 4 or 5 storey buildings made up into apartments, flat, Hotels  and Boarding Houses establishments; - Lac de Neuchatel - Biel - Grenchen-Nord at the beginning of a tunnel which took us 7 minutes to travel through - Montier and a flooded rushing river with all the recent and present rain overflowing the banks. 

Delemont, here the engine changed to opposite end of the train again and we whizzed off in a direction to Basel - north-west and on the opposite side of the flooded river - Laufen - Swiss Station Basel, here we changed trains and had lunch at the Railway Buffet Restaurant at 1.15pm. at 2.30pm we boarded the German Train and had visits from the Swizz Customs men - 10 minutes later the train had chooffed onto the German side of the Border of Basel Station. Here the train remained stationary for about ½ hr or more whilst German officials stamped our passports and collected forms which we filled in under their instructional eyes and German language as they did not speak a word of English. 

Tony had a bit of trouble getting a combination bottle of 4 licquors past the customs in Switzerland. So the manager of the Buffet pulled all 4 corks from same, carved corks down to fit and bunged these in place - as it had therefore been opened, there was no  cause for alarm as far as duty was concerned to be paid. Anyhow we all indulged later in our train compartment and as no glass or drinking utensil was available we used an ash-tray which I had swiped from our room in the Hotel at Genève. 

The train was off once again and we sped past vast plains of farmed vegetables, green fields, fruit trees and poplar trees. Oxen seem to pull all wagons and carts where at home we usually have horses for same toil. 

Mulheim (Baden) and here we noticed in the city quite a lot of bombed ruins and new attic apartment houses in building progress as replacements. 

Freiburg - Lahr Dinglingen - Offenburg - Renchen and now over the countryside and towns there are cottages, more 1-storey buildings and mostly homes rather than apartments and flats and Hotel. 
Achren  - Baden Oos at 5.45pm and pretty dark by now. Judy is asleep and has been dozing most part of the day - Joan has just dropped off and over 3 more hours to go . Some weird looking character keeps peering in through the doors of the corridor at me (like Mrs Rhodes), he's giving me the creeps as we three are along - Tony and Bill are down at the Bar having German Beers and collecting more labels for their home in Kogarah. 

Kaloderma at 6.25pm - Heidelburgher - Darmastdt - Hof  - at 8.25pm and we reached Frankfurt at 9pm. We clambered onto the platform plus our baggage in tow, and headed for the Hotel Continental, we told Tony that we'd each carry our own cases instead of hiring a taxi if we could have a double-header when we reached our Hotel. He agree. Our rooms are beautiful - blue carpets, maroon covered divan and chairs, heaters, a radio in a bedside chest, french windows and a blue and black tiled shower and basin recess. The beds were the last word but definitely for comfort. 

We slept on 1 sheet and as a covering had an eiderdown which was encased in a large pillow case. This down-dilly O(as Bill calls them) was as light as 1 feather. We adjourned downstairs, got very matey with the waiter, (who could speak English fairly well as he had visited Ireland a few years ago) and proceeded to indulge in German beer and wine. This waiter character brought to the table a bucket (champagne bucket of course) of water in which to soak the labels from the empties - so Tony added to his collection with great excitment. Bed.


Sunday 26th October 1952
I did my washing about 7.30am - which was really amazing, as Joan and I had talked 'till 2.30am in bed this morning. I then had a bit of strife with the water system and the intricate tap system, but I finally had my shower and then as it was so early and nobody was about I climbed back under my down dilly and slept 'till Bill came in to wake us up at 10.15am. 

Joan, Judy and I had a breakfast of ham and eggs, fairy toast and butter, black berry jam. They had coffee and I had orange juice. After this the 3 of us strolled around the shopping centre and down to the Rhine River. The city itself is positively covered in bombed ruins and new buildings which have been built on cleared sites. Frankfurt has definitely suffered the toll of the 2nd World War. 

Articles of clothing, jewellery, toys and food are cheap here in Germany especially when compared with other countries that we have visited, although in the way of dress and ladies shoes, as far as style is concerned, there is nothing really startling. Men's clothing and shoes and children's wear is another thing again and in these, the Germans really excell themselves, they are beautiful. 

We met Tony and Bill during our walk, so we teamed up and did a bit more window shopping as it is Sunday. At about 6 o'clock we found our way to the squashy cake and tried to order beer for Tony, tea for Bill and cold milk for we three and hunks of messy cake for all of us. We go the beer and cakes OK, but Bill received the tea in a glass with a little tea bag, whilst Joan, Judy and I rated hot powdered milk served in coffee cups. During the giggling session that followed about our meal I had to knock the whole mixture of cream and goo into my lap and what a Hell of a mess that made. 

We whizzed out of that joint smart quick, with the feeling very embarrassed and found a sausage kiosk so we consumed a hot sausage and mustard each in the street - not a bad drop. Bill however, wasn't completely satisfied about the German sausage situation, though, she (sic) figured on trying out the works, so further along the stores she encouraged Tony to buy 5 cold snags thinking there were cooked. Upon trying same, she decided otherwise and handed them to Tony to be donated to the hungriest and nicest looking dog that we came across. 

When we arrived back at the Continental, however at 2.30pm Tony still had this liverwurst in his back-kick. So the two of them decided to take a bus ride and dispose of this troublesome parcel, before it decided to trot off by itself. Joan and I went for a ride by bus to Haupbtarhnjof - during which trip we saw a lot of ruins - and I have now come to the conclusion that Frankfurt is the worst bomb-hit city that I have ever seen, as the majority of it has been blown up over the course of the war. 

We also noticed acres of U.S. American Forces' Quarters in the East Occupied Germany in whcih Frankfurt is situated. There are millions of Americans here including their families and the negro forces as well. 

We returned to the Hotel where Judy had been sleeping the afternoon and the 5 of us went to dinner, after collecting more labels from our obliging waiter we retired to our rooms and wrote - followed by bed of course.

Monday 27th October 1952
We had breakfast and headed for the shopping centre early. Joan, Judy and I got kind of lost, but by doing so, we came across the market area and masses of bombed ruins. I think that positively Frankfurt must have been just about bombed to the ground as the way we see it hardly a building at all could have been left whole.

We eventually found our way back to the main centre where I purchased my Tyrolean shorts, Bill bought Dresden China, Jean - an evening bag, lighter and wallet and Judy - an evening bag and long woollen socks. For Tony we bought a set of liquor silver cups and Tony bought Bill a beautiful brooch.

Along the streets there are dozens of Automaton machines which by the insertion of either pfenning ofr mark one can receive - cigarettes, camera films, chocolates, sandwiches, dried fruit, nut, and chocolate etc. One German mark = 1/8d Sterling.

We had lunch of Gaulash and scrambled eggs and spinache and apple cider. Back to the Hotel where we gathered our bags and chooffed over to Frankfurt Station. The train (a 2 carriage diesel affair) whizzed of at almost 3.10pm headed for the border. It was hot and stuffy and crowded and made stops where there weren't even stations. All this while it had frequent intervals we did nothing but show passports and tickets to odd and various characters and the strange part about this was that more fussing went on on the French side of the border than the Germin side. 

Finally, after almost five hours of torture aboard this oven and all feeling like inmates of the Black Hole of Calcutta - to say nothing of Joan's hunger and our thirst and the crude peasant who was sitting next to Judy and was all over her like a rash, with Judy practically bailing out of the sealed window without a parachute, we changed trains at Metz. The border having been crossed at Sarrebrück at about 5pm. 

This changing of trains entailed taking ports from one side of the platform to the other but the hell of it was he had to do it in 2 minutes. Naturally we were a bit up hill but managed to all tumble in, even though Bill was left with the remainder of the bags on the station with Joan banging bruises on the station master to hold the train up until all bags and Bill were on same. Sighs of exhaustion were uttered by all as the train chooffed out of Metz. 

Bar-le-duc and then Paris about 11.30pm, 2 taxies drove to Hotel St.Anne in Rue St.Anne. The porter was very tiddly and jazzed around in slippers 'cause, as he said, he was very fatigued. Judy and I were in the room by ourselves at one stage and this "Joe" waltzed in as high as a kite and arms trying to drape themselves around us. We chooffed him off finally and later learnt that he spent the remainder of the evening drinking beer with Bill and Tony.

Tuesday 28th October 1952

Shops again and I wish I had a ton of money to spend on same or maybe even buy Paris itself. We went inside the Madeline and bought some patron saints. Visited Notre Dame and went to the top of the Eiffel Tower by a lift. I bought a slack suit, gold and silver nail polish, white collar and tie, pair of green stockings, corkscrew for Dadda and a bag attached to a belt. We lost Tony and whilst we looked for him - in need of cash, he relaxed in a Cafe and drank beer, and ate crab. 

We went to dinner at Jack Ball's which was delicious and after having fought through the amazing traffic and worn down our shoe leather we returned to St.Anne to look at our goodies - pack, wash hands and drop dead in our cots.

Wednesday 29th October 1952
Left Paris at St.Lazare Station 10am - Dieppe and boat to New Haven - train to Victoria Station and by taxi to Surbiton in the rain and cold of London with Tony talking madly to our taxi driver in French and speaking still of Collette from Pam Pam in the Rue St.Anne, Paris. 

We all read our mail and Joan unpacked her birthday parcel of east and home-made fruit cake from Aunty Ned. This was all followed by bed and naught unpacking.

Friday October 31st 1952
A lot of organisation going on at 15 Avenue South (Surbiton), - dry cleaning and mending, whizzed down to Tolworth and food shopping done. Joan's reunion with John in London - she wore her Paris blouse and Judy's reunion with Jim - both were happy when they joined me in bed much later - I read some and slept soundly until they arrived.

Saturday 1st November 1952
To Kingston and Bentall's, my slacks fitted and altered - Joan and I did shopping at Tolworth and I spent the rest of the day unpacking my frocks and hanging them in Bill's wardrobe, as they been folded in my ports since before we arrived in England, and writing up my diary and trip book - that about all I guess. Except maybe that it's a hellishly cold and drizzly English day and that's for damn sure!! 

Judy, Joan, Jim and John went to the American Club at Bushy Park - very happy and trizzed up.

Sunday 2nd November 1952
Shopping at Tolworth. Judy, Joan, Jim and John had afternoon together here at Surbiton - Bill and Tony went to Surbiton Movies. I have developed a honey of a cold so I chooffed off to bed early after writing a couple of letters.

Monday 3rd November 1952
Bill, Tony and I went to London on Business and also visited the P.& O. Office about their return tickets. We had lunch at the Carlton Grill Room. Home to Surbiton and in bed early.

Tuesday 4th November 1952
Joan and I went shopping in Tolworth early and at 1.20 I had my hair bleached again at Bentall's. More letter writing and another early night in bed.

Wednesday 5th November 1952
Stayed home at Surbiton and in the evening went to Roxy Theatre, Surbiton with the family. Joan is away for a few days at High Wycombe where John is stationed. We saw "Full House" which starred Charles Laughton and Richard Widmark.

Thursday 6th November 1952
Went to London - the 5 of us. Bill bought a windjacket at Harrod's and Joan and Judy bought a pair of shoes each. Judy's were gunmetal and very smart. We had lunch at "The White Bear" in Piccadilly. A snack counter lunch, beer and drink label plaques surrounding the bar. Met up with Ron - a character who was also on the "Mootan" coming over.

Friday 7th November 1952
At home in Surbiton, tided up and went to bed early.

Saturday 8th November 1952
Kingston shopping and saw "Porgy and Bess" in the evening with an all star American Negro cast at the "Stoll" Theatre - George Gershwin music. Freezing night - home to bed.

Sunday 9th November 1952
Cleaned out the flat in the morning and Bill cooked the Danish chicken which I bought at Bentall's yesterday. Company early in the evening; Pat and Jean Roache, Jim and a ship's Dr friend of the Roach's - much drinking of American canned beer and a party and chicken buffet salad , enjoyed by all. Ray the Dr. went for Joan in a big wayand whilst the 2 of them played hands under the supper table of easting cheese (gorganzola) together, he fell madly in love with Joan. Then the whole crowd weren't feeling much pain.

After Roachs' left, Tony, Jim and Judy jazzed around a bit to the pick-ups and "old Jane" downstairs flat phoned up and told Tony that she'd be glad when we savages went back to the jungle where we came from.

Monday 10th November 1952
Nothing much happend during the day, except that by the time we got up it was bad and late enough to be hopeless. At the 4.15pm session Bill, Tony and I went to the Granada Theatre, Kingston and saw "Ma & Pa Kettle go to Paris," Majorie Main and Percy Killbridge and "Venetian Bird" - an English show. Home and John was with Joan and Jim with Judy - so all was as it should be.

Tuesday 11th November 1952
Bill and Tony went golfing - Jim and Judy went to London to buy Judy a hat and John and Joan went to London to do? - probably, and show. I chooffed to Talworth and Kingston for household shopping. Back in the afternoon had a hot bath to keep out this English cold, wrote and the three of us, Bill, Tony and myself sat around the fire and went to bed early.

Wednesday 12th November 1952

Bill,  Tony and I went shopping to London and while Tony purchased his clothes and ordered a suit at Harrod's, Bill and I shopped at Peter Robinson's in Oxford Street. Bill bought 2 frocks and a suit and I purchased an overcoat. We had lunch at the "White Bear" and then home to an early bed in Surbiton.

Thursday 13th November 1952
Bill, Tony and I went to London again and I fixed up about my return ticket of £205 Sterling to Sydney at the P.&O. Offices. Later in New Bond Street, Bill purchased a pair of shoes, handbag and Garbo Hat. Lunch again at the "White Bear" and here we met Judy at 3pm. The 4 of us then went along to the Empire Theater, Liecester Square and saw "Because Your Mine," starring Mario Lanza in technicolour, together with shorts. Supper at "White Bear" and then home to the cots. 

Friday 14th November 1952
To Kingston and shopping for Bill. Early to bed.

Saturday 15th November 1952
Shopping at Tolworth with Joan in the morning in the fog. The heaviest fog I have every sighted and I couldn't see a hand in front of my face. It's freezing cold and I stayed in my overcoat plus a million other clothes all day. Naturally bed early.

Sunday 16th November 1952
The fog was still outside as well as inside the flat this morning, I guess it is here ot stay for quite some time. At about 11am it snowed and we were all ticked pink with it. Bill viewed same from her bed in the prone position and we all rushed to windows pulling them all wide open with exclamations of gusto. Stil it was very exciting and I loved it on account of even though it is freezing coldi it seems to me as if there's a reason for it being cold now and a mighty good one at that. 

At 4pm Movie session this afternoon. Bill, Tony and I chooffed off to the local Cinema for the early session after we all had consumed a beaut chicken dinner. Hell, but this weather sure makes me eat well. At the movies we saw "Street with no Name" starring Richard Widmark and Lloyde Nolan and "Lady's Man" starring Eddie Bracken and Cass Daly.

Monday 17th November 1952
I went shopping to Surbiton and Kingston wiht Joan and in the afternoon we spent time in writing letters and labels. Washed my hair and early to bed after a hot bath and watching the snow fall all afternoon.

Tuesday 18th November 1952
Bill, Tony and I went to London and I bought my green bag, hat, shoes, bauble bracelets, earrings, umbrella case, stoll and scarf for Joyce and hats for Meg, Jane and Jassy. I was tickled pink with my shopping. We met at the "White Bear" for lunch and drinks and a chat with Mike, the chef. 

Later we went to the Plaza Theatre in Piccadilly Circus and saw "Trents Last Case," starring Michael WIlding, Orsen Welles and Margaret Lockwood. We caught the tube after drinks at the "White Bear" again, to Waterloo Station and then by train home to Surbiton.

Wednesday 19th November 1952
A rainy and cold day and we all stayed home, 'round the fire. I spent the whole day packing my 4 ports in preparation for the carrier to take same to the ship on Friday. In the evening Bill, Joan, Tony and I went up to the local pub and proceeded tohave about 12 scotches each. We all got hit with a pleasant glow and Bill and Tony more than somewhat! I purchased a box of cracker licquors and Tony bought 2 of same. 

Bill brought the house down when she tried to pick up the hole in the carpet and throw it into the fire. Joan and I left before the party got too rough - chooffed home with the licquiors and cooked our supper of chops, we ate these as soon as cooked and bogged in as if we hadn't eaten for weeks. Bill and Tony rolled in about 1½ hour after us proclaiming madly that they had walked home in the snow - a fact that they still insisted upon next morning. Naturally it was only rain, (cold rain). I put Bill to bed in Tony's pyjamas after she had toppled over and giggled madly about 3 times, then Tony bunged himself out in the "snow" again for a walk  he returned much later with a "bunch" of flowers for Judy, this "bunch" consisted of one withered crysanthimum with a few sorrowful looking leaves attached.
Bed for us all finally, with hotties for everyone.

Thursday 20th November 1952
Joan and I went to Kingston, Surbiton and Tolworth for some house shopping - I washed my hair adn the rest of the family went to London to buy a frock for Judy's 21st birthday at Peter Robinsons. Bed rather early and "hotties." 

Friday 21st November 1952
We all pattered around the flat in general, in the morning and afternoon. I wrote 2 letters. In the evening the 7 of us including Jim and John went to the Wyndham Theatre at Leiceste Square, London, where we saw "The Fare(?) of Four Colonels" starring Moira Lister and Peter Ustinov. This was a terrific stage and I enjoyed it immensely. I also bought a souvenir book of the play of which I am tickled pink and shall probably read same over and over again, it will definitely go in my library at home. 

Judy, Jim, Joan and John all sat together in the stalls whilst Bill, Tony and I had a swell position in Box 2 (the front box) overlooking the stage. We didn't miss a word of the dialogue here and we were most comfortable. Home by tube to Waterloo and then taxi to Surbiton and taxi to 15 Avenue South.

Saturday 22nd November 1952
I went shopping for household needs and food to Surbiton and Kingston. Joan, Judy, Jim and John all went to the club and were all rather late home, they tell me, although I heard nought as I was asleep in the cot.

Sunday 23rd November 1952
Sunday at home in the flat and movies at the 4pm session with Bill and Tony, whilst Judy and Joan stayed at home, entertaining the boys. After the movies - Bill, Tony and I went to the first and last Pub and got quite a glow - mine host proved very friendly and gave Tony a package of Bottle labels.

Monday 24th November 1952
Tony, Bill and I went to London and looked over the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, after which we went to the White Bear at Piccadilly and had lunch and drinks. Later we chooffed along to the Odeon Theatre in Leiceste Square and saw Charlie Chaplin and Claire Bloom in "Limelight," It was a super show - positively wonderful.

Tuesday 25th November 1952
Jim, Judy and I were in the flat and I finished packing, mended the lighter and mucked around in general. Early to bed and I wrote 3 letters.

Wednesday 26th November 1952
We cleaned the flat out readly for inspection tomorrow morning at 10am from the agents - the inventory that is. After much dust and dirt and grease had been removed Bill, Tony and I went to Surbiton Movies, the Odeon and saw Loretta Young in "Because of You," it was a mighty film during which I managed to shed a few tears. Back to the flat and cans of beer and so to bed.

Thursday 27th November 1952
All up at day break and finished the flat off. Jim and Tony took the bags to St.Pancras Station en route for the "Himalaya," Ironing and washing, nails and writing. Jim, Judy, John and Joan went to a Thanks Giving Dinner at Bushy Park - Bill met Tony in London for lunch and I went to Kingston to shop for Bill and get my hair done at Bental's.  Later in the evening we all met at the "First and Last" Pub for our final evening in England. We had a swell time and of course bed was extra late for all. Later back home we all got tiddly and entertained the taxi driver whilst he drank tea.

Friday 28th November 1952
Up early and we flashed around packing and cleaning up, in between all this activity we finished off the cans of beer and were all quite merry when 2 taxis arrived to take the 7 of us to Surbiton Station. At St.Pancras Station after taxi-ing from Waterloo Station we caught the 1pm train to Tilbury Docks. Joan and Judy said goodbye to Jim and John and we all got into unpacking things once aboard. 

The Himalaya sailed at about 5pm and I have a cabin mate of 76. She's a lovely soul, smokes and likes fresh air as well as reading far into the night which suits me fine. I read till 1am or there-abouts then switched off the light. My cabin is very nice with the porthole and 2 telephones - very comfortable.

Saturday 29th Novemer 1952 - RMS Himalaya.

First day on board and things are moving at a snail pace except of course the ship's run - we are certainly making good time. Didn't get up till late, then lunched and slept again in the afternoon. Dance in the evening to the ship's orchestra and we four had dances with Tony. These 1st class passengers are but definitely 1st class.

Sunday 30th November 1952 - RMS Himalaya
Up late again and read most part of the day. The ship's run today  was 589 knots (miles?) - which is better time than the Mooltan, about 12 noon today we were passing the coast of Portugal and at 10am tomorrow morning we are told that we should be passing Gibraltar. The weather is much warmer now and the ship has developed a small roll to the squall we are passing through. In the evening we saw the film "Penny Princess," starring Dirk Bogarde.

Monday 1st December 1952 - RMS Himalya

I got up earlier this morning - 10.30am. Most part of the day I played deck tennis, deck quoits and table tennis with Joan and Tony. I entered as the rest of the family did for the competitions in these games and incidentally I surprised myself by joining in same. However, I was comforted by the thought that I shall probably be eliminated in the first round of each. 

A lovely day - quite warm and very sunny, and today for the first time the swimming pool was filled, it is twice the size of the pool on the Mooltan (this is the 1st class passengers pool) and there is a smaller one partitioned off and reserved for the tourist class. 

In the evening after starving myself all day, I figured that I felt lots better, so I dolled up, kind of anyway and felt dressed for the first time in months. However, I was headed for a downfall, as after dinner, Judy, Joan and I took our fruit to  our cabins then call in at the toilet before rejoining Bill and Tony in the Bar Lounge. Hell, I felt stupid and Judy and Joan and I laughed at the incident but Jeepers what should I bump into coming out of that toilet but a girl with exactly the same woollen stole of black and white that I was wearing.  I had bought this thing for 15/9 in London - one of the few things that I could afford to buy.

 
I immediately turned heel and headed for my cabin - I'm sure I didn't intend to go to bed but Joan called out was I going to the cot and not to be silly - so instead of just changing my stoll I chooffed off to bed. I honestly wasn't sulking and can imagine how stupid I must have appeared to the family, especially Bill and Tony - but I couldn't help mysel and God All Mighty I'm sick of sittin in the lounge looking and feeling like a stiffy or a big fat melon with a grin on my face that hurts - so I'm writing this now and to Hell with everybody - I shall (be) reading my thriller "Never Wake a Dead Man," by Brandon Bird and tomorrow I'll write to Mumma and Dadda - Jesus its about bloody time. I got a break in this universe - 25 and still stupid and alone. Boy but I sure am sorry for myself!!

Tuesday 2nd December 1952 - RMS Himalaya
This morning at 6.30am we passed Algiers, I didn't manage to drag myself out of bed for this occasion, but I did see plenty of scenery out of the porthole. The rest of the day I played loads of Deck Tennis and Quoits, mostly with Judy and Joan. I also wrote and posted a letter to Mumma and Dadda pleading with them to try to meet me at Freemantle by flying there by plane, then coming back with me on the "Himalaya," I sure do hope they come - but  I guess that Dadda will take a lot of persuasion.

Wednesday 3rd December 1952 - RMS Himalaya
I'm still dashing around madly on the sports deck, playing every ship game possible - but Jeepers, I sure am stiff from yesterday. A ship's dance in the evening and apart from Joan having 2 dances and me 1 - the three of us played "wall flowers" for a few hours - most invigorating - hmph!! However the evening picked up later on when Joan got the three of us an invitation to a cabin party and herre we met the purser. After sinking about 8 double scotches and previous to this I had been drinking "rum-racks" ever since dinner I got slightly tiddly and came to my bunk - maybe I shouldn't have said "slightly," on account of I was so stinky I couldn't even remember coming to bed or leaving the party. However the girls told me I didn't show any signs and apparently, Joan was quite bright herself. Naturally bed was about 3am.

Thursday 4th December 1952 - RMS Himalaya
I spent most part of the day in resting up big and reading on account I was so stiff from these deck games and stuff, not to mention last night's party of course. In the evening Joan, Judy and I, although desiring the prone position and the cots, we had a very full evening. Beginning with "Housie Housie," which Tony insisted that we play on account of he wanted a share of the winnings if we won, that is - so he staked us. With about 2 to 300 people playing and 1/- and 2/- per card we won nought and then at about 12 midnight, we climbed into our swim suits and chooffed along to the pool - had a scrummy swim and had an invitation to a party in a cabin - we accepted, then trooped back to our cabins , changed and proceded forth to the "doings." Got quite a surprise when we were confronted by Bill and Tony who had aleady cosied themselves with this party and were quite tiddly. 

The party was OK, with Bill chooffing off first, then Tony who went with another fella but in the process of getting back to his room, must have got lost someplace on account of he didn't arrive home, (we discovered next morning) till about 3 hours after he had left the party. Joan then whizzed off and lastly Judy and I. Previous to this I had an invitation to go upstairs to a Stan's cabin for a whisky but as I thought I'd had enough, I shot through on him and climbed into bed about 4am. Evidently he was a very good of Neil Maver's - so he tells me. 

Friday 5th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
We arrived at Port Said at 6.30am and went ashore after breakfast at 9.45am. The three of us walked to the other side of town looking at the shops - Judy bought 5/- scuffs, then they both bought a basket bag each for 2/6d each. 

We then went to Simon Artz and I purchased a bag for Meg, a pair of combs for Betty James, a ring to match my bracelet and a pair of ear rings for myself. Judy and Joan were tired so they trotted back to the ship. I wandered around for awhile, then wended my way to the Himalaya too as it was 11.30am and we were to sail at 12 noon. 

From the boats dotted along the pontoon  trek, I tried to bargain for a 30/- bag for 5/- but no soap - one boat I was successful, but it was a bit grubby, so I let it go. Back on the ship - collected my stamped passport and hung over the railings watching the trade between passengers and Egyptians selling bags, baskets etc. 

Whilst in Simon Artz the fella who was serving me with the ring, tried to talk me into the earrings to match but I shut him up, I told him that  he could buy them for me - well before I knew where I was the joker was offering me the old 1-2 in a frank manner for the price of the earrings - Hell!!

Back on the ship again now as I was saying and a native selling his wares on A Deck  gave me the same routine in exchange for a handbag and a plate each totatlling £2.10 - I wanted them for 5/- and I reckon I could have had them for same if I had've persevered - but not his way - Heck no!! 

Just before the ship set off again I bartered for a bag for Mumma from 30/- to 8/- but it took a lot of argument with the fella down below. I wandered into the pool lounge and had 2 drinks with Mr Neville and cigarettes. I met the kids in their cabin and we had a sleep for a couple of hours. 

We are now posted and parked in the Suez with the convoy waiting to go through the canal which we shall do about 2.30am. Dinner and a new chap at our table, a Mr Thompson disembarked at Port Said. A ship's dance but we are all kind of tired, so we chooffed off to the hay and hit it hard - maybe we're being blazee - missing the canal this time but I reckon I'm feeling dead from the knees down. 

I had a drink with Tony and Bill then I ordered 2 "rum-macks" from my cabin and sank them smart quick - wish I had a dozen of them - hellova taste in my mouth from the last 2 nights,  guess.

Saturday 6th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
We steamed through the rest of hte Suez Canal during the small hours of the morning and at 5.20am we entered the Red Sea. I rushed to the porthole when I heard the blowing of the "Himalaya" horn and whistle and saw the mail being taken aboard etc, then I fell back into my bunk, had a smoke and promptly went off to sleep again. 

It was a gorgeous day, although, not particularly hot. Joan and I played deck games most part of the day and also played our competition game of table tennis as opponents; Joan won the great match and so went into the next round. 

I did some washing and ironing and changed my library book. It was a very pretty evening - pink sky and in early part we could see quite plainly the horizon of Egypt. In the evening Joan and I went to the movies "Home At Seven" - Judy was ill again and hasn't been out of bed since yesterday morning after we returned from Port Said. Ralph Richardson was in the movies and it wasn't too bad - I did a bit of dodging behind a woman who needed holes in her head and then 'till half way through this movie we couldn't hear so well, on account of the noise of the sea 'cause the glass doors were pushed right up 'cause it's so hot (or supposed to be, but actually it's not nearly ¼ as hot as coming over). 

After the movie Bill and Tony collected Judy and had become acquainted with a Mr Hiller (a real Londoner and pommy and reminded me beyond reason of Dudley Jeffries); they were all sitting and chatting on A Deck in the breeze. Joan and I joined them. Mr Hiller will be living in Dover Heights with his wife's sister for 1 month and asked me out - like all the characters 1st class aboard this ship - it doesn't matter if their wives are with them or not - they still seem to get around the "playing act." Anyway he was quite nice and I guess I'll never get over the fact of how much he is like Dudley Jeffries. 

Joan met up with an English woman of 37 who was frightened of the water, but was extra nice and was going to Sydney to see her parents: they both indulged in a swim at 12.15am and after I or Mr Hiller (I don't know who pulled away first) had dragged ourselves away, I watched the girls in the pool. Joan and I later had sandwiches and coffee outside our cabins on account of the occupants and it was 4am when I turned my light out.

Sunday 7th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
6.30am and I was up before my alarm went off - went to Joan's cabin and scared Hell out of her by waking her in the dark, on account of Judy being ill - and they don't have a porthole - but air conditioning. We went for our swim with this pommy girl and after I had returned to my cabin and had my orange juice and apple we went aloft and sunbaked 'till 12.30 - returned to our cabins, changed to swim suits and another swim eventuated. 

More sunbaking and then Judy joined us - Mr Neveille form Adelaide joined the party and bought our dinrks, invited me out when he comes to Sydney next February. 

About 4pm I adjourned to my cabin, left the others and offers of drinks from Mr Neville and sewed buttons on etc, washed my winter pyjamas - (my mother would be proud of me) - washed my head, wrote and read and had 3 double gins by myself.

6.30pm and I'm not feeling much pain - don't know why I have to order drinks in my cabin and by myself - 'specially as I'm broke almost and other people would gladly pay, up in the lounge. I must be an addict. So be it. 

Dinner and bed early with reading of "Time for Play" by Netta Muskett. My grey gabardine frock with white collar and blue flower caused quite a sensation, which I wore to dinner - a few comments and compliments were passed about same.

Monday 8th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
Sunbaked during the day and read my book - not terrifically hot here at all, even though we are in the Red Sea, very windy, though, as we have a head wind. 

We arrived at Aden at 4pm but did not get ashore by the launches till 7pm. Tony, Bill, Judy, Mr Neville, Joan, John and I all went out to the crater and Aden Proper where we made a few purchases including American cigarettes for 11/- per carton and Mr Neville bought me an American dollar lighter for 5/-d. We strolled around the native quarter in the dark and jeepers but these hovels are really slums - Arabs are draped around on straw beds anywhere along the street, or if they are in 4 walls - which they call houses then - as there are no doors we saw them all smoking, drinking and eating. We came across no women whatsoever, apart that is, from 2 little girls who were begging.

A few stores were cooking and selling food - midstall this appauling filth - omelettes - curries - nuts etc., all done on the side walks. 

Back to the shipand after a few drinks, Joan and I went for a swim then off to bed, after of course, we had watched Aden out of sight - it was a beautiful calm, warm and moonlight night and as the Himalaya sailed about midnight it seemed to us to be perfect time. 

We shipped water during early hours of the morning and one cabin on our side actually got flooded out.
Tuesday 9th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya

I'll have to bung a bit of the 8th in herre on account of I just remembered same - the taxi drivere that took us to the crater last night was the same British Somali fella that we had hired to tour Aden on our trip in the Mooltan on our way over to England. He remembered Bill, Tony and I, what's more and his name is Ephreun. 

Now to the 9th - I spent the morning For'd on the Boat Deck sunbaking after my swim and managed to get entailed somewhat with Boat Drill from the crew as I seemed to be in the way no matter where I stretched my form. However I finally got settled down to a long session of Sun although it was terrifically windy up For'd. Dog racing in the evening and as Tony had bought a dog "Thick Head by Himalaya our of Aft Lounge," Joan was elected jockey same. It was a close finish and Joan tried hard but nevertheless we didn't cash in. 

A few drinks after the Race Game then we chooffed off to be. I guess that's about the lot.

Wednesday 10th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya

During the morning I sunbaked again and this time, Joan joined me - lunch and I ironed, wrote and did my nails in the afternoon. 

The Gala Fancy Dress Evening and once agin I went as a cigarette girl dressed in almost the same attire as I had worn on the Mooltan. A few compliments of looking swell but with 8 judges to agree on the final summing up - after 3 times around the dance space on show, they chose as the best dressed girl (my section) - Pat, the 37 year old English long and red haired English lass who won the prize as Mary Queen of Scots. A skeleton posing as "Departed Spirits" and sporting a skull, black gown and draped bones, won a prize and "Adam & Eve" in green paper leaves also rated. 

There were quite a few excellent costumes including a chap at our table who went as "Gorgeous Gussie." Joan and Judy went as "After the Ball" and really looked the part with Judy as the man in top hat and her father's suit. Tony had to be in it then - specially as Judy was wearing his Dinner suite and went with a placard round his neck of "What's left of Father after Daughter has dressed" and wory very little other than underpants and singlet. 

We changed are the parade - drinks - a walk round the deck then into the dance space. Joan had 1 dance and I received 1 dance, other than that we caught the old wallflower act again. I had an invite to a cabin by this Stan fella but declined on account of I couldn't be bothered with any small talk and he'd probably work around to the old one-two as he's past the prime of life as most males seem to be aboard 1st class "Himalaya" and they all seem to be out for one thing. 

Joan and I then went for a swim and after a sandwich and piece of fruit chooffed off to the respective cots.

Thursday 11th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
I 'rose late which was I guess to be expected on account of a fairly late-early morning "bunk-ho" hour. So Joan and I confronted each other at breakfast (the only 2 at our table) rather surprisingly and whilst Joan indulged in fish and kidneys plus 6 slices of toast, butter and treacle, I comforted my sticky mouth with 3 glasses of fruit juice - apple, orange and tomato. 

We then made a trip to the library where I obtained a Somerset Maugham novel of "Complete Short Stories Vol. No.1." Joan played a competition match of table tennis (singles) - she lost and I gathered bits of pieces together and retired to the Promenade Deck in the sun where I proceeded to get very burnt. I had a short dip, the Joan found me - we read and baked 'till after lunch then met up with Bill and Tony on the Boat Deck. Had a game of doubles deck tennis then chooffed towards my cabin.

On the way there, however, I noticed the kiddies trotting off towards the dance space for their Fancy Dress Party so I decided to stay and watch same. It was a pet of a "turn-out" and the babies especially, looked yummy. 

About 5pm I washed some handkies, ironed some frocks, did my nails and wrote, read, had my shower - dinner - then we saw movies at 9.45pm "African Queen," starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn and a newsreel. Terrific show although 2 women bundled themselves on the seats that Joan and I were minding, so I finished up on the port side, (extreme left) front row. Nevertheless I enjoyed it immensely - maybe it was because my two favourites were starring in same. 

Drinks after the movies then Joan and I went for a swim - bed about 2.30am after sandwiches, biscuits and cheese. As usual I read 'till about 3am and my lady's light was still burning brightly.

Friday 12th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
A very dull day and I'm speaking for the weather as well as the ship's company. I tried to read in the sun but rain showers kept fronting on and off. About 2pm Judy came up to the boat deck and we had 2 sets of deck tennis - Joan joined us and about 3pm we trotted to the Promenade deck where we watched the Aquatic Sports from same. 

It seem to be to be a mess of; ding for spoons, draughts (over and under) in the pool and a waxed log where were straddled two contestants, pillow fighting. I chooffed - washed my hair - read and had a sleep - Joan woke me at 7.45pm - I hurried and fronted a "Bronx" and Dinner, where Mr Broadhurst had ordered 2 bottles of champagne on account of, come Colombo, he is going to another table, (friends of his). 

After dinner more drinks and Mr Neville joined the 6 of us dancing - but not by me except ½ a round with Mr Neville. Bill and Tony aren't feeling much pain, nor is Mr Neville - (who meets his wife tomorrow at Colombo), - Jack Broadhurst is doing a line for a girl at the table behind us, who is affected and sports more face pimples than I have freckles - Joan says she's got her glow and Judy is normal. 

I've had life so I chooffed to bed - hell I know I'm ugly but I guess it was never brought home to me so much as this trip. 

Cabin and I ordered 2 double rums for myself - got to do something - posted letters for Mrs Oldham, who is reading the bible at this very moment. Come to think of it, maybe I should take the veil or become a missionariess or something.

 
Wrote up this trip book and my diary - washed - creamed hands and feet - washed pants and handkies - drank my rum and after a struggle with the universe, finally got to sleep.

Saturday 13th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
The Himalaya arrived in Colombo about 7am. I went for a swim about 6am and stayed up on deck to see it enter the harbour and also to see the pilot board the ship and take us in. Beautiful day although a haze hung all over the city. I changed to my blue skirt, bra top and bolero and Gab's cap - met the family (Redmonds) for breakfast where we fortified ourselves as we were expecting not to eat ashore on account of Tony's trouble on his way over to England.

We finally got organised and after the launch trip to the wharf - Tony grabbed a taxi for the day which was going to cost him £10 for our trip to Kandy. City of Colombo - markets - crossed Kelanya River which is the 2nd largest river in Ceylon. Kelanya - Banana trees, coconut palms and grapefruit trees - miles of paddy fields of rice on either side of the road. Beetle nut trees - there are 2 kind of mats on the sidewalk (such as it is a "side walk"). The beetle nut is chewed together with the beetle nut leaf as a means of compromising (for smoking as far as the Sinhalese and other natives are concerned). 

Kuengala - Paw Paws - Jack Fruit (which makes curry, it is a very sweet fruit and can also be eaten by itself). Water buffalo all along the road, grazing and resting and lying in the branches of the main river - these animals work in the paddy fields and are very well cared for. Coconut trees take 7 years to grow - Buddhist Priests parade around in yellow robes and their heads are shaved clean. As Bill put it, it should be a good occupation as all they seemed to do was loll around and meditate.

 
Peralanda - mahogany trees - Pasyala -  Bamboo trees - Cashew nuts which grow on tress and singularly in shells. All along the road native are selling at their various stalls, nuts, coconuts, bananas, pineapples and baskets and hats which have been hand woven. 

Haggala - Pineapples, (fields of the growin) - Coconuts and drying in the streets and sidewalks to Lake Copra - Rubber plantations - teak trees which is a hard wood and as our driver, Mr Dean said, most of this wood goes into the making of ships. 

Warakapala - "Rest House," here where we had lemonade and Tony had beer - lemonade is 2/- small bottle and beer was 1/6d per small bottle. Bamboo trees - the outside of the coconut is used as fibre. New Government school, very impressive building. 

Independent Country, Ceylon under British Protection and their Governor General is English. Nelundenya - (point Settiers?) hibiscus of glorious shades - water lillies . Going up now and climbing the mountains - here the rice fields are growing in terraces. Mr Dean explained to us that the duty is very high here in Colombo and I guess that's why everything is so expensive. 

Tea bushes - larger trees are planted amongst the tea bushes so as to shade them, this is absolutely necessary to produce tea, natives of Ceylon drink Arak made out of the coconut - it has to be licensed to be sold from shops and taverns, it costs 12 rupees per bottle and 1 rupee equals 1/6d English and 1/10½d Australian. 

Toddy is another liquor in which the inhabitants indulge and costs 75 cents per bottle, this is also made out of the coconut and is rather like beer to the palate. 

Mohammedans don't drink - Mountains - rubber factories - top leaves for tea, which are the young leaves. Kegalla - Convent Catholic Church and school. Sinhalese very clean - Buddhists no liquer and no meat. 

Elephants working along the road with hauling of trees. Flying foxes all hanging in a flock from the one tree near the river - only see in the night and consequently only came out then. 

All the natives are washing their clothes, themselves, their hair and their kiddies in the various streams of the main river. Hingula - pepper beans which grow on a wire. Oxen are noticeably being washed in these streams too - we are told that they get washed and scrubbed every 3 hours. 

Coffe beans on trees. Beetle nuts grow on tall thin palms. Elephants working all along the way and we stopped, climbed out and had a look at them and stood only about 1ft away from same. Rubber in white slabs is carried around on the heads of natives in a kind of basket or dish. 

Bible Rock, this is a square mountain on the peak of the heights. The most glorious view ever. Lots of women are seen here carrying their household firewood on their heads. Mr Dean about now informed us that Petrol in Ceylon costs 4/-d per gallon in Sterling money. 

Tiles and bricks are made out of the local clay and perfect at that - hand made and all of the tiles are oval in shape and curved, whilst the bricks are the same shape as our's at home and almost the same colour, they are lying out in the sun to dry and bake. 

All the family washing along the way is a beautiful Lux & Persil White Colour - it couldn't sparkle better and really puts to disgrace any washing done in England. 

Marwallo River which is the largest River in Ceylon - Gold Links - our taxi driver, Mr Dean, is a Mohammedan. 

Kandy and lunch at Queen's Hotel. After lunch we visited and inspected the Temple of the Tooth, (Buddha's tooth presumably). Could hardly understand a word that our self appointed guide spoke, but never the less, and we took off our shoes and inspected the Buddha and his temple which was very impressive. So we were very attentive 'round about the time when a priest in the inevitable yellow robe fronted forth with a framed page (type written) in English - specially as we had listened to nought else but a mixture of Malayan and Sinhalese for the past ½ hour. What a joke - these few paragraphs were asking us for money (as usual in Eastern parts) so we whizzed out smart quick. 

Back in the taxi and we passed 2 rows of natives (about 1 dozen in all), chained together and greatly amused at the jeers in their wake. These were prisoners and were being taken by the local police (native again) to gaol from a smaller establishment - headed for trial at the court-house . 

Sports field on which the fellas here play Rugby, Football, Basketball, Hockey and Cricket and Soccer. Climbed up the mountain road by our taxi then to the Upper Lake which overlooks the complete of Kandy and offers a magnificent view of all and sundry surrounding country, including Kandy Lake which is surrounded by a wall-parapet and has a few notices attached explaining that there is a heavy fine for any bodd, who sits upon same. It was here in the Upper Lake Region where Tony tried out a plant which closes up at the touch of anything - this also closes at dark and wakes up again at daylight.
We saw monkeys on our journey back, overhanging our roadway and Mr Dean explained to us that 60 miles north of Kandy in the jungle there abound in more than plenty, tigers, leopards, elephants and monkeys. 

Gardens which take in an area of 150 acres and Mr Dean again spoke up and told us that Lord Mountbatten, during the war had his headquarters situated in these very gardens. Jacaranda trees, Acacia trees, mile of Hibiscus  and avenues of cabbage palms, Palmyra Palms and Chinese Bamboo. The Cannon Ball tree is a huge arrangement with cannon ball effect businesses hanging from all angles and of no use whatsoever. 

The Tulip Palm blooms once every 40 years then the trees die together with the bloom which is situated up top of same.

The taxi then stopped and we viewed the orchids - various kinds and some even coming from Australia - one of the keepers gave us all samples of same including a large frangi panni - we even sighted and watched a tiny squirrel at close quarters in his natural state. 

Back to the taxi and on our way. Pilimatal Awa Tea Factory and here we stopped and the 5 of us went over same which was very interesting. The tea leaves are left to dry for only 18 hours, then go through various machines and finally the stalks are hand picked from now black dried leaves by Sinhalese girls. Tony bought 2lbs tea here,, then after all climbing back into the taxi and after Tony had given the local kiddies the inevitable small change - we were off on the road again. 

Cocoa trees - elephants working again and then later we saw them being scrubbed in the streams by their native keepers with coconut husks and loving every minute of it. They work in the morning and are bathed at 2pm 'til 5pm every afternoon  - they then are taken home to sleep till an early rise again next a.m. 

Almost to Colombo now and we passed elephants and their riders on their trek homeward bound. Crossing the bridge we sighted several tipsy natives and were told by Mr Dean that this happens quite infrequently in Colombo. The cause of the tiddliness was a Toddy Tavern (of which there are several here) which was the other side of said bridge.

 
Back in the centre of the city and I purchased a bag for Jane. Bill and Tony went back to the ship and Judy, Joan and I roamed fo a while - however it was dark by now so about ½ hour later we chooffed home too. We had drinks in the Cafe Lounge Bar with Mr Neville and his wife (who had come aboard at Colombo) then whizzed to bed and slept soundly after having partaken of Dinner.

Monday 14th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
I spent all morning from 9.30am to 2.30pm sunbaking and swimming - afternoon I fixed my lighter, washed and washed my hair - Evening, movies of "An American in Paris" - which I had seen at St.Jame Theatre 1 year ago. Ginger Ale in Joan and Judy's cabin - bed. At 5pm this afternoon we had the Ceremony of "Crossing the Line."

Tuesday 15th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
Spent day once again in swimming and sunbaking and deck tennis - Library at 5pm and changed Bill's book. Paid Last week's bar bill - Dinner and Dog Racing - early to the cot.

Wednesday 16th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
Sunbaked and swm - played deck tennis with Judy - sunbaked with Joan - wrote Trip Book and Dairy - Dancing to ship's orchestra in the evening which meant nought to me and of course about 4pm lost my lighter in the ladies toilette - Hell!!??

Thursday 17th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
I swam and sunbaked all day - then my saltwater bath. A ship's dance in the evening but I retired soon after Dinner."Mad Hatters" night but I didn't indulge.

Friday 18th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
Sunbaking, but no swimming, on account of the water was let out of the pool yesterday and a rope net draped across the top in it's place - I guess so as no pin-heads will take a dive into the empty pool. 
In the afternoon I wrote letters, ironed and bought Pat's present. Cinema in the eveing consisting of Shorts. Surprise!! surprise!! I was lucky enough to recover my lighter which had been handed into the Bureau - imagine that!!

Saturday 19th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
Another cold windy day, but in the sheltered spots on the sundeck area, the sun got really biting. Today I finished Sophie Tucker's Autobiography and started Agatha Christie's "Murder at the Vicarage." I sunbaked for a short while in the afternoon - washing and ironing in the morning and then had a long chat with very French Mrs Miller about fashions and such. She intends opening a dress studio in Sydney and she and her husband will live there for good - she hopes. She loaned me some magazines of french styles which are better by far than English or American booksk, like Harper's and Vogue. 

I copied one particular swim suit out of one magazine, which is in th style of a suit jacket with hip pockets - quite different in type. 

In the afternoon the childen staged a "Cinderalla" Pantomime. Later, I wrote up my Trip book and Diary, pressed a frock for our landing in Fremantle tomorrow - Gee, I hope Mumma and Dadda are there to meet me - I'll be very disappointed now, if they're not, I guess. Dancing to Ship's orchestra in the evening after the presentation of prizes had been completed.

Sunday 20th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
Just outside of Femantle at about 5.30am there was a general bell ringing all over the ship to summon all and sundry to a medical and passport muster. About 7am we were all passed, which meant that nobody aboard was suffering from any dangerous disease - or an ailment worthy of the Ship's quarantine, so the Himalaya proceeded forth to the Fremantle Wharf and after the mad scramble for a "one-sitting" breakfast we all at various stages  went ashore. In the way of mail, I received a Xmas Card from Mumma and Dadda which was printed and sent from a "Mr and Mrs Bert de Laney." This was my consolation prize to their meeting me in Fremantle. 

However, Aunty Pearl welcomed me home  to Australia and I also received letters from Dulcie, Joyce and Mr Smith. Joyce sent me once again the inevitable one page letter. As I didn't receive any of this mail though 'til the afternoon when we had sailed - it was too late to reply to any of them. 

Judy, Joan and I went by bus to Perth and looked around the shops for a while and indulged in our first Australian milk-shake for some time. We visited a hairdresser friend of theirs and then as our puppies were a bit weary we wended our way to meet Bill, Tony, the Nevilles and the Walkermine family (friends of the Redmonds), for lunch. 

Eventually everybody was present and after a few drinks had been put away all and company we filed into the dining room and attacked a beautiful Australian lunch of oysters, whiting, crayfish and salad. Time slipped away and the Nevilles drove we three back to the ship in their Perth friend's new 1952 Blue Ford. 

The ship sailed at 3pm and the streamer routine of farewells was the put under way to the new passengers who had embarked here. Joan had developed a cold so almost immediately retired to bed. The rest of us had drinks and eventually Judy and I were the only survivors still partaking - we had dinner - just the two of us from our table, then hit the hay. The ship started to roll quite a lot, later on during the night.

Monday 21st December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya

Cold day but in the sun it was very hot. I sunbaked whilst the ship sailed or rather "rolled" across the Great Australian Bite. In the afternoon I washed, mended and repaired, wrote and read. Joan spent the day in her bunk still feeling a bit "off" through her cold. Judy also went to bed in the afternoon as she was feeling a bit poorly too. 

Which left Tony, Bill and I to go to dinner - although Tony wasn't in the pink of conditions all day. A musical evening by the Ship's Orchestra - then naturally, the cot. 120 passengers embarked at Fremantle. Had drinks in Nevilles' cabin thne to the Pantry - supper and drinks and the cot at 4.30am.

Tuesday 22nd December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
Did nought all day but read and eat as it's so unbelievably cold at present. All the way across the "Bite," it has been freezing. In the evening we saw "The Blue Veil' starring Jane Wyman, at the movies, a film that I had previously seen in Sydney, some time ago. 

We all chooffed off to bed early, that is after Judy and Joan had had coffee and me glass of water.

Wednesday 23rd December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
The cold hasn't let up any - as a matter of fact if anything at all, it is most certainly, worse. I don't think that there is a sheltered spot on the ship. After endeavouring to sunbake and stop shivering at the same time, I decided to give it away, especially when I received a shower of Himalaya soot and dirty water from the cleaning buckets, all over me. 

I then wandered back to my cabin and got stuck into packing, washed my hair, ironed and read.
They are decorating the ship's lounges, bars and dining rooms for the Xmas festivities and it all looks very gay - with dobs of cotton wool for snow, tinsel, streamers, balloons and placards of:- "A MERRY XMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL," posing up large in various conspicuous positions. In the evening we had a dance to the Ship's Orchestra and many parties were in progress for the people who will be disembarking tomorrow at Melbourne.

Thursday 24th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya
We arrived at Melbourne at about 7.30am and berthed. I said goodbye to Mr and Mrs Neville and then caught the train for Melbourne from PORT MELBOURNE. Flinders Street Station - walked my feet off in my new green shoes for 1½ hours trying to find an "East Brunswick" tram as the bus I had taken before, last visit, didn't go anywhere near Auntie's place. 

As my puppies were by now covered in blisters and crying out to me - I sought out a new plan. I had £1 Sterling clasped in my little hot hand, but no ordinary bank would take it. I was finally informed that I should have to go to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and that there they would most definately change same into Australian currency. 

More walking and more enquiries and finally success. Once outside in Collins Street again - midst the teaming - last minute - xmas shoppers, I was lucky enough to fall into an empty taxi-cab and murmur weakly to the driver that I wanted to go to East Brunswick. He was very vague about our destination so consulted his road-itinery and told me it was about 8 miles out of town. 

Hang the expense I told myself, let's get there or I'll miss the ship. We arrive and my fare is 7/6d, so just as well, that I changed the quid. Knocking on Auntie's front door and I do small panic thinking that she may have already left for the ship to wave me off. Thank heaven she answered my knock and while I'm telling her my experience I flop exhausted into a chair and remove my shoes thankfully. 

After much nattering, Auntie informed me that it was and East Coburg tram that I should have got (and I had noticed a dozen or so of these in Flinders Street), so I had the wrong clue from scratch. However, we spent till 1.15pm  chatting - without letting up and quite enjoyed ourselves. But Auntie had no more information as to whereabouts Mumma and Dadda did go for their trip, so I'm still in the dark. 

We walked down to the tram stop and had another chat and let a couple of city trams whizz by. I climbed aboard the third - kissed Auntie Goodbye and paid my 8d fare back to Flinders Street Station, then the train to Port Melbourne and the long walk back to the ship on the wharf. 

Worn out I flopped on my bunk and read 3 letters I had received in the mail. Bill, Tony and the kids then arrived with more mail for me including a telegram from Valda Rees with her phone number enclosed. I dashed along to the bureau but it was too late to call anybody as the lines had been disconnected. I later learnt from Valda's mother in Sydney that she was down at the wharf to see me off but as no visitors were allowed aboard, Valda had stayed on the wharf, hoping to see me off from the deck. However we missed each other somehow.

The family and I then adjourned to the Cafe Lounge and had some drinks 'till the ship sailed at 3pm on the dot. It as a gorgeous hot day and very unusual for Melbourne, so Judy and I watched Melbourne disappear from "A" deck whilst Tony, Bill and Joan went below to our cabins and took in a bit of "shut-eye." 

At 7.30pm we had cocktails with John from New Zealand who had invited us to this cocktail party. 
Dinner - then once again to the Cafe Lounge. As the tourist part of the ship are having the ship's orchestra for their Xmas dinner and party tonight (as we have their services tomorrow night) - the dance space gave off with recorded music. I called in at the pantry on my way to bed and had a chat with Charlie - one of the barmen from the Cafe Lounge.

Friday 25th December 1952. R.M.S. Himalaya

Donned my swim suit early and headed for the Sun Deck, after - sought out my spot and proceeded to sunbake. I discovered that they had filled the pool for today, so I naturally indulged in a little aquatic sport. Judy and Joan arrived on the scene after the Xmas Church Service (although of course they hadn't attended this), and I had a game of deck tennis with Joan - another sunbake on the boat deck - then we were having a medical check-up from the surgeon at the lunch tablesI had to change and present myself to same - Tony over lunch gave us all our Xmas presents wrapped in tissue paper. Mine was a realistic snail on account of I like them so much in France - Judy's a spider on account she hates spiders and Joan's a chocolate, with a water squirter 'cause she loves chocolate. 

We had lots of fun and laughs with our gifts, then the surgeon (pranced?) from table to table inspecting everyone's wrists. This done and I returned once again to the boat deck for more sun and at 4pm a swim. 

Back in my cabin and I near completed my packing, washed my hair, did my nails, washed, and ironed and did a general tidy-up in preparation for disembarking tomorrow. Xmas dinner at 8pm and Tony had provided us with champagne for the occasion instead of our usual dinner bottle of Rhinegold. 
Into the Cafe Bar and of course the frivolity of the Dance and Celebration of Xmas. Joan, Ruth Stone and her husband John, and David and Gillie and I then went to Gillie's Bar on "D" Deck for a few drinks. 
26th December - the time sped on and I didn't arrive back in my own cabin 'till it was time to shower, change and then race up on deck to watch us enter the Harbour - it reallyh is a wonderful sight, Sydney Harbour and of course the bridge and it is about 6.30am. 

At Pyrmont Wharf I saw Joyce, Pat, the kids, Col and Auntie Louie, waving frantically - but no Mamma and Dadda - I later learnt that they have been in Tasmania on an air trip for 12 days and return home tonight at 6pm. 

We had a lot of fuss and bother with the customs, but not as much as we would have had if Dadda and friends of the Redmonds, had not fixed it so as we could chooff through first. This done and Col and Pat loaded all our bags on the trailer and home we came. 

I stayed for dinner at Joyce's after Mum and Dad had arrived - their plane was a bit late with a storm in the air - the cause and didn't get home by way of Col's car till 7pm. Lots of nattering about our trips - Xmas drinks and supper, then home to 11 South Street, (Kogarah), to find that Mumma and Dadda have had my room painted the palest of pinks - it's very pretty. 

Hit the hay and remember nought else.

TREVOR WROTE ME: In January, 1953

TREVOR ARRIVED BY 'PLANE: At Mascot Aerodrome on 14th May 1953

TREVOR & I WERE MARRIED: On 16th May 1953

WE LEFT MASCOT Aerodrome on 13th June, 1953, by 'plane for Madang, New Guinea.
Saturday 13th June 1953:

Trevor whizzed off to the Hotel during the afternoon with Pat and Ivor and also had his hair cut. In the morning we packed, received phone calls from folk wishing us olots of luck and happiness for the future and Mr Lyttle also called in to wish us well. Ken, Chry(?) & Stephanie paid us a call and stayed for a couple of hours, had a few drinks and Chry and I nattered, whilst Ken and Trevor went up to the Hotel for a couple of drinks.

Came 6pm and Trevor still hadn't arrived home - I finished his packing and the three of them blew in. Much mad rushing and Pat got in the dog house cause he couldn't get the truck started which was to carry our luggage to Mascot Airport. 

Dadda told Pat to put the truck away and Tich piled the luggage into our car. Dadda then drove Trevor and I together with the baggage to Mascot, left us there and returned home to gather Mumma, Joyce and Pat and Auntie Louise, and Tich and Pat, however, was a bt crooked on himself by now as he wasn't feeling much pain and he didn't come back with Dad, but arrived later, having persevered wiht the truck, got it going but arrived too late to say goodbye to us. 

Ivor was running late too, 'cause of the Hotel business with Trev and Pat, which made Win and Mr Leaver late. Tich was rushing around trying to gather his family but out of the Leavers we only managed to kiss Carolyn and June goodbye and Win, Ivor, Tich and Mr Leaver we had to compromise with a wave from the aircraft door. 

Bill, Tony and Judy Redmond also came out to see us off and a friend of their's Thelma (Brennan) and Betty Brennan and John Mergai and Valda Blunden (nee Rees). We left Mascot at 7.45pm after having been told that we were in £20 - - debt, to be paid at Madang, for excess baggage. The rate has gone up apparently and it is now 5/5d per extra lb. weight. 

This staggered us somewhat and no little. we arrived at Eagle Farm, Brisbane at approximately 10.30pm and Necia and Tom met us, "armed" with a brief case which contained a bottle of Scotch, tonic and soda water and 4 of their best crystal glasses. Jeepers but it was a wonderful to see them both especially as we hadn't sighted them for about 18 months. 

I can't remember when I've been so pleased to see any two people as much. We natted and drank till the D.C.4 left Eagle Farm at 11.40pm and the only thing that we didn't run out of was conversation. Naturally, we consumed the grog completely. We said our goodbyes and climbed aboard once again. Needless to say, we slept very soundly on the 'plane till we reached Port Moresby, the following morning -Sunday at 6.30am.

Sunday 14th June 1953
At Port Moresb, we were set down for ½ hour or thereabou and had a cool drink from Quantas Rest Room. It's boiling hot even at this early hour and not a breath of wind. I saw Papuan natives for the first time, some dressed in their native lap-lap, some in Australian Dress of shorts, shirts or tea shirts - but none wore shoes. Quite a few had masses of black fuzzy hair which is never combed and seldom cut. They were mostly work boys - carrying luggage to and from the 'plane - helping with re-fuelling - driving jeeps and trucks and some just stood or sat immobile.

We set off again at about 7.30am for Lae, where we reached about (blank). Here we disembarked and our luggage was passed through customs and weighed - all the same lb. It's very humidly hot - but mainly due to us still wearing our suits and carrying rain coats.

We waited around for perhaps half an hour - had a cold drink of water at the fixed "cooler" machine, then were transported together with our overnight bags, by Quantas bus to Quantas Charters - some 4 or 5 mile from the air-strip. 

We showered, had lunch then slept most part of the aftenoon in the room provided us. Latter part of the day Trevor took me down to Mr and Mrs Breen's home, there are residents of Lae and old friends of his. We had a couple of drinks and arranged to come back in the evening after dinner. 

We hired a taxi from there and chooffed off down to the Club and met T Ray (blank) his wife (blank) and her girlfriend Joyce. Had a few drinks there, then went with the three of them to Chinatown for dinner, after having a look at the Lae Hotel. 

Ray drove us back to Breens in the jeep and we had a pleasant evening with them and their neighbours - drinks, supper, talking and records and dancing, 'till the power was turned off at 12 midnight. 
By torchlight we then proceeded back to our Quarters and slept very well till we were wakened by a Quantas employee at about 5.am next morning. 

Monday 15th June 1953ends.