Page 215 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1927

Still feeling rather limp but held the Court & of course found a lot of work as I hadn't done any for 2 days. Tried to paint in
the afternoon & then wrote letters. The mail boat came in close to the pier!! Great excitement, one could see the
passengers from the veranda. Never has such a thing been known since I came here. The Captain, a new man, steered on his
charts so it is now proved that it can be done & no reason why all the boats shouldn't do the same. Dined with Alban, quite a
good dinner but rather too much. Played Bridge, I & Pickering & Spence & Alban, Spence, as usual, overcalled & by
constantly doubling him we got a big score of 1200 points. Very interesting Bridge. Rather a sticky day but feeling much
better.

Tuesday 10th May 1927

Biladya meeting in the morning. A son of the Shaikh of Kattar was with the Shaikh, an awfully heavy looking young
Bedouin. Quite a lively meeting. Tried to persuade them to buy the ice machine, but no enthusiasm. Afterwards went to
the fort & talked to Parke until lunch time. In the afternoon went out to Idari with Alban the Dr & Pickering & bathed there.
Very pleasant, then to the Bank for some time.