Page 289 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

287

1927

Wednesday [7 September]

Tennis at Mespers & Bridge. No news.

Thursday [8 September]

The wedding of Mubarak, the Shaikh's son, to Sh Abdulla's daughter took place at last. Their fathers are brothers & their
mothers were sisters so they are double first cousins, much too nearly related, but the most suitable match according to Arab
ideas. Alban & I motored out to Sh Abdulla's house in the morning. Found all the chief men of the Khalifa family arrived
there. Sat in a very hot tent on the shore near the house & listened to some poems being read. Mubarak very much in the
background & the bride of course not visible. At about 9 oclock lunch appeared. Several sheep on mountains of rice, with
tone of fat - couldnt eat much as had just had breakfast. Usual coffee & tea. Then we all adjourned to the bridal chamber, a
small upper room inside the house. Walls & ceiling completely hung with squares of silk mostly embroidered in gold and
silver, also many mirrors & coloured balls like those hung on Xmas trees. Sat there for a few minutes drinking more coffee &
then departed. A crowd of negro slave women sung & beat drums at the door of the house. Abdulla was ill with a bad cold.
Altogether a very poor show. Went to see the Shaikh in the afternoon then to Khalil Bakr's garden place with an artesian
well pump worked by engine though. Dinner at Pac Bridge.