Page 614 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

centre, some of them very gorgeously dressed, most of the Shaikh's servants in his cast off clothes, one
entirely dressed in cloth of gold, another in vivid emerald green and gold embroidery, and lots in scarlet,
orange and purples. Took a few photos but the light had gone. After watching the dancing Parke and I drove
out for some way in a car and then we all met at Shaikh Abdulla's for dinner, a very nasty taste about the
food due I think to bad ghee. Went along to Shaikh Hamed's Meglis and after sitting there some time we
went off in cars to the bride's house and all went into the nuptial chamber, the usual thing, a small room
entirely hung with coloured silks, large mirrors and lots of those round coloured balls used for Christmas
trees. Insense, rose water and then went back by car to the pier and back to Manama. It was quite cold
coming back. The lady is the daughter of a local merchant, not one of the Khalifa. They allow the sons to
marry outside but no women of the Khalifa are allowed to marry commoners. The Shaikh always seems to
enjoy these shows especially the dancing and the horse riding, the men ride about on horses in an aimless
manner and look very pretty, this seems to thrill them. Some of them ride very well, and most of them use
no saddles. It is all very picturesque. I get rather tired of these shows and rather irritated by them as it is all
such a waste of money and nothing to show for it. The most picturesque part is when they walk from house
to house, with men carrying lanterns and people letting off guns all round, at times very dangerously.

Monday 24th November 1930

Court. The Shaikh came in the afternoon and Prior came over to see him to discuss the programme for the
visit of the Admiral. The Shaikh as usual talked about making the sea road, he is so keen on it but never
considers the expense and whether it can ever be finished. He didnt stay long and afterwards we went out
for a drive in the car and looked in at de Greniers on the way back. Parke came in after we got back.

Tuesday 25th [November]

Didnt go to the Muharrak Biladya meeting but worked in the office. Tennis at the Mission in the afternoon.
Few people there and very bad tennis.

Wednesday [26 November]

Went to Aali in the evening.

Thursday [27 November]

The Triad arrived. A beautiful calm day very different to the last few days. Went down to the Customs and
met the Shaikh and his brothers and sons, all very gorgeously dressed. Sat for some time on the veranda of
the Police Station and then went out to the ship. Quite calm going out. Prior was still on board with the
Admiral and the Senior Naval Officer. Paid the usual visit. The Admiral was in uniform, a very handsome and
very distinguished looking man, quite noticeably so, he had a flag lieutenant and a secretary with him, all in
full dress. Came ashore and motored up to the Palace where the admiral returned the Shaikh's call.
Afterwards went to the Agency and took the admiral and his flag lieutenant out for a drive, through the