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[Page 33]
to Cairo to make studies.
Mar: 7
Sakhara. Leave Cairo 10.30 a.m. with forty others on an antediluvian junk of wood that is masquerading as a steamer – one daren't lean too much on one side, otherwise she will capsize – cranking old engines are pumping away; I think the boat will fall to pieces before we have got very far.
11.30 a.m. engines break down; we commence to drift down the Nile – come in contact with a Nile barge for which our old ship forms a great attachment – the natives evidently think it will greatly help matters by heaving lumps of coal at each other. 12.45 p.m. off mudbank; arrive at Memphis 3.30 p.m.
I have my first donkey ride; I think my particular animal must have had relatives in a circus. By the time the last one has arrived the first of us are returning, but, as I understand this is a habit with donkeys, enough said.
Visit the Tombs, Step Pyramid, Apis Mausoleum, two Colossi, Ramese the Second, Tombs of the Sacred Bulls, Thi, Ptah-Hetep, Mera, Sarapeum. Get bushed; fall off my donkey; reach the ship (?) afternoon tea 8.15 p.m. Wonder which is the oldest the boat or the piano on it. Arrive Cairo 11.15 p.m.
Mar: 8
Flag Drill. The first sand storn – simply terrible, sand everywhere.
Mar: 9
Flag wagging. Studies at the Cafés.