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January 1, 1916, Saturday
Spent the eve in happy surroundings & hearty company, in the morn Hal & I visited Cairo & had a day out for we went everywhere Rodel-al-farac, a motor drive of about 6 miles, the out to visit Bert's friends where we had lunch after that did some shopping, buying many articles of apparel, after several garry rides around the city we got at last to the "Obelisk" for tea & after getting another four courses inside we hired another car & came out to the Kursaal, had a box enjoyed the show although perhaps lacking refinement had supper & visited my studio after our proofs heaps of success although only temporary. C.O. left for Alexandria after the new motors & pack sets, the lost baggage has come to hand at last. Large fire last night at Abassia.
January 2, 1916, Sunday
Reveille 6.30. Hal left for Alex at 7.30 this morning & I expect him back late tonight, had charge of riding school & got as backsheesh a buster, we went over to the Palm grove & everything is looking beautiful in the afternoon I went down to Heliopolis & collecting trap etc, met young Stan & Gil who are in the 22nd Erics old crowd then I ran into Mac late of "Maru" he is still in the Gen Hospital. 6 aviators from the flying school gave an exhibition at the sports carnival yesterday & they were tip top although they would be of much more use up at Gallip when we were there.
Wrote to Mrs Keast, mother & Nell, expect motors tomorrow as C.O. has just arrived back from Alex the boys coming later, 3rd Regt who treked two days ago are getting on OK & no casualties to hand yet.