Port Said, Egypt

Sunday, February 17, 1929

Today turned out to be the hottest yet, and after walking to the Canal so I could see the two British and one French ship moored there, I returned to my balcony and spent the afternoon, when I wasn’t washing clothes, reading. Though the town was full of voyagers, the hawkers complained of poor business in all lines, beads, canes, cigarettes, candy, and jewelry. According to a couple of my friends among them, the Americans are the ones who spend the money. With three boat-loads of travelers and all of Port Said’s population turned out in full rig, this main corner presents a lively scene all day long. The street cafés, especially the two on this corner, do a good business. The head waiter is always on his toes for tourists strolling down the street. He advances to the street or out in it, waving his towel above his head and calling “this way, this way Madame, good coffee” etc. Something akin to calling the cattle.

Comments are closed.