Thursday, August 2, 1928
Tuesday morning we sailed in the bay past Liverpool and up the canal. Until we reached the latter, it was very foggy and cold. In spite of this many people were on the beaches. It cleared up as we started the 47-mile trip up the canal. Went through five locks and docked at Manchester at 10 PM. Although the town closes down at 10, we took a walk around. Had to press a little before going to bed at 2:30 AM and the clothes looked it. Today the customs came on board and sat in our cabin talking to us a while. Then we went to the immigration office to Capt. Crawford, the grouchiest man on earth. Bill sat on the counter and the old fizzle told him to get off, that it was a government office.
Carrying all of our heavy luggage with us, we sent cablegrams to our families and sent our suitcases to Scotland. Geo. had gone. The four ate lunch and said our adieus to Bill and Tom who had 24 hours to get out of the country. They left for London and Amsterdam. We rode the train 3rd class to Liverpool—36 miles in 45 minutes. Talked to engineer later who said we were making 70 per.
Arrived here; we parked our baggage and got our letters. Wandered about town all afternoon, going through a museum and seeing many large public buildings. Tried to buy a motorcycle at a reasonable price, but n.g. [No go, no good, narrow gauge, Nigeria, natural gas—take your pick.] Will have to use bicycles. We are on the boat now, in steerage, bound for Dublin. Our quarters consist of a small, smelly room full of gentlemen and women and children of poverty. In spite of my three hours sleep last night, I’ll have to sleep sitting up on a bench. Round trip, 240 miles, is 13/3. A radio full of rotten singing helps out.
The streetcars are all 2 x 4 and double-decked. Freight cars are only 15 feet long and the engines are small but fast. All of the autos are small. There are a number of American cars here. Streetcar was held up a long time because of a flock of sheep being driven down the street. I’ll get bumped off yet if I keep forgetting that Europe drives on the left side of the street.
We seem to be a source of curiosity. Whenever we stop, a crowd collects. Everybody stops to look us over. [Just take a look at how Hall and Jack were dressed and you’ll understand.] The Englishmen are interesting. Their trousers are short. Even laborers wear a derby. Most everyone tries to put on the look of a gentleman. Many wear winged collars or a scarf like a cravat. Their tight-fitting coat gives a ram-rod effect. They run very much to a type, in looks, a great many looking preoccupied or absent-minded. Everybody rides a bike, both men and women. It’s a job ordering food and counting change. Haven’t even had a drink yet. Sail in 5 minutes.