“The week between Perth and Colombo was too short. The weather was perfect, and the routine most agreeable. Deck competitions were in full swing and everyone getting to know everyone else much better”
From Jean’s diary
“You’ve no idea how hard it is to imagine you all going about your daily work – this is a different world. I’m sitting in a deck chair on top deck with my feet up on the rail – the sea is smooth and the msot beautiful blue, almost clear day and delightful breeze. Temperature’s just right, here under the awning.
I’m afraid I’ll never want to work again! Just to go backwards and forwards over the sea – what a life!”
“We have great fun playing deck tennis. I have been eliminated from the first tournament in all games.”
“This ship seems to race through the water. We’ve been doing about 550 miles a day.“
“The ship rolls badly because she’s carrying very little cargo, and only about 3/4 full of passengers. We’re picking up a tremendous crowd at Bombay”
We stopped for a burial the other night – a laundryman died. They haven’t had a trip without a death yet.”
Excerpts from Jean’s letter to her sister Marj, dated 1 May, posted from Colombo
