Letter from Jean to her sister Mary, 22 April:
“Dear Mary, Here we are almost to Adelaide – it’s just 24 hours since we sailed and have done 430 miles. She’s been rolling ever since we left the heads, but it’s a wonderful feeling. Half the passengers are sea-sick – two from our cabin are down. I’ve a dull lot of cabin mates – two 50 or 60-ish ladies – one very childish, a christian scientist, complains about everything, is scared of the dark who churns up our seasick pair by telling them they should think of something else and keeps it up. The other’s a bit of a know-it-all. The third is about my own age, seems a bit of a “stick in the mud”, but perhaps that’s unfair as she’s been seasick most of the time.
I wish you’d had more time to look over the ship – she’s absolutely lovely – luxury plus+ And the food! Always three courses, choices in all and it’s really beautiful food, beautifully cooked and served. We have our first cup of tea at 7, also an orange (luscious ones). I’m in the second sitting so it’s breakfast at 9, dinner 1.30, afternoon tea at 4 (bread, butter & jam, cakes), tea at 8.
I don’t have to live in a suitcase. Room to unpack everything. Haven’t been to baggage room yet – can’t go arrival or departure days, otherwise twice a day.
Went to church this morning.
Dancing last night was a washout – too many sick, boat rolling so too few there. We went up to 1st class, but they were all dressed up so thought we shouldn’t stay.
I’m spending most of my time with an interesting English lass who’s been holidaying in Australia and is spending a month in Cairo on the way back. We dock at 2 this afternoon and are hoping we can do a bus trip this arvo and spend tomorrow in Adelaide.
You’ve no idea what the dock looked like getting smaller and smaller. Di you wait till it turned round? I came up after booking dining seat and was surprised to see we were close in again – saw a few red coats wondered if you were there and waved in case. Wish you could all enjoy this too. It’s still too good to be true. It’s suddenly quiet – must have stopped for tugs or something, dock in 1/2 hour. Will go up and see what’s doing – we’re off again.
Dinner in 5 minutes so will go. Lots of love. Hope to hear from you soon. Have written to Mrs Miller re. bands.
Cheerio, love from Jean.
P.S. Hope to buy knitting book in Adelaide.
Official Himalaya postcards from Jean’s album:
Click on the image to view the full “Notes for Passengers”.
“The purpose of these notes is to provide passengers with certain general information which it is hoped will help them when booking and will enable them to enjoy their voyage to the full”.
Some snippets:
“BAGGAGE: only small baggage such as cabin trunks and suitcases may be taken in cabins. These packages should not exceed 3 feet in length, 1 foot 9 inches in bread and 1 foot 3 inches in height. “
“DECK GAMES – These are usually under the supervision of either the Staff Captain or Chief Officer. “
“HEALTH – Passengers travelling for the first time are warned against exposure to the rays of the tropical sun, even under awnings; suitable hats are recommended. Sun glasses also serve as a useful protection against glare.”
The passenger manifest – a novelty to those of who travel in the privacy conscious 21st century (Jean’s cabin mates would be listed, along with those who would become close friends and travel UK travel companions!).
