L. 30 R. 4 while mounds. Last rain fell seven years ago. Passed the corner of Bab-el-Mandeb (which carries two lights) at half an hour after midnight. May 3. This morning well into the red (not) see which here is about 140 miles wide. Pass a number of obviously volcanic islands. Temperature at 10.30 a.m. 88°. May 5. At Port Said. Came through tail end of a sand storm last night as we started through the Suez Canal. A few hours at Port Said & we sailed at 1 pm. May 6. All afternoon sailing along the south coast of Ciete. Very mountainous + very dry. Extremely attractive scenery just the same - scattered bushes + plants, no trees. A black water mark 8 feet up the cliff - must make a note to ancient subsidence level, as there is no tide in the Mediterranean. May 8. Afternoon along the toe of Italy + up through the straits of Messina where they tidal currents meet. Missed Stromboli which was passed about 8 pm. May 9. Awoke to find ship tied up at Naples. C.I.T. man in answer to B.P.'s an mail letter from Port Moresby came on board to help me. Cleared baggage + took to RR station; checked up trains; than went out to look at the ruins of Pompeii. Due to some sort of a picnic at Rome all sleepers were worked up full so got precious little sleep in my 1st class day-coach. All the line is electrified + you go thru endless vineyards & little catch cups planted between the vines. A nearly continuous series of travels in the last half of the ferry. May 10. Leave 6.30 am. Saw U.S. Consul, named Ramsay & his right hand man Moss. Got rooms at the Hotel Bristol on 20 de Settembre Street.