Fri. 11. [11 May 1900] The Sheikh came in the night and left 3 men to guard my tent. Up at 4 and off at 6 just as the sun had risen (my watch I afterwards found was 3/4 of an hour fast) Soon after an hour's ride got to Burak [Buraq] and passed between the barracks without remark. A Druze from el Kafr, Hammad, had joined our party. Very long ride across the plains of corn to Biar, the first grey and white village. Then an endless way past Deir Ali [Dayr 'Ali] and Medjidiyeh to a Khan where I lunched, it being then 12, in a vinyard [sic] under mishmish trees. Slept a little and off at 1. Caught up the mules and rode on to Kesweh [Al Kiswah] where we watered at the Nahr el 'Awaj [A'waj]. I was now on the Haj [Hajj] road. Willows and poplars. Left my people and rode on over the Jebel el Aswad and at a turn of the road saw Damascus [Dimashq (Esh Sham, Damas)] in its gardens below me. It was 4 before I entered the straggling Maidan. Drank lemonade eat oranges and ices as I went. Got to my hotel (Victoria) at 5 and went straight to the German Consulate to get my box and letters. Lütticke away. Saw his secretary M. Asfar. Washed, dined and went off to see the Richards driving through the wonderful Damascus streets at night was too delightful. He was ill in bed. I saw her (whom I don't like) and two nice women staying with her. She gave me papers and telegrams. Suffering from sandfly bites!