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. L¸tticke 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!