Tues 4. [4 March 1902] Left by the 11.30 train with [space left blank].
Went to see M. Gaudin at the station to thank him and he rearranged
my journey very satisfactorily. Most comfy in a reserved carriage.
Made the acquaintance also of Mr Hatton. Lovely country. We
followed up the valley of the Hermus [Gediz] - all the willows yellow
and green and the plums flowering. The wide rich valleys all
cultivated. At Magnesia [Manisa] young M. Sarandides came to
meet me and I sent by him a letter to the missionaries saying when I
wd arrive. Bought halva and flowers - a red tulip and some
hyachinths. Extremely hot day. Here the line branches. I went on to
Soma, passing Ak Hissar [Akhisar (Thyatira)] which was Thyateira -
very charming looking place with gardens fruit trees and cypresses.
At Soma where trains end their course, the station master welcomed
me and took me to his charming clean house, where his very nice old
wife was ready to receive me. A pretty little grandson called Byron.
Excellent dinner at which another Greek assisted - a doctor, I think,
and I went to bed very early. The station master called Laoussiki.