Wed. 4. [4 March 1903] Up at 6 and to the top of Mandalay Hill. Saw
the big Sikhs drilling in the palace square. Wonderful golden dawn,
but misty. Walked up the hill past a burnt pagoda and by a path
leading through many little pagodas. Pretty misty view and a
pleasant wind. Lovely eastern hills. So down and into the pagoda of
the big Buddha, a colossal gold statue. All round are tiny pavilions in
each of which is the statue of an adoring[?] monk. From a monks'
house at the gate I saw a number of white clad Sikhs coming out with
guns. They were from Paharkot[?]. So to the bazaar and home.
Went to the health officer on my way to the station - he apologized
profusely that I shd have given myself so much trouble. Off at 2. Mrs
Warden wife of an ex Anglo Indian, was my travelling companion. Her
husband also in the train. We dined together at Yamethin. Nice man.
They had been on the Bombay side. At Toungoo, 12.45, got in Mrs
Hanbury and Major Hanbury. Hugo had to travel in the guard's van,
there being no room. Very hot journey.