Tues 11. [11 April 1905] Up at 5.30 and bathed. As I swam I saw the
first sun touch the top of Casius (Jebel el 'Akra [Akra, Jebel]) Off at 7
with the muleteers. Lunched on the way and got in at 1.15. We came
by a short cut avoiding SweidiÈ. We camped on the Alexandretta
[Iskenderun (Alexandria ad Issum)] road beyond the bridge. Went off
with Tahir to the Bab el Hadid to find the sphynx. Climbed up the hill
opposite the fort to find it all fortified, but no sphynx. Marigolds,
cyclamen, asphodel, irises. So back at 3.30. Washed and changed.
The Kaimakam came with the newly appointed Commandant of
SwediÈ a very distinguished man from C'ple [Istanbul
(Constantinople)] speaking excellent French. Evidently rather anti
English. He asked whether we were not content with our new
possession of Thibet [Tibet] - the expedition has made a great effect
there. Then Mr Orr and Rifait Bereket Agha. I decided to stay over
tomorrow to see the latter's things. Went to see the Pottons and dined
with Mr Orr.