Crossing to Madras

Saturday June 22nd
Went aboard “Rajula” at 11.00 a.m. Watched van being hoisted into hold, and hoped the crane would not tip up as we gathered it had done when we were being unloaded on our arrival. All well. Peter and I are sitting at the Captain’s table – nice to see him again. New Chief Officer. Went and had beers with him in his cabin in the afternoon and then up to the Captain’s cabin for more beers. Watched departure from the Bridge at 4.30.

Sunday June 23rd
Played chess with Peter on deck a.m. Think I get worse and worse at it. Chief Officer threw a champagne party on the Captain’s Deck at 12.00. Seemed to go on all day.

Monday June 24th
Sea a bit rough – a lot of people feeling seasick – suppose it is the start of the monsoon. Played chess.

Tuesday June 25th
We have made friends with a Submariner and his wife – Geoff and Chris Rubython who are also travelling in a Bedford. Sat after dinner with them discussing routes etc., and have decided to travel up the West coast of India via Bangalore, where we shall meet up with them. They reckon it will be cooler than the central route. They are staying at the British Embassy in Delhi and we shall be in the enemy camp (N. Z. Embassy) so hope to see them there also.

Wednesday June 26th
Wrote letters home and played chess. Drinks with the Captain in the evening before dinner.

Thursday June 27th
Arrived Nagapattam. Spent day anchored off. Watched unloading. Captain had a binge in the evening – late dinner lasting all night.

Friday June 28th
Arrived Madras p.m. Watched van being unloaded. Got van cleared through Customs – terrible performance as usual and very expensive. Have made arrangements to stay on board for one more night as it will be late by the time we are through with all the customs formalities etc. Fairly hot and humid here.