The Henson Journals

[13]

Monday, August 19th, 1901.

Before getting up, I eased my conscience by writing a letter to Carissima. Then I adventured a cruise in the town in pursuit of a barber. A shave having restored me to self–respect, I was able to move on once more in company with my friends. The ferry at Elsinore was unusual; it took the train on board, & carried the whole thing across in 20 minutes to a line on the Swedish shore. About 3 p.m. we got an excellent lunch at Hjalarstad [?]. I never saw a better–arranged feeding–halt, or better food. Shortly before 7 p.m. we arrived at Gothenberg, & went to the Hôtel Egger. Before dinner we went to the Post Office: & I recovered some letters, the first since leaving England. After dinner we listened for awhile to the band in certain gardens, adjacent to the Hôtel. The air is fresh & invigorating, but by no means either keen or cold. There was a fine sunset, &, after that glory had faded from the sky, the deep, dark azure, pierced by innumerable stars was amazingly beautiful. My first impressions of Sweden are distinctly favourable: & I like the aspect of the people.