The "Golden Horn" became gradually covered as far as the eye could reach with a countless multitude of kaiks.

The restless turmoil of life on shore, the passing to and fro of men of all nations and colours, from the pale inhabitant of Europe to the blackest Ethiopian, the combination of varied and characteristic costumes, this, and much more which I cannot describe, held me spell-bound to the deck.

The hours flew past like minutes, and even the time of debarcation came much too early for me, though I had stood on deck and gazed from three o'clock until eight.
I found myself richly repaid for all the toils of my journey, and rejoiced in the sight of these wonderful Eastern pictures; I could only wish I were a poet, that I might fitly portray the magnificent gorgeousness of the sight.
To land at Topona, and to be immediately surrounded by hired servants and hamaks (porters), is the fate of every traveller.

The stranger is no longer master either of his will or his luggage.

One man praises this inn, the other that.