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3.

So jolly old England has provided a decided change of pace & mood. First day it poured - Sat. sunny, today rain again. But from the moment of arrival in Victoria Station I've been constantly assured, for some reason surprised too, at the wonderfully crazy way of these people. Their remarks are priceless - so funny because of course it's all very natural. In the station first night, cafeteria, man across - oh so very British, dropped part of his paper - man across aisle picked up - "Thank you" - "Not a bit." "Note bit man had been very nasty all along to his poor brow-beaten wife; they happened to leave just ahead of me - she pushed when she should have pulled door - he says "push, old thing" - she does, then he opens & holds a door for me.

I hope I don't bore you with these little things, but to me they are a gas. The men are killing - so many in those stiffer-than-hell narrow dark blue coats - narrow little tie popping out of collar - darby, umbrella. Pressed & haughty & stuffy as can be. I remember one leaning over in a seemingly quite impossible pose, very stricking, clad this way - hands on umbrella with a look that said "Underground go to hell if you keep this man waiting 1 more second."

It surprises me that so many Italians come here. A Palerno family on London train - having a great picnic lunch. Little girls where I stay from Napoli. The way their eyes light up when they speak of home - then why come here. South Americans come too. Well everyone must travel. And at this time of year it seems it's for very crucial purposes. Although the 34 other Californians & 2 other-state Americans registered here are probably tourists.

A wonderful guide yesterday in Houses of Parliament that appeared quite fit himself to sit in Commons. Most interesting intriguing visit. I like Westminster Palace much more than Versailles - so much better taste you know. But as for London itself - I think I'll be quite glad to return to Paris.