Uncle Bob's Legacy

Bob's Journey to Europe

(As told by Robert McGill through his June - August 1938 Diary.)

Rhine & Brussels

Thursday; August 4, 1038

Left for Rhine trip today. I took pictures all the way up. I hope they are OK. I really like the camera. The trip should be made in 3 days instead of one. We had no money at all, but cashed 3 dollars that makes it too expensive.

Thursday and Thursday night were really a hell. Some of that stuff that makes a person realize how lucky he is. Nearly starved to death. And still with money in your pocket.

The 3rd ______ was fairly ratty this time. We had a hour wait in Colon and then left at 10 o'clock in the morning for Brussels. Slept all the way on the train - What a night.

Friday, August 5, 1938

Got in Brussels at 6 o'clock this morning. tired and plenty dirty. Agh to hotel that boys gave us. Plenty cheap 30F per day.

Went to Express in afternoon and signed in - got letters from home - The first one -- read it 2 times.

Haven't seen Brussels. Think I shall stay here for a few days and rest up. I'm about shot between starving out of these country and riding in the dam trains.

The women are very attractive here. American goods are everywhere.

Saturday, August 6, 1938

Had a day of rest - and I mean rest. Slept nearly all day and all night.

Sunday, August 7, 1938

Went sight seeing around Brussels. I really like this town. We plan to stay here until thursday night. We can't make up our minds about England. Personally I am going to go. It will be expensive, but I should b e a sap not to go because it is so close. Besides, I should see London.

Monday, August 8, 1938

Sight seeing etc. Met some fellows from New York that were really good fellows. They have been everywhere we are and have seen nearly everything we have. Plan to go to a show tonight with them.

Tuesday, August 9, 1938

today we found out aobut a trip to Holland we have tomorrow. To see Amsterdam, etc. it costs us 100 Franks for the trip. Leaving at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning.