Rizal's Diary: New York to Liverpool, 1888

10. New York to Liverpool

16 to 25 May 1888

We left New York on 16 May, Wednesday, at 9:30 in the morning. The crowd waved white handkerchiefs, mingling with the numerous red ribbons of the hats and neckties. Some were crying. We saw the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Statue of Liberty rises majestically on the island. It produces a most beautiful effect. Many passengers came on board. I have already made the acquaintance of two pastors Dobbins and Miles.

Thursday, 17 May –

We have met two steamers, quite large. It is a beautiful day. An English young woman sang English songs accompanying herself on the piano. Before her, a man played, but his performance was mediocre. Reverend Dobbins is very amiable. A newspaper will be published on Wednesday. Both steamers had Germans on board.

Friday, 18 May –

The day dawns beautifully; although the sea is less calm. Last night I was talking with several American newspapermen. They were not well versed in geographical or political matters. In this respect they were on the same level as the people of Spain.

It seems to me that we are advancing much in time.

Saturday, 19 May –

The day is beautiful. The sea is bad.

Sunday, 20 May –

The sea continues to be rough. I was a little seasick. There was a religious service on board.

Monday, 21 May –

The weather continues to be bad. It rains. We meet a steamer. There was music and singing the entire day.

Tuesday, 22 May—

Last night we had a very bad time and now the sea is still rough, although it is a very beautiful day. The boat was tipping too much. It is becoming too uncomfortable.

Wednesday, 23 May –

The sea is calmer. We sail with contrary winds. It is believed that we shall not arrive at Queenstown until dawn.

Thursday, 24 May 1888 –

Last night we sighted Ireland. In the moonlight on deck the passengers were singing in chorus. The moon was splendid as I have rarely seen at sea. There was a very pretty young woman. In the moonlight she looked like a precious apparition. It was cold.

At 2:00 o’clock in the morning we arrive at Queenstown. Many passengers disembarked, leaving us behind. We could not see their faces but we waved handkerchiefs. The day dawned beautifully; the sea, completely calm. I believe that this afternoon we shall arrive at Liverpool. Although I have traveled much, I still feel sad in parting from fellow passengers. We arrived at Liverpool in the afternoon in the paddle wheel steamer. Before leaving the City of Rome I made the acquaintance of the amiable Miss Holt with whom I conversed in French. Miss Holt is very charming and pretty. I also made the acquaintance of more passengers. At the customs they did not bother us much. We stopped at the Adelphi Hotel which is not bad. The sudden change from the life on a boat, which is noisy and lively, to the lonely life in a hotel is terrible. Liverpool is beautiful and pleasant. There are women who are a little bold.

25 May, Friday –

We left Liverpool at 11:00 o’clock in the morning. The road is beautiful and the trees are covered with flowers. In the coach with me were Miss Torne and other former passengers in the City of Rome. I sat beside a Protestant pastor. Innumerable tunnels. The green carpet is many-hued. The beginning of spring, many herds.

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[01] The reader is encouraged to compare this entry in Rizal’s diary with the letter (No. 125) he wrote his family on 24 of May 1888.