Norwich bulletin., 1913-06-20
INTERESTING EXPERIENCES
 IN NORTHERN AFRICA.
Mrs. Edward w. Johnson Honored by Being Invited to Visit Household of Sheik and to Egyptian Princess,

Being Invited to Visit Household oi Shek and to Egyptian Princess
 Mrs. Edward W. Johnson, who has been spending some time in Northern Africa, writes from Nabeul, Tunlsla, concerning visits in which she was honored in being permitted to make
 to the household of the sheik ul Islam
 and to an Egyptian princess. Her ln- teresting letter follows
 Since our arrival in Tunisia this
 season our days have been much occu-
 pied with visiting; time does not count as with us and visits are long in the
 Orient. eWe are having most un-
 usual glimpse into the homes of cultl- vated classes of Arabs. judges, lawyers and professors who seem gratifled by Eds great interest in their literature, life and religion. and many doors have been opened to us and much hospital ity shown.
 Recently, thanks to the courtesy of distinguished Arab judge. we had a most unusual honor. that of visiting a Sheik uI Islam of Priest of the Great Mosque, who lives in a large Moor1sh palace, with a spacious inner court surrounded by balconies. hung with heavy curtains; at the entrance of the palace is an immense hall, around which are wide marble seats, to be used day or night. by friends or stran- gers, for rest and shelter, all are well come. The present Sheik ul Islam IS not only the most distinguished Mos lem in Tunis as high priest or teacher but by his learning and piety; his well known charities and broadness of mind have endeared him to rich and poor. On entering the audience room, Turk ish coffee was served us in inf1n1tesimal cups placed in gold and silver iligree holders Spoons are never used). Alter
 11J Tc1s1 coi 7 to Edward Johnson: While we talk the ladies of my household will be pleased to make the acquaintance of your mother. My surprise was only equaled by my satisfaction to have another glimpse of harem life-so diff tain, as one may not ask ones host to see his wife and family it is realm to be ignored!
 A slender Soudanese black. with much tattooed face and hands, con- ducted me through long dark halls to the women's apartments: where the wife of the sheflS his mother and other relatives came in to gaze upon the American "Roumi" My hostess who spoke little or no French, and l no Arabic, was at first shy, but upon my asking to see the children. dear little creatures, with. soft, dark eyes and tiny enne-dyed fingers, their quiet
 
 fee and~s pomgranite fruit rolled In roses, leaves and honey. we all became quite animated and chatty, for gestures and a friendly smile go far when ones language is limited to a droll mixture of French and Arabic. Arab ladies ex- cell in lace making and embroidery and the ladies of the harem were much delighted by my admiration of their handy work.
 My hostess was dressed in the style of her countryWomen, viz, full Turkish trousers of a heavy rose cofOred bro- cade, much embroidered bolero jacket with lace chemisette; her hair, like all Arab wo2aen, on eve of mar riage dyed a raven black. hung in one long braid; rolled in a silken head dress or scarf; a rose colored band kept the front hair in place. and a curious ornament of diamonds and pearls rested upon her forehead. My dark tailored suit did not please their eastern love of color; but when l ehanced to laugh over the gambols of a tiny gazel in the patio they caught glimpse of gold trimmed teeth, and quickly several rosy henne- tipped fin- gers were softly placed on my lips. as they were puzzled why the Roumis mouth should be so decorated in place Of fingers and arms.
 Ere closing l must tell you of won deFful day we passed at La Marsa last week at the home of an Egyptian prin cess-her royal highness is now in Cairo to avoid the short Tunisian win ter; but her husband. a kind friend of E. Us. asked us to pass the day at their palace with him. A short half hours ride by trolley from Tunis the house is built in the midst of a vast garden or park on the shore of the hidden by tall palms and high walls from gaze of paSSerSby.
 "a host, dignified. handsome gentleman, in European clothes, only the red fez marking his nationality. and we drove in luxurious open carriage drawn by swift mules with broad gold chain collars round their necks, to the house. We were taken into large drawing room where perfumed rose water was given us for our hands and face by Egyptian servants. After being shown the beauties of the palace of pure Moorish architecture, the domed ceiling with delicate carving quisite Moorish furniture. we were taken for a stroll in the grounds; through vast orange and lemon groves, and were given many varieties of sweetN lemons and muscat oranges to taste, curiously sweet and lacking the high flavor of ordinary fruit, and our hands were filled with masses of tea roses and orange blossoms.
 Then came the deieuner. and such a feast as it was! Served by Arab and Egyptian servants, and a gorgeousIy dressed Sudanese black woman, whom longed to photograph in her curious highly colored costume. full white trousers, scarlet shirt and sash. and aeaddress, and series of barbaric ear rings, each longer and larger till they almost touched her shoulder
 The first courses were quite Euro 1ean and French as to taste, then be- gan many Arak dishes; after "cous- eous' came wonderful sweets, pastry with honey sauce. Egyptian cakes made of almond pistache and honey. 1ecorated with pure gold leaf followed 1y delicious Turkish coffee. served out If doors, on the wide marble terrace ronting sea and majestic palm trees.
 After dejeuner we had the pleasure