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During his journey Schliemann had unforeseen high expenses and his cash was
slowly running out. Because of his boat being delayed he had to stay one more
week in a hotel than he had accounted for. He is looking for a way to get some
money:
[page 226, Greek] “Sunday, on the 5th of June, close to the city of Alexandretta.
To my great disappointment, the captain told me that I had to stay for one week
in Smyrna before setting off for Piraeus. Unfortunately, this steamboat has to go
all the way to Constantinople in order to meet with the other steam-powered ship
that will bring me to Syros. From there, I will have to take the Greek steamboat.
So far so good; the only thing that worries me is the thought that my money may
not last for so long. The problem is that I really have to have my dentures fixed
by that time as they have already been broken a long time ago. In case I need
money urgently, I can get foreign exchange in Petroupolis and sell it afterwards
in Smyrna or I can borrow a small amount of money there as long as I pay it back
when I reach Athens. Still, I am quite hesitant to venture it as I am too proud to
admit that I made a huge mistake not having requested a credit letter before. If
though they lend me some money in Smyrna I will simply ask whether they can
negotiate a minor remittance of 20 pounds in Petroupolis which I shall pay back
in London.”
Eventually Schliemann ends up in Greece and he immediately notices the beauty
of the Greek women:
[page 231, Greek] “Generally speaking, women here are most attractive. Their big
sparkling eyes, the curvaceous nose, gentle mouth, black hair, their cordial man-
ners, friendliness and spirited mind at last, their cultivation of the mind - all these
assets cannot but attract someone.”
Schliemann arrives in Smyrna. He enjoys the view but not for long:
[page 232, Greek] “Smyrna, on Friday, on the 29 of June. This morning around
5 o’clock, on my way to the deck, I saw the big city of Smyrna being set on the
foot of the mountains like an amphitheatre. The view was indeed breath-taking.
I got the first bad impression when I arrived at the guest house, which was very
small and dirty although they had recommended it to me as the best in town.
My room is quite narrow but at least I pay only 8 piasters per day. The picture
frames are abundant. From the minute I set foot on this land, Greek locals re-
vealed their miserly nature. Today I got numerous, and continuous and strong
evidence to confirm this, as I could not buy even the slightest thing without
being deceived.”