Wednesday, 26 December

Heavy rain

 Rome

As the funding of the Chinese Embassy was curtailed by two thirds, there was no fire for warming. Also, the room was so big but there was only one small heater. I really felt very uncomfortable. Sun Fo had suggested we move to a hotel, but I urged him not to do so as it would embarrass Yu Junji. Last night, I went to bed so late that I slept in today. We did not depart until eleven for visiting sites. For Basilica di San Pietro, this was my fourth visit. But this type of magnificent construction which conveys ten-thousands of beauties I would be happy to visit even one hundred times.

We returned to the Embassy at half past one. At 4.00 p.m. I went with Kitty, Zhongxiong, Ambassador Bao Junjian, accompanied by Priest Huang to visit the Forum, and the Marmertine Prison. We intended to visit St. Peter in Chains, but as it was already too late we went out for afternoon tea instead and returned to the Embassy.

At nine Ambassador Yu Junji arranged a banquet to welcome us. The sharks fin and other dishes were very good. Ambassador Yu’s cook is famous in Europe and the United States. After dinner we played bridge, but I was the first to leave, going to bed first at twelve.