They are actually counting the hours until we meet!
Those who have already come in my contact, and been immensely influenced and impressed, are not monks or nuns who are out of touch with society and the world, but people who are well-placed in society with great status and influence, who have great charm and lead gay lives in cities like London and New York.
[When we arrive in the West], just remember to be very alert and active, ready to respond to the slightest call to duty, whatever it may be. Be happy in all conditions, in all surroundings and circumstances. If you get good dishes [food] and have fine beds, be happy. If you have to fast and [there is] no bed to sleep in, still be happy. There is great work ahead, of which you have no idea. And you are the selected few chosen for my great work in the West, where people are so quick to judge, so clever and so sharp.
Two days later on the 31st, Baba stated:
There are three types of mandali: those who help, those who are a burden, and those who are a hindrance.
Those who pick me up and carry me are the best helpers. The ones who may not be able to lift me up, but who give me their companionship, assist my work and also render much help.
But the person who is unable to lift me up and is stubborn, refusing to allow me to lift him, is a burden.
The obstructionist is the man who does not allow me to pick him up and who does not give me company, but on the contrary pulls my hand from behind, obstructing me and fighting with me when I try to lift him.
Later that evening, at seven o'clock, Baba and the mandali went ashore at Port Said, Egypt, and had dinner at a restaurant in the city. Baba couldn't eat much, due to a stomachache, and then the proprietor overcharged them. After some haggling, the bill was settled, but Baba was highly displeased by the incident. Baba then asked Chanji to bring a good boy. One was brought with the help of a guide, but Baba disapproved of him, and all returned to the boat at midnight. The Conte Rosso left Port Said at eight the following morning, 1 April 1932.
Due to news releases by the Associated Press of the interview given in Bombay, Baba's trip was widely publicized this time and many on board were anxious to meet him.