Beside the road were buffaloes, bears, and white antelopes. We drove through a series of gates which separated the animals from the house. Then what looked like a great Spanish cathedral came into view - huge and magnificent. We drove round the house and came to the bottom of marble stairs. There was a wonderful scent of flowers. By now it was past 4 a.m. There was a cathedral like entrance with marble statues and oranges trees everywhere. I was taken to my room, which had a Persian carpet, exquisite above the bed, a ceiling of strange gold and dark red design, and a mirror with gilt oak leaf surround. Over the mantelpiece was a medieval bible scene in wood and two angels, and below a great fireplace decorated with angels - an ancient chest of drawers, a great gold covered Madonna, a Persian design around the windows, arm chairs covered with Persian tapestry completed the scene in the room.

Soon I was asleep and I was called at 8.30 a.m. Looking out of the window I saw a beautiful view of the Pacific stretching away, and to the right the blue waters of new swimming pool with classical columns and Cyprus trees slender white statues of goddesses around it.

I dressed and crossed to the main building where there masses of scented red and white flowers, oranges palm and lemon trees. Entering the first room there were huge Christmas trees, and on the walls hung grand tapestries. Next was the dining room which was like the interior of a church with choir stalls taken from Spanish church. The wooden ceiling had carvings of St George and Dragon. The whole hall had been built around the ceiling from Italy. Six big Christmas trees with silver tinsel and candles stood in the room.

The whole place was almost deserted. I wandered about and took some photos. I went to see the dogs and there were Irish wolfhounds, Great Danes, Boston Bull terriers, Dachshund, and smooth and long haired English Sheep dogs. Then I explored the zoo and went in to lions den and that of the Royal Bengal Tigers which were snarling and growling. There were playful Chimpanzees, deer, beautiful specimens of black leopards, Russian bears, sloth, bears, jaguars, elephants, and monkeys.

Next, I explored the swimming pool with its beautiful clear blue water, lined with gold and blue mosaic and surrounded by white classical statues. I wandered about and everywhere there were Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Persian and Egyptian statues and treasures. Lunch was very late and eventually Marion Davies came in wearing brown slacks and a red jumper. Later her sister in breeches and a riding habit joined the company. I got hungry waiting for Mr. Hearst who eventually came at 2.45 p.m. for lunch. The conversation at lunch was light hearted. The telephone rang all the time and the news service kept coming in. Hearst kept an eye on the news all the time.