Unlike the first book, this one contains few details of actual Messengering. Instead, the travel reports consist chiefly of various sightseeing jaunts during his downtime on assignments. No more stories of his life on the farm back in Britain between trips; mini-essays on various topics appear every so often instead. Courtauld comes off as a bit of a peevish spoiled brat, jetsetting abut first class on his sinecure. It doesn't help to be aware that diplomatic bags generally serve to alow diplomats (and expats) to avoid customs examinations/duties, rather than containing any "sensitive" materials. We get a hint of this whenever the author brags about about how light he is travelling, and then goes on to mention all the loot he's just bought on the current trip.

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