After 26 gruelling days tending 230 horses aboard the S.S. Bezwada, Karl was “done with ship life.” When they docked in Colombo on October 4, 1900, he was ready to explore.

But first—chaos. A bucket of bran slipped from his hands and straight into the curry lunch some sailors were having on the deck.

Karl appreciated they were angry, but he had to continue, feed the horses and then step ashore.

Ceylon awaited.