John Thomason (DD 760) - Naval Cruise Book

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T N1 if as ' 1. FL 5m la. lg! R. bi 5 Milly. - NmQ. 'ttfimzit 1 M M .,,, -L . - - lil Hong Kong HONG KONG--just those two words alone make every sailor's heart beat faster with excitement. Hong Kong is truly the pearl of the Orient , and many may say the en- tire world. Combining the beautiful women of Kaohsiung, the wild nightlife of Olongapo, the shopping of Bangkok, and the beauty of Japan with influences from both Europe and mainland China, Hong Kong offers something for everyone. The men of the THOMASON did their best to bring as much of Hong Kong as possible back with them. Sightseeing, shopping, dining, drinking, dancing, par- ticipating in sports were all part of an ex- citing week of R and R in Hong Kong. Every THOMASON sailor truly had an op- portunity to do '.'his own thing while the ship was in Hong Kong. For most men, this meant shopping, buying, and spending. There were many of the traditionally ex- cellent purchases of stereo components, tailored clothing, and jewelry, but there were also some unusual purchases. Persian rugs, ivory carvings, sterling silver, china, watches, silks, sewing machines, and leather goods all found their way aboard ship. The only thing that came to an end in Hong Kong was money.

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Bangkok was a jewelry shopper's delight. All varieties of precious and semi-precious stones were available at 'ridiculously low prices. Blue and black star sapphires, topaz, rubies, and many others tempted the wallets of THOMASON sailors. The Star of Thailand and Venus Jewelry seemed to take most of the crew's money, but each man did his business where he felt he had the best deal. Everyone came away satis- fied with their glittering gems mounted in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches. The nightlife in Bangkok was excellent with many luxurious, American-style nightclubs, discotheques, and bars. There were even American women living in Bangkok for the truly patient and earnest sailor seeking companionship. Before the night could be enjoyed, everyman faced the battle of bartering for ataxi to take him downtown. Prices fluctuated with the number of peo- ple and the time of day. No matter, event- ually everyone got a ride towhere he felt the action was.

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Hong Kong is also a tourist's delight. Beau- tiful views from Victoria Peak, multitides of junks in Aberdeen, the White sandy beaches of Deep Water, the exciting atmosphere of the ladder street and Thieve's Alley , the dream-like world of Tiger Balm Gardens, the ramshakle poverty of the refugees, and the throbbing and vibrant air of Victoria all offer the sightseer every experience that can be remembered and put on film. 76 X