John Thomason (DD 760) - Naval Cruise Book

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European influence has reached Hong Kong most in its entertainment. Some of the fin- est dining in the world, both Western and Oriental, is available in Hong Kong. Gaddei's and the Jade Lotus were among the best restaurants offering Western and Oriental cuisine. After dinner, discotheques in Kowloon and the Central District, as well as Wanchai did a roaring business on the THOMASON sailors. Many THOMASON sailors actually took ad- vantage of this rest and recuperation port to rest and recuperate. Several took advan- tage of the sun and surf of Deep Water Bay to improve their tans and relax in the cool, clear Water. Others ventured to the golf course to loosen up their muscles. Still others would just relax in their favorite bar whether it was the Dragon Boat in the Hong Kong Hilton or a bar in the Wanchai. There were many Ways to relax from the rigors of life at sea and the men of the THOMASON sought them all.

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Two ports were visited in J apan, Sasebo and Yokosuka. The ship spent ten days in Sasebo in September during a tender availability and two days in Yokosuka on the way back to the U.S. in October. The stay in Sasebo afforded an opportunity for some sightseeing and the exchanges in both ports were heavily used by crewmembers. Yokosuka and Sasebo both have been heavily influenced by the presence of the U.S. Navy, and both areas mix generous quantities of modern Japanese and Western ideas with a touch of ancient Japanese culture in their atmospheres. The exchange of Yokosuka and Sasebo offered a wide variety of products which were widely purchased by the crew. Products of J apan's modern technology such as stereo components and motorcycles were sold as quickly as J apan's more traditional commodities,'china and pearls. The largest single purchase made was the duty free liquor ordered by the ship through the Yokosuka exchange. The ship's order was greater than the combined orders of two other ships in the division. Not considering liquor, the foreign exchange in Yokosuka, Building A-33, was considered far and away the best exchange in WestPac. Everything from pachinko machines to 900 cc. motor- cycles could be purchased, and this last chance ,to shop in WestPac was well taken. Every cubic inch of extra space aboard ship had some purchase stored in it. Time to sightsee was at a minimum in J apan, as much work had to be ac- complished aboard ship. Still, a few of the tourists among the THOMASON crew took in the scenic countryside of terraced farmlands around Sasebo. Some ventured to the peak overlooking Sasebo and the harbor for a better view of the entire region. And some sailors 'travelled to Nagasaki for a day to see the effects of the atom bomb on that city's way of life. Most of the crew enjoyed the nightclubs of downtown Sasebo and Yokosuka in their off-duty hours. Besides meeting a cute and polite hostess, everyone had to try the Japanese custom of the hotsy bath. With a little saki or beer, a steam bath and a rubdown, the mind, muscles and bones all seem to turn into some kind of tingling jelly. Refreshed and relaxed, each man could for- get about the rough day just completed and the day of work ahead. WAISWORTH cruise Book s I off PUBLISHING 7730-EH h IS! r COMPANY La Jon C If 92 037 , Marceline, Mo.. U.S.A.