Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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Co ombo, ey fan Colombo a tiny island inthe Dominion of Ceylon presents one of the broadest vistas of the entire trip Seacoast civilization gave way to tropical jungle and then to rugged moun- tains all in the scope of a days journey , Most of us will remember Ceylon as the land of elephants and precious stones Upon leaving the ship we were approached by many gem merchants with so-called bargains The bargains were gems elephants of ebony rosewood and other rare woods I C I Those who made the trip to the ancient tropical city of Khandy in the mountains saw elephants bathing in the river and a few rare mountainous beasts. The town itself was not without picturesque scenes for those who did not stray so far. Snake charmers along the streets, with their deadly cobras were objects of curiosity for the camera fans. The more sedate were content to sit on the veranda of one of the famous hotels, sipping cool refreshments. Our three days visit there passed quickly, and though intrigued by the novel,'we left with little reluctance for the next leg of our trip home. s T l f? . l T is ln u iliil nl 'I it 111 :gig E...

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aa Gznwza Six days after departing from Colombo found us at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. This sandy spot of land did not present a particularly welcoming appearance, with no vegetation in sight, no scenery, no bars and a cold drizzle to completely dampen the outlook. After being warned not to leave the Aramco compound, we went on liberty to find athletic facili- ties, an interesting guided tour of the refining plant, buffet suppers, and a generally good time considering the facilities at hand, Sports played the largest part in our entertainment with bowling, a tennis match against Ras Tanura's tennis team, and an unfortunate basket- ball game, again against the best of Ras Tanura. We learned from Aramco personnel that although their wages were plentiful there were many hardships in living in Saudi Arabia, namely, a lack of news, magazines, bonded spirits, and a general curtailment of freedom. The three months leave that was due every third year was as welcomed by them as our one month a year. After two days in this oil city, we and the Smalley set out to rendezvous with the Daly and Bronson, who had been visiting at the nearby island of Bahrein, and then the division proceeded back down the Persian Gulf, around the southern tip of Arabia to Aden. ,,57,5S:l?.,, mf 1 f'ff' .J ' ei wf fff' 2- yt? '- li J U I 1 r -x.