Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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anned By this time we were all a little weary. We had traveled a long way and had seen a great variety of peoples and places such that the thrill of a new port no longer carried the fine edge that went along with previous stops. In general, we were a long time and a long way from home and ready to return. ' Surely, there could be no better port in the world to be scheduled at this particular time than Cannes, for here at the queen city of the Cote D'zure we experienced a needed morale boost by absorbing a little of the atmosphere that goes along with the playground of the world. Unfortunately the winter season denied us the use of the fine beaches and summer sports facilities, but the French hospitality and genius for happy living knows no season and we wasted no time in becoming a part of it. Now that we had returned to western civilization, things about us were quite a bit more familiar g sightseeing and curious onlooking took second place to enjoying the ubiqui- tous fine food, drink and companionship of the Riviera. Many of us took advantage of the ready access of Nice and Monte Carlo to visit the world famous gambling casinos and view some of the homes 'belonging to international social figures whose names are common place in our home town newspapers. And, when it came to shopping around town, it would be hard to find a man who did not fall victim to the attractive odors and prices of French perfumes. , New Yearis Eve saw many a bottle of French champagne serve the cause of interna- tional good will, and the following morning there were many of us who were wishing that these relations were not quite so good. But, apart from any vineyard stimulus, when january second came and we departed for Gibraltar there were many who were not quite as anxious to beheading home as they had been, and all of us were saying Thanks, Cannes, for a good time, we will be looking forward to seeing you again on our next Mediterranean cruise. -xr 3 Q-1 i if -v up A Z-, X ll: 1 XXXX X f, Q , N E7 E : Q Q

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Wh idfle esiopd ADEN, the first of our fuel only stops lies on the shore of the Gulf of Aden near the southern end of the Red Sea. It is non liberty in nature. Our appraisal had to be across 50 feet of sea water, nonetheless it proved a very pleasant experience. Then to business, with our fantail assuming the air ofa teeming native bazaar and attired in the traditional Fez of the country, the for you a special price contingent lay aft to- pit American Wit against an Arabian Shrewdness carried down through the centuries. From the tons of beau- tiful rugs, leather work, and woodcarvings we acquired, one can only surmise that Young America had made its point. 0-ur tanks full, we said goodbye to Aden steaming up the Red Sea, through the beautiful city of Suez and into the canal called very rightly one of the wonders of the world. Its long straightaways, gentle turns and even stone-lined banks made it one of the high points of the trip. Finally to the Mediterranean end of the Canal. PGRT SAID was our second whistle stop. As we steamed up the main street we knew we were nearing home. Large neon signs struck our eyes bearing such welcome greetings as Buy Johnny Walker's and Vacation in the Swiss Alps. Large beautiful buildings and parks combined to give Port Said an air no American city could duplicate. 'One had only to admire the broad, straight, palm-lined streets, giving way to a shaggy camel and its ancient two-wheeled cart to realize the wondrous paradox that is Egypt. Another milestone past and with happy anticipations of Athens and the Riviera while still retaining a great admira- tion for the Arabian peoples we humbly took our leave. GIBRALTAR. A jutting fortress guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean at which we stopped for fueling purposes and a brief period of liberty, was this town. It was quite small but had a hospitable air. The town was taking her morning breather upon our arrival but it swiftly came to life, opening its curio shops and taverns for the sailor trade. The usual purchasing of souvenirs and whistle wetting were carried out to the fullest. The best buy seemed to be the fourteen day clocks and many sailors returned to the ships laden with the large boxes containing the clocks. The liberty party, satisfied with her brief rest on dry land, returned to the ship with swift feet in order to commence the last leg of the journey homeward. As we departed from the rock the camera cuties captured a few last minute snaps of the gigantic spectacle The ship was lashed down for heavy weather and the Cotten in company with DesD1v 502 headed west to meet the heavy seas of the Atlantic and the welcome arms of the Continental Limits of the United States 7 7 i