Epperson (DD 719) - Naval Cruise Book

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TAIPEI i EASTER I TAIPEI Wliile the Epperson was in Keelung a few of the crew ventured to the capital city of Taiwan, Tai- pei , The particular weekend in which 4 RM's and l BT conned out of work was Easter weekend. The most inexpensive and fastest mode of transportation was the train, Because of the holiday the train was quite crowded. So the five of us were huddled in one corner next'to an open door. This position turned out to be to our advantage as it gave us an excellent opportunity to take pictures of the country side as we sped by. Along the route we observed factories, coal mines, construction sites, rock quarries, farm lands, fishing villages along small rivers, and many farm towns. Until recently most of Taiwan's industry was developed through United States' aid. Now Taiwan is becoming entirely se-lf-sufhcientg for example, the island is well on its way to becoming the world's largest exporter of canned goods. Upon entering the city limits of Taipei we could see the typical hustle and bustle of Chinese life- As we missed our intended stop, we had to continue into the heart of Taipei. Our destination, still some miles away, forced us to ride a rickety bus which would have been outlawed in a minute back home. The bus ride turned out to be an adventure in itself. This antique vehicle weaved its way through wave after wave of bicycles QTaipei's principal means of transportationj. Finally we arrived at one of Taipei's sull- urbs, where a good friend and ex-shipmate fLeej lives with his wife and family. He is presently- assigned to the Commsta at Taipei. Upon arrival at Lee's home we were greeted with a big welcome and a cold drink of San Miguel beef- After a fresh water wash down and a change into some comfortable clothes, we were ready to relax and talk over some old sea stories. When dinner was ready not one of us had to be asked twice. Dinner was enitvyed by all, for it was cooked in the best Japanese cuisine by Lee's wife, Toni. After dinner it was San Miguel time again and a chance for all to relax before the traditional Easter Egg hunt,

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The Easter Egg hunt was an all hands evolution. Lee's three children had some competition this year. Only 49 of 50 eggs were found and Lee's daughter, Kathy, swore Scroggins ate the missing one. Mile only had one night in Taipeig so we were going to make a GO of it with the little time we had left. VV e started off with a BANG by shooting off a bunch of fireworks with the children. Then we proceed- ed to the city lights where we commenced to participate in Taipei's nightlife. After VVine, Women, Song and Dance our little group travelled to Taipei's famous hot springs resort, Peitou . There we relaxed in steam baths, and very hot mineral baths. A vigorous rub-down followed. Later we took advantage of plush hotel accommodations. However, we realized that we had to get an early start for the ship in order to make 0730 muster. Consequently, reveille was held at 0430. A taxi drove us to Lee's home where bacon and eggs were being prepared by Toni, an understanding Navy wife. After a delicious breakfast Lee drove us back to the Epperson. It was five happy sailors who hated leaving good friends and a good time in TAIPEI. THE UNDERSTANDING NAVY WIFE