Greenwich Bay (AVP 41) - Naval Cruise Book

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Another distinguished visitor, Amir Abdul Muhsin bin Jilewi of Dammam, with his at- tendents and interpreter are given the 64 dollar tour of the ship by Captain Williams.

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Shaikhs and Amirs were fre- quent callers to the ship. The one feared most by his sub- jects was Amir Saud bin Jilewi (above) of Al Hasa province who visited the ship at Dam- mam. The Amirs and Shaikhs rule their territories and sub- jects with an iron hand as they serve as both judge and jury. Official visits are part of the regular fare for a flagship much to the dislike of the sideboys. Each visit means a return visit and Rear Admiral Felt (above) prepares the board the British frigate HMS Flamingo at Mena al Ahmadi, Kuwait. Captain R. H. Courage, RN, com- manding officer of the ship comes down the gangway to meet him. The British Navy was well represented in the Gulf area due to the troubled situation in Iran. Many friendships were made by the GB men with the Royal Navy sailors while enjoying their Limey beer together. The hottest place on earth is said to be Mus- cat on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. A three day visit there in late May bore this out. His highness Said bin Taimur, sultan of Muscat and Oman (r.) was a visitor to the ship at Muscat. The children of Muscat were entertained on board with ice cream and movies. This was the first time many of the children had eaten ice cream and from the looks on their faces they hoped it would not be their last.

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H Amir Turki ibn Ataishan of Ras Tanura was the host at an Arab feast for the ship ' s officers. The main dish consisted of four sheep although in some cases a young camel is used. The sheep are roasted whole. They are stuffed with rice (often mixed with almonds), whole chickens and hard boiled eggs, and are served embedded in a mound of steaming buttered rice on large copper trays. There are many side dishes of chicken, fruits, vegetables, pastries and sweets. In typical Arab fashion the guests seat themselves tailor-fashion around it in order of rank. s ci» Amir Saud bin Jilewi of Dammam is host at another of the Arab feasts. As can be seen, no knives, forks or spoons are used (though they may be supplied to westerners). The guests tear off chunks of meat and dip into the rice and other dishes with their right hand. To use the left hand for eating or drinking is con- sidered very bad form. Often the host (seated, with Arab headress) will not eat with his guests, but will spend his time seeing to it that each one is amply supplied. When each guest has had enough he will say a word of thanks to Allah and lean back or rise. Water, soap and towels are provided for washing of the hands. The first group of guests usually makes but a small impres- sion upon the bounteous supply of food, but they are followed in relays by persons of lesser rank, down to the servants, so that in the end nothing is left.