Sarasota (APA 204) - Naval Cruise Book

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Silhouetted on the top of a hill stands the Basilica ot Notre Dame. one of the most famous cathedrals ot France. High on the steeple stands a large statue ot Joan ot Arc. We hurried to purchase those last minute gifts for the folks at home, which we had put off in the other ports, and had to get now or do Without. Sales of French perfume must have gone up 1002: in most of the perfume shops, and we even found salesmen on the pier with their various brands. Some who had not been there before, took this last opportunity to make a trip to Paris, Others who would have liked to go, remained behind, and began to save their money for the leave periods which would soon begin. Then on 17 September, we cast off our lines, and made our way out of the harbor . . . our tour of the Mediterranean was over, and our next scheduled stop was the United States. ARSEILLES Marseilles, France, our last port of call in the Mediterranean. The thoughts of all of us were turn- ing home, and we were soon to be on the last leg of our journey, one which would take us back to all those things which we had left behind a period of five months ago, It had been a long five months for some, and for others it had been a cruise filled with pleasure. But on one thing we all agreed-five months had been long enough for us, and we were eagerly awaiting the sight of our reliefs. Liberty in Marseilles was a very welcome relief from the heavy period of operation during the Keystone land- ing. One place will hold many memories for most of us-the Reserve Hotel, where the ship held a party for the crew. There we danced to the fam- iliar strains of American music, and drank cool French beer. In a way it was our farewell party. We knew that soon we would pass the Rock of Gib- raltar, and say good-by to the Med, and shortly after that, many of us would leave the ship, and friendships formed by the cruise would be broken up, perhaps forever. The Arch of Triumph adds a touch ot Paris to the city of Marseilles. Though not as large as its twin, it is built in the same style, and dedicated to the soldiers of France-

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1 ' I 41 1 'Y I 5' I A 1 1 1 ri: if 4' K, ' l L.: -M ' v , e i , 1- Yi 4 xx ,, ii X 5 I A ' ' , I Q , , L ' Q my.. -ag H 5 i The exhibits of Germany were displayed in open booths that stretched for what seemed to be miles. A wall: through the entire fair would have fallen more time than any of us had to SPBHJ- so we paused only when we saw something un- usual. , , , flip. A amz-sr, - MP. During the day the Fairgrounds were silent, and the fountains and exhibits weni' unappreci- ated, but at night, as the crowds grew, and music iilled the air, the grounds became a wonderland of color and beauty, well worth seeing. Crossing the Aegean Sea from Athens we dropped anchor off the coast of Turkey. in the Bay of Ismir. The days were long and hot, and what would hate been an extremely dull liberty was made more interesting by the fact that an International Fair was being conducted at this time. Many countries from all mer Fiurope. including Russia had brought exhibits here and the majority ol' the crew. out of curiosity, went to see them. An amuse- ment center lealurecl a parachute jump and other attractions. Many bought souvenirs. the most popular of which were the Meerschaum pipes. The city held little interest lor the crew, but it was one of the last of the stepping stones in the path whit-li would lead us home. l ' : -' -for . , ,,-- igtgigg.-uulw i i ji ' I Q.. ,,s' ' t ' Q 6 ' . ' -li: 1' A ' tl , 1 -U ff -- , ,. V - Q i . 1 pf J, ll I ' Wx ff X-u. H dbf-iffy. ' gi A V U. s 5 , 4 an V' ,U -4 6 t . ii t 'fr ee 1 f ' f 3 4 .L 1 ! 'A is U I fl X79 ' if i' ,,. - -.... , , 7 1 4, f f f I I 1 I 3ifNasfa'f,'.g aw: 4' X ' ,Q 1 ,z J r or ,iia X 471 70770 'WJZW 1 ff. i f f , , fff f f 4 ,Any VW' Z ,ff M225 f 4' , f y, f ,ff-i, 4 1 V , , ,L I 1 , if f -,

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