Stevenson (DD 645) - Naval Cruise Book

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ln Singapore and again in Colombo our British friends had told us of the wonderful reception we would receive in Capetown. This began to be proven several days prior to our arrival when we received the program of entertain- ment being planned for us. The program filled every day of our visit from ll A. M. till the wee hours of the morning and included daily luncheons, teas, cocktail parties and nightly dances and for any one person to attend all the functions would prove not only exhausting but impossible. This advance in- formation made us very anxious indeed to set foot on Capetown soil and throw ourselves into the social whirl. The morning of our arrival found us enveloped by a dense fog which did not allow the beauty of the coastline with its mountainous background to grow on us during our approach but waited dramatically until we were but 4 miles offshore to lift its curtain and present our first view of the sprawling city against Table Mountain. lt was a thrilling sight. A large crowd.greeted us as we tied up at the Duncan Docks and as soon as we were properly confused with our supply of British currency, we set out to explore the town and attend various functions. At the gate many of us were greeted with Want a lift to town, Sailor? and this usually led to a privately conducted tour of the city and an invitation to dinner. Capetown is often referred to as the city thirty miles long and half at mile wide. While inaccurate, the statement is descriptive. The city extends along the Atlantic coast from Camps Bay, along Table Bay to the east and southeast, part way around the eastern shore of Table Bay and south along False Bay. It was a pleasure to shop in Capetown where all merchandise is price tagged and attractively displayed. No more bartering or bargaining with shop keepers. The STEVE spent close to EEl0,000 and bought some of everything. We brought back pieces of carved stinkwood, yardgoods, watches, diamonds and all sorts of trinkets and everyone saying This would cost twice as much back home. H Social life is what the boys craved and here as in Singapore and in Co- lombo, the people went all out to show us a good time, however, Capetown, untouched by war had much more to offer. ln addition to the sponsored en- tertainments there were many private parties and the city afforded plenty of amusements for those out on their own. Throughout the city our boys roamed, sampling the product of the local wineries at places like Delmonico's or the Grand Hotel in the downtown section, or jitterbugging at places like the Blue' Moon or the Union lack in the suburban areas. The two local nightclubs, the Stardust and the Bohemian Club were well packed until closing time. There were several modern movie houses for those preferring quiet entertainment. O f d visit soon came to an end and our departure took placev ur our ay much too early in the morning. With heavy eyes, dull heads and butterfly stomachs we set out for home at 6 A. M. November 19th. In spite of the hour the ship echoed with tales of adventures and swapping of experiences. lt was a happy ship-we were headed for home. Yet it was with mixed feelings that 'we left our many friends and our first Americanized port in twelve months and with some of the boys there still lingers a desire to return to this beautiful and hospitable city. .

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