Hong Kong, China
Page 1
Chinese flags courtesy Free Gifs & Animations
The following pictures copied from the
1949 USS Helena CA-75 Cruise Book
provided by RD2 Dave Brouchoud
Click on the book image to learn more. |
1949
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On the 15th of November, 1949 we got underway for Hong Kong. The aerographers forcasted a calm trip but unfortunately we had high winds and rough seas, particularly during the last part of the trip.Hong Kong has been described as "one of the best liberty ports we hit this trip." We had no sooner dropped anchor than the sampan merchants were crowding around the accommodation ladders anxious to come aboard. They were too persistent and it became necessary to use fire hoses to keep them off.
For some it was like old home week, meeting friends and acquaintances made during former visits; many of them had moved down from Shanghai and Tsingtao. For others it was a new experience.
Looking across Hong Kong from picturesque Tiger Balm Gardens
Most of us got a big kick out of seeing the small boats hovering around with small boys who would dive for nickles, dimes and quarters (inflation has come to Hong Kong, too; they used to dive for pennies). The side cleaners were happy over having Chinese women to clean and paint the water-line in exchange for the privilege of hauling away the garbage. Just an old Chinese custom! It's hard for us to imagine a place where food is so scarce that garbage becomes valuable. Starvation is common in China.
Hong Kong was our best shopping place. Carved chests, tables, chow benches, silk pajamas, negligees, (wouldn't she look beautiful in this, Joe?) robes, dress material, English woolens, rubies, jade, alexandrites, sapphires. lacquer work, rugs, boots (guaranteed no squeek.) "Where are we going to stow this stuff?"
"Home Sweet Apartment House" |
"What shall it be, fish----or fish" |
"Dollar Day" |
