Rhine River Cruise (1973)

Meanwhile, Bert + I continued on the Rhine River, and what a trip it was!  We ate + slept on the boat, with stops each night to go into the towns along the Rhine.
Our first stop was in Amsterdam.

[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]

Aug. 5, 1973 Amsterdam/Rainy
Enroute from airport to Alpha Hotel saw the Free U. which costs 1,000 g. [guilders] a year.  Much of the land is restored as 50% of the Netherlands is under water.  The name Netherlands means “low lands.”  Went through a long tunnel which is built under the runway. The city is very clean abounding in flowers + shrubbery.  Most of the houses are built connecting one + another.  The city is the shape of a spider’s web with the canals leading to the main business district.

Aug. 6, 1973 Amsterdam – Delft - The Hague-Rotterdam/Sunny + Warm - Rain
A very adventuresome trip in A.M. via tram to Anne Frank’s House + Rijksmuseum.  An altercation between the driver + a passenger nearly caused mutiny with about 50 Dutchman all screaming because the passenger ran in front of the tram + nearly frightened the driver to death.  The visit to Anne Frank's House was a solemn + stirring moment as we entered the second + third story steep stairway where she helped hide her family during the Nazi invasion.  It was a hurried trip through the museum [Rijksmuseum] but we did have a chance to view the magnificent collection of Rembrandts + Frans Hals along with all the other great masters’ works of art.  After a quick lunch at the hotel, we boarded our bus for Delft where we watched the artists painting the intricate designs on their beautiful china.  After it is glazed, the black designs become a beautiful shade of blue + much of the Oriental flavor has been retained.  The city is quaint – all houses face a tree-lined canal + flowers + plants appear in every window. 
The Peace Palace, the seat of government, was quite impressive.  Our final destination – Rotterdam – is an example of the destruction + havoc of war – all bldgs. so modern + “westernized.”  The M.V. Emerald awaits us.

8/7/1973 Rotterdam/Dusselfdorf/Rainy
Dikes, windmills and camping areas predominated the landscape in Netherlands today.  Late in the afternoon we passed into Germany + saw the vast difference in the Rhine area.  The Ruhr Valley is very industrious + we began to see the effects of pollution.  Dusseldorf was the highlight of the day.  We did some "pub crawling" in Dusseldorf, a very industrial city.  Ushi M met us + took us + the Vs to several interesting pubs.  The attraction was “alt bier” which is similar to bock beer.

8/8/1973 Dusseldorf/Boppard/Warm + sunny
We left Dusseldorf bright + early.  At 9 o’clock Bert + I left the ship + went on a tour of Cologne and Bonn.
How interesting to see the beautiful Cologne Cathedral built in the 13th C. + completed in the 19th C.  It’s beautiful example of the beautiful Gothic architecture.  The St. Martin Church exemplifies the Romanesque style and it was completed in 1020 [1220]! which preceded the Gothic style.  The reason the Cologne Cathedral was built was to house the Golden Shrine, the shrine of the Three Magi.  During the war these beautiful structures were spared but the lead glass windows were removed + then replaced after the war.  The only part of the cathedral that war destructed was one column which was replaced by brick.  90% of the city was destroyed + although people are proud of their tradition, not much is left except churches to remind one of the history.
On to Bonn, the seat of the govt. since 1949.  Saw Chancellor Willy Brandt’s home, the House of Parliament + the Pres’s home.  Then we visited the beauty of the past – Beethoven’s home + the narrow streets + shops in the area.  Our next stop was Boppard/Mannheim, + the weather was warm and sunny.

8/9/1973 Boppard/Mannheim/Sunny + Warm
Leaving the wine stube last evening wasn't easy as we had such fun dancing + singing with the natives, but it was harder this a.m. when we had to rise + shine!  The highlight today was Lorelei, the great cliff jutting into the river causing many a ship to go aground.  Our excursion to Heidelberg took us past fields of grapes on the hillside + vast areas of vegetables + grains.  We stopped at Worms + visited Martin Luther statue + garden + saw the famous door where he posted his famous thesis. Heidelberg Univ. + Castle are high on the hill overlooking the Nekar R. + the view at sunset was lovely.  The evening’s entertainment consisted of the captain’s farewell dinner party.  As we were a little late arriving back at the ship, we hadn’t much time to prepare our hats for the contest, but “Mr. Stümpe” won second prize with his safety slogan DLRP which he presented to Jerry M, a passenger who feared for the safety without a life preserver + I took first prize for my decorative “flower girl” hat - pewter napkin rings + silver candy dish.  Fun.
Other events and places we visited that were included in our Rhine River cruise included Mannheim and Strasbourg (France), Baden/Baden, Lucerne [Switzerland], Oberammergau, Innsbruck and Vienna [Austria], Munich, Rothenburg, E. + W. Berlin, + finally Hamburg. [Narrative in Arial font is from the Travels Abroad Book journal.]

8/10/1973 Mannheim/Strasbourg/Beautiful
We reluctantly abandoned ship today + left by coach to tour the rest of our trip on the continent.  Just a little excitement before departure; a motor in the laundry was on fire + the boat filled with smoke.
Strasbourg was our first stop where we visited the famous Cathedral which epitomizes Gothic architecture at its finest.  We travelled the autobahn to Baden-Baden, a luxurious resort area where we spent the night at an elegant hotel – the Europe.  To illustrate the clientelle of this hotel, at 8:20 p.m. four pairs of shoes were outside the doors ready to be shined for the next day.  Cords above the tubs are used to summon maids to assist you in getting out of the tub!  We attended an open-air concert that evening + were amazed at how well groomed everyone was – minks amass.  Turned in early after a mug of beer at a local bar.

8/11/1973 Baden-Baden/Lucerne/Sunny + Warm
We left promptly at 9:00 for the Black Forest + Switzerland via the autobahn.  Lunch at a large inn built over 200 years ago.  The sauerbraten was tasty + the décor was elegant. Souvenirs were too expensive so we just enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  Zug + Zurich were interesting cities as well as the border town of Schaffhausen where we saw the Rhine R. falls.  At Donaueschingen we saw the source of the Danube.  I enjoyed watching the River Sihl spilling over rocks as it wound around the hills.  It was very shallow + offered beautiful areas for fishing + camping along the banks.  We arrived at our hotel, the Palace, which has two beds, a huge bath which converted quickly into a laundry, and a view overlooking Lake Lucerne.  A bit of humor – as we entered our hotel, Jerry M’s pants fell off as he got off the bus.

Hammy on the Chapel Bridge
in Lucerne, Switzerland

A cheese fondue dinner was waiting for us at the Stadtkeller where we were entertained by Swiss yodelers + dances.  Nice but hot!

8/12/1973 Lucerne/Beautiful
The day started with a walk to the covered bridge + Lion Monument.  After a “quick” lunch, we went to the top of Mt. Pilatus.  It was by four different types of transportation – 4 passenger cable car, then a larger one carrying 40 which went from one crag to another.  We descended by cog, then made the rest of the trip by boat around Lake Lucerne + back to our hotel.  We went over to the Bs for a drink before dinner, then did some window shopping + turned in early.

8/13/1973 Lucerne/Oberammergau/Beautiful
We left the Palace Hotel early because of all the interesting places to visit today.  Since we had to use our francs quickly before leaving Switzerland, the Baron in Liechtenstein did a superb job assisting us.  He took us for every franc we were worth.  A short stop to take shots of the Hohenschungau [Hohenschwangau] castle + Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein castle before leaving for the rest of the trip.  The Alois Lang Hotel with all its flowers was a splendid greeting.  Bavaria is virgin beauty!

8/14/1973 Oberammergau-Innsbruck/At 5:30 12 degrees C! Beautiful late
Since we didn’t get close-up shots of cows yesterday travelling through Bavaria, Bert, Robert B + I started out at 6 am to watch them leave the barn for the pasture.  Two loads of hay were delivered to them so we decided an hour + a half later, they were taking room service.
We ascended lofty Zugspitze Mtn (10,000 ft) via the funicular railway + had lunch on the summit.  We arrived in Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol, in time for a quick tour of the city before dinner at the Tyrol Hotel where a postcard from Mike was awaiting us.  Tyrolean dancers entertained us.

8/15/1973 Innsbruck/Salzburg/Beautiful
We drove through the beautiful Inn Valley after leaving Innsbruck, Austria this morning.  Had lunch in Berchtesgaden + viewed Hitler’s famous Eagles Nest in Germany before passing the border into Austria for dinner + overnight.  The Grand Winkler is not our favorite hotel.  The elevator jammed + we were stuck in the basement for 15 anxious moments while we were cranked to the first floor + quickly exited to our 7th floor room via the stairs.  An excellent guide showed us the sights of “Old Town” including Mozart’s birth place.  Viewed the Palace + gardens at Mirabel Park.  The Stiegelkeller [Stieglkeller] beer hall was the most fun!  We drank delicious beer in 1 liter mugs + watched the Austrian folk dancers perform.  We were pretty well sloshed after two beers.  Fun!

8/16/1973 Salzburg/Vienna/Gorgeous
We followed the Wolfgangsee through Steirmark [Steiermark] province to Leoben for lunch in a quaint restaurant where the stagecoaches used to stop.  Nothing like having a meal in a sleigh (Aug. yet).  Arrived in Vienna for dinner at the Donauturm Restaurant where we enjoyed a panoramic view of the city.  Later we attended an open-air concert + listened to some Strauss waltzes + saw several dancers performer in lovely costumes.  The Intercontinental is lovely + another letter from Mike awaited us.

8/17/1973 Vienna/Lovely
Our beautiful weather remains faithful.  Our guided tour started this a.m. with a tour of Schonbrun [Schönbrunn] Palace where we viewed 40 of the 1441 rooms.  Most of it hasn’t changed since the reign of Maria Theresa (1740-1760).  All the furnishings were removed during W.W.II for fear of bombing.  After touring the palace we went to the bldg. where the crypts are housed.  The bodies of the rulers are entombed here, but their hearts are in a separate bldg.  Also included in the tour were the Opera House + St Stephen’s Gothic Cathedral.  Seeing the serious faces on everyone makes one wonder if it’s a sadness due to changes from the past.  A short beer in the gardens opposite the hotel with friends Brenda + Tony R + Robert B confirmed the austere feeling of the Austrians.  Shopping was a brief frustrating experience because of the inflated prices for Americans.  Vienna is beautiful though + the music makes us want to return.  The atmosphere was lovely at Gumpoldskirchen (Vienna Woods) – an out-door courtyard – sausage, wine sampling, sliding through a barrel, roses from Sz Marka.

8/18/1973 Vienna/Munich/Beautiful
More of the lovely Bavarian countryside after we left Vienna.  Lunch at the Gmunden on the Trauen See [Traunsee] was picturesque.  Dinner at the Hilton was nice.  Fun, fun, fun at the Hofbrauhaus later where we consumed two liters of beer + danced to the umpah music of a German band.  Elizabeth B + I tested our sharp-shooting skills and won a few feathers.

8/19/1973 Munich/Beautiful
The day began with a ride downtown to see the Town Hall at 11 at which time the mechanical show at the Glockenspiel began.  Then we went to the Residency where we saw the crown jewels of the Bavarian kings + electors.  The ruby-studded statue of St. George was of rare beauty.  The Deutsche Museum, Olympic Stadium, University + Theresienweise where the Octoberfest is held.  After dinner in the Hilton Coffee Shop, we turned in early as its been a fast pace we’ve been keeping.

8/20/1973 Munich/Rothenburg/Rainy
It cleared by noon for lunch at Nuremberg.  The market place was attractive – fountains, fruits + vegetables, + another Glockenspiel.  This is an interesting old Roman city with an intermingling of the new town.  We arrived in romantic Rothenburg early in the afternoon + checked in at our Golden Hirsch hotel – a small quaint room on the third floor.  It had a lot of charm with its petunia flower boxes until 3 a.m. when the drunks ambled by.  Alot of fun this p.m. at the Puppet Theater + then drinks at the Old Baumeisterhaus where Gert H was the star.

8/21/1973 Rothenburg/Berlin/Cloudy + Cool
After breakfast we drove to Frankfurt where we left Tony, our dear driver + boarded a Pan Am plane for Berlin.  Lunch earlier at Frankfurt’s tower – nice view of a completely reconstructed city.  Checked in at the Berlin Hilton’s 12th floor room + was startled to see the plastered wall crumbling + cracked in our new $56 nightly quarters.  The Bs + Vs joined our table for a view of the city on the roof-top restaurant.  Ninkow shopping was fun later.  Berlin is a beautiful metropolis.

8/22/1973 Berlin/Sunny + Cool
The zoo here is the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.  The grounds are well maintained + all animals housed quite comfortably in their natural habitat type setting.  The Kaiser Wilhelm Church which was bombed reminded us of the tragic past as we sat in the adjoining memorial.  After lunch we toured E. Berlin.  Everywhere we went we witnessed a somber, depressed atmosphere.  Brandenburg Gate, Soviet War Memorial, Unter den Linden + the changing of the guards.  We were at the latter at 2:30 Wed. which is the only time during the week when the entire guard march.  We peered at the guards at the tower at the wall + they were doing the same to us.  Mirrors were used to check underneath all the cars + buses.  It was a relief to get back to W. Berlin.  The evening at the Alt Berlin Beer Salon was fun.  The Bs + we were the last to leave.

8/23/1973 Berlin/Hamburg/Beautiful
At Templehof [Tempelhof] airport we boarded our Pan Am flight for Hamburg.  The only airlines that are permitted to fly into/from here are British Airways, British European Airways, Pan Am + Air France.

Hammy waiting for a boat in Hamburg, West Germany

The afternoon was spent sightseeing: the IGA [International Gartenbauausstellung/ International Horticulture Exhibition] Gardens via miniature train, downtown, and the harbor area where we saw ships from almost every country at Europe’s second largest port.  A huge wave inundated those of us in the rear of the boat + I was drenched.  After dinner in the lovely Intercontinental we had a short walk.

8/24/1973 Hamburg/Beautiful
Of all the large European cities we have visited, none can compare with the tree shaded streets of Hamburg, beautiful Lake Alster in the center of the city, large mansions which border the lake + all its surrounds.  The huge business district is easily accessible via trains, cars + boat.  It’s obvious the leisure style of life is appealing to the natives as well as foreignors.  The farewell dinner on the rooftop at the Intercontinental was great.

8/25/1973 Hamburg/Amsterdam/N.Y./Beautiful
Our 11 A.M. flight was changed to 8 with Lufthansa because of the controllers’ negotiations.  We quickly went through customs sans airline tickets to our chagrin.  After a short delay due to an instrument change, we had our bag lunch + took off.

Rocky River I (1968-1973)

We worked with Freeland Realty, and made an offer for a colonial at 1083 Elmwood Rd. in Rocky River, + they accepted our offer of $33,000. Great! Just two blocks from R. R. High School + that was a plus for Mike. It was another day + we were the new owners of a Chevrolet Impala. We left for Wellsville the next day.

Mother's pancreatitis had taken its toll on mom the three years we were in Japan, and we just had a few months together before she passed away on Oct. 5th, one day before her 73rd b.d. She saved all the letters I wrote from Japan + I'm glad I saved them.

Mother Ruth, and father Ray H (circa 1967)

We found a small basement (furnished) apartment in Lakewood to rent until our household goods arrived from Japan. I drove Mike to +d from R.R. H.S. for about six weeks.

This was not an easy adjustment for Mike to make as a sixteen year old, as most of the students had been together since kindergarten. Of all our moves in the military this was the roughest one for him.

Pink dogwood tree at 1083 Elmwood Road

Garage sale with Hammy and Jerry S

After we were settled in our comfortable 3 BR home with finished basement + walk up attic we were "at home" - at work for Bert at the Federal Bldg downtown Cleve., and with his prodding time for me to begin substitute teaching in Lakewood.

"Aren't the tulips pretty?"
"You too honey!"

1968 Christmas card photo

1969 Christmas card photo

In ’70 [1971], our big event was Kent's graduation from Miami U. in Oxford, Ohio.  It was a memorable time for both our guys - Kent's degree in Liberal Arts + Mike's completion of his freshman year at Miami.  Mike's decision to transfer his science credits to Colo. State in Ft. Collins, CO, was the right decision because he was able to zero in on his geology major.

I accepted a full-time teaching assignment in third grade at Harrison School in Lakewood's "Birdtown."  All the streets were named for birds.   It was a lower socioeconomic area primarily occupied by recent E. Europeans + from Appalachia.  Good parents who were interested in their children's education.  It was the beginning of the open classroom effect, but as the enrollment increased, we had to get sliding doors for us two teachers and our aids.

During the ‘70s, I continued teaching at Harrison, and Anne E became my team partner.  We had both decided it was a good move for both of us.  Her fifth graders were giving her grief + I had a few teachers who wanted their own classrooms.  Her art ability + my desire to teach music worked out favorably for both of us, and we continued this arrangement until my retirement.

In the summer during this period, I decided to continue my education by taking courses at Cleve. State, Kent State, + U. of Akron.  In addition to my Bachelor's Degree, I acquired 10 extra credit hours with the same pay as a Masters Degree.

At Cleve. State my course was called "Creativity."  There were between 30-35 students in the class.  They were all younger and most of them were coming up with most fascinating ideas.  How to compete?  "I'll just make them a Chinese meal in the wok."  It was a success, with all the ingredients plus the wok I had to carry to the Cleve. State classroom!

I made the same recipe for my students; they used the chopsticks I’d given them. The room was a mess!

During the summers when I wasn't taking courses during my school teaching, we traveled.  In ’72, after Kent + Mary Jane's wedding, Bert and I took off for a Rhine River cruise.

[See the post for the Rhine River Cruise (1973).]

Japan Part II

We visited many of the usual sites with the family including Hakone (Mt. Fuji), the Happoen Garden Restaurant, where we were initiated into Gheng [Genghis] Khan barbecue style of cooking, the beautiful Sanno Hotel and other interesting places in the Tokyo area.  We even saw Mary Martin's rendition of Hello, Dolly! there!

Kim Michael, Hammy, Bert, and Kent on the Hakone trip (1965)

Bert introducing Kim Michael to rocks
(at Zaō volcano in Sendai)

Hammy and the tour group
(at Zaō volcano in Sendai)

Hammy and a jizo, a Buddhist deity who is protector
of travelers, women and especially children, and is often
given a red cap and bib to protect a loved one

Kim Michael is standing with a girl at a temple

Hammy in an unusual room

It was an all day trip to Yokohama driving over bumpy roads in our VW rooftop Beetle.  The beautifully carved Indian screen we’ve enjoyed all these years was purchased at a BX [Base Exchange] there!

Hammy shopping for china

Hammy shopping with Vicky C

I was still substitute teaching in the Chofu schools in 1967.

Kim Michael receives the God and Country medal (circa 1967)
from Reverend Mike with Hammy and Bert in attendance

Travel was important to all of us, so we were most interested in seeing what was available.  The boys were able to take trips to Hong Kong with their history classes, and I made the trip with four other ladies Mary A, Lola O'T, and Peggy B, to name a few.  We shopped on the ship - the President Line, as well as all the shops [in Hong Kong.]  My purchase of a Dynasty gown + brocaded coat was elegant.  Since we didn’t have credit cards yet, I had to borrow from Mary, $20.00 the bargain price of the gown + coat!

Hammy, Lola O'T, Mary A, unknown, and Peggy B:
ready for the shopping trip to Hong Kong

The President Wilson ship

We left Bert at the Yokohama port

After five days of shopping – nonstop - it was time to leave for our ship to Yokohama.  Our rick shaw driver dropped us off at "the best restaurant" in town.  I don’t know what we ate, but Mary + I were deathly ill most of the way home, and had to be treated in the infirmary.
Enough travel - time to take a permanent teaching job at Chofu.  I'm glad I did.  The pay wasn’t all that good - $5500 for the 9 months, but the experience was beneficial - team teaching with Joan S, an excellent teacher hired in the States + we shared many ideas.  (We still keep in touch.  She’s a widow now, living in Colo. Spgs + has 5 darling grandchildren.)

Hammy in the classroom at Chofu Elementary School

Elementary school students

One day while teaching in Chofu, I felt ill + called from my desk to get a sub.  The secretary told me all the teachers were calling for the same reason – flu - but we were experiencing an earthquake.  (We got used to the earthquakes + typhoons!!)
Another great event in 1967 was Kent's graduation from high school.  He and Mike spent that summer on the golf course as they couldn’t get jobs.  They got on the bus at 7:00 or 8:00 am and got home around 5:00 [6:30], really tired + ready for baths + bed.

Kent, Hammy, and Kim Michael (1967)

Kim Michael, Kent, Al S, Glenn S, and Ken T;
the boys are seeing Kent off to college in the U.S. (1967)

Kent flew from Tokyo International Airport to the States for college, stopping off in various cities to visit friends.  He seem so self assured, we felt relieved although we knew we’d miss him.  He was headed for Miami U., Oxford, Ohio.
About that time Mike was busy in Explorer Scouts + was able to board a plane for South Korea. What a wonderful experience that was - seeing the DMZ!

Explorer Scouts and chaperones

Kim Michael, waiting to go to the airport, with the A brothers

Explorer Scouts boarding the plane to go to South Korea

Bert's organization was known as APRFE [Air Procurement Region-Far East], and we were about 20-24 in number.  We got together at the various clubs for fun + entertainment. Bert's boss, Col. L liked to close the clubs - so we were always the last ones to leave.  What fun!

Bert & Hammy at an event with Jan & Tobe T (circa 1967)

Bert and Hammy at a formal (circa 1967)

One of our APRFE couples - Anna + Dave B were transferred to Taiwan, and invited us to fly down for a visit.  The three of us Bert, Mike + I boarded a 727 + what a trip.  We enjoyed the trip immensely, visiting with the Bs + their two [three] young sons.

Kim Michael with three B boys and turkeys
(1967, Taiwan)

Kim Michael and boys in a bamboo hut

Hammy and Kim Michael with Atayal indigenous women

with facial tattoos (1967, Taiwan)

Kim Michael and Hammy with Atayal girls (1967, Taiwan)

Hammy with Tobe and Jan T

Hammy and Jan T

Hammy shopping

Hammy & Bert

Kim Michael and snow in Kanto Mura (1967-1968)

Chofu Elementary School yearbook photo

After three full years, we were ready to go home.  One thing I forgot to mention was the Chinese Cooking Course I took from the Benedictine Nuns in Tokyo.  They taught us wonderful recipes, we made them for homework, + for years after returning to the States they were favorite recipes we used for entertaining.  Mike + Kent's families have these recipes now also.

Our 1965-68 tour of Japan was now over, and it was time to pack for home.  I made a last minute purchase with the help of Hatsue.  We purchased a futon in Tokyo, and she pushed both the futon and me on the crowded train to Kanto Mura.  Would you believe I carried this on my back nearly a mile from the train through the “back gate” to our quarters!!
The next day the packers came + with the exception of our deep freeze which we sold to missionaries, we were all packed + ready to go.
We bought a used Datsun for $100.00, and drove it on the base for the three years, then sold it for the same price.

Mount Fuji

The saying goes that if you see Mt. Fuji when you’re flying home, you will go back to Japan.  Well it hasn't happened to Bert, Mike, or me, but Kent has returned several times.
Our layover in Guam was long enough for the boys to get out + stretch, but Bert + I stayed on the plane.  Our last leg was beautiful Hawaii, and a most welcome relaxing 8 days on the beach.
One of the Chofu teachers who lived in Oahu drove us all over the island and pointed out interesting sights; otherwise we wouldn’t have seen anything but the beautiful beach.  We did go to a Don Ho type luau and that was fun.

Hammy, Kim Michael, and Kent sampling fresh pineapple (1968, Hawaii)

Former Chofu teacher, Kent, Kim Michael with coconuts, Bert
(1968 in Hawaii)

Kim Michael and Kent with Diamond Head in the background
(1968, Oahu, Hawaii)

Our next stop was mainline U.S.A. where we landed at the San Francisco Airport.  I was so excited to see our dear friends, Millie + Tom F, I rushed past Security + was chastised for it!

Tom, Mary, Hammy, Gene, Millie, and John (1968 in San Bruno, CA)

We spent a few wonderful days in San Bruno with Millie + Tom before flying home to Cleveland.  We promptly began car + house hunting after being picked up by Art + Helen C.  They found a motel for us on Center Ridge Rd. in Rocky River, and after calling my folks, we began our housing search.

Japan Part I

It was off to Japan in Aug. [July] ‘65 after saying "Sayonara" to our friends, the Ts in Cincinnati and the Rs in Fairborn.
The first leg of our trip to Japan was driving to Wellsville to visit with Mom + Dad H and to leave [the dog,] Snoopy, with his new "parents."  We had good intentions, but he couldn't adjust to his new environment, and they had to find a new home for him.  It was a sad day for all of us!

Snoopy

Our 45 mile drive to the Pittsburg Airport was uneventful, and our TWA flight to Calif. went well.  From there we flew via PAA [Pan American Airways] to Alaska, then on to Tachikawa.  It was sad saying sayonara to our family + friends, but exciting looking forward to moving to a foreign country for a three year tour.
Our friends from W/P met us with a jug of martinis because they knew we would be tired from the long trip.  We were!  They located a motel nearby.  It was comfy + we slept for 12 hours, then ready to go.  Our first stop was the billeting office where we decided to move into a comfortable 3 BR nicely furnished apartment at Kanto Mura, a housing area for military + civilian employees.  Our apartment had a dining area, living room, kitchen + ½ bath on the first floor, and 3 bedrooms + bath on the second.  There was a theatre, chapel, commissary + large high school, elem. and junior h. s. on the grounds.
Tachikawa Air Base where Bert worked was about ten miles from our home.  Kanto Mura was just ten miles from Tokyo.  The rail system provided plentiful trains out our back gate.
Japan has many celebrations and we arrived in July, so we were there in time to witness the Obon Festival.  This is a celebration of the well being of the spirits of their departed loved ones.
It didn’t take long to learn the secret of the "good life" in Japan.  You don’t stay home.  You get outside the prison walls + join the other okasans [okaasans/mothers] for coffee, luncheon, and bridge.
One of the perks was getting good help at a reasonable price.  Hatsue came to us + we hired her for three days a week.  After she was there a short time, she asked if she could come just two days a week as there wasn't enough to keep her busy!

Base housing in Kanto Mura

Base housing

Hammy in the kitchen

Rob A and Kent with a lonnng carrot (1965)

Neighbors Major Les and Jan A, Lt Colonel Bert and Hammy

Hammy, Kim Michael, Kent, and Bert at a ryokan/

Japanese inn, wearing yukatas/summer kimonos (1965)

Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs S ready for the ball
at the Sanno Hotel in Tokyo (1965)

Kim Michael, Bert, and Kent at cherry blossom time (1966)

Find Bert and Hammy, Kent and Kim Michael!

Bert & Hammy feeding deer at Nara Park

Kim Michael feeding a deer

Hammy in front of the Nandaimon Gate at Nara Park

Bert and Kim Michael with parasols

Bert at Nara Park

Hammy on a ship or ferry...

Chofu High School Homecoming Parade;
Kent is in the passenger seat as escort
to the Homecoming Queen (1966)

Viking ship float for the Chofu HS Vikings (1966)

Chofu High School Marching Band (1966)

Kim Michael in his band uniform (1966)

Explorer Scout Kim Michael (1966)

Kim Michael, Kent, Hammy, and Bert (October 1966 in Fuchu, Japan)

Kent, Kim Michael, Hammy, Bert (1966 in Fuchu);
used as the Christmas card photo

Kent + Mike were both happily settled in school, each meeting new friends + happy in Jr. High and high school - making good adjustments, so I decided to sign up for substitute teaching at Chofu Elem. and the ASIJ – Amer. School in Japan (out the back gate).
I also joined the Tachi Wives Club, and attended the monthly meetings. I was nominated to run for Asst. Treasurer, although I really objected, but as the boss's wife insisted, I accepted. They voted me in!
One of the most interesting luncheons was when Lola O'T + I were seated with two very interesting ladies, Miss M and Mrs. Honda. We exchanged mementos + Mrs. Honda graciously invited us to come visit her. Miss M insisted we should visit her friend, Mrs. Honda. We missed our chance of seeing this lovely lady's home by declining the invitation. She was the real Mrs. Honda, of Honda Motors!

Christmas at the Ambassador's home (1966)

Kim Michael, Kent, and Hammy,
Christmas in Kanto Mura (1966)

Kim Michael, Kent, and Bert,
Christmas in Kanto Mura (1966)

Hammy (Christmas 1966)

Our tour of Japan was from 1965-1968, and it was during the Vietnam War period. The boys and I took advantage of that period to tour the area, but Bert was busy at work. He traveled to the Philippines, Taiwan, Bangkok and Saigon on business, while we had fun traveling on the trains locally to see the sights in the Tokyo-Yokohama area.

Hammy and Kim Michael on the local train

We did have an interesting trip - the four of us - to a riachan [ryokan] - a Japanese inn where we slept on the floor Japanese style.

A friend, Kim Michael, and Hammy in yukatas/casual summer
kimonos, enjoying shabu shabu, a hot pot meal

In the ryokan dining room

Hammy in a yukata

Bert in a yukata

Kim Michael is outside in his bathrobe!

We did have fun meeting different people in Japan.  One of our favorites who became a long-time friend was Yasuo K, better known to us as Y.K.
Hatsue, our maid, asked us if we’d like to have “an office boy" come for conversational English.  We jumped at it.  Bert met him one evening at the “Back Gate.”  He handed Bert his card which read Yasuo K, PhD Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology.  He was a delight!  He came once a week for the three years we were there.  We always had a topic for discussion weekly.  He was very formal that first night, but after that, he played his guitar, with feet up on our couch + sang his favorite tune "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hairs!"

YK and Kim Michael (1966)

Kent, YK, Kim Michael, and Bert (1966)

Interestingly, our friendship continued over the years - first in Japan and then in the States.  No matter where he was in the U.S., giving his lectures of "Heat Transfers," he would come see us.  He got a year's sabbatical at Purdue [University], and brought his wife + two small sons with him to visit us one Christmas in Rocky River, Ohio.  What fun!
In addition to our Y.K. + family, we enjoyed our friend, Haru D whom we met in Mariemont when she was an Exchange Student there.  She visited us in Kanto Mura, and she + her husband Mitani-san invited us to come to Osaka which we did.  We visited her parents, and we spent the night with them at their lovely farm house.  Haru's father owned a large onion farm which I am sure was a great money maker for them.

Hammy in kimono, Haru's parents, Mitani, and Haru

Hammy in kimono

Hammy feeding deer at Nara Park with Haru and Mitani to the right

Nara Park

Haru's friend, Hammy, Haru, and Mitani