Excerpts from Letters to Mom in italics.
12 December 1965 [Written on back of a Chinese Christmas card]
I just got back from a trip to Japan. What a difference between here and there. The Japanese are clean and industrious. Tokyo is like NYC. Everything is modern & reminds me a bit of Germany. Things are also expensive. I only stayed five days instead of seven because of lack of funds. The trip was OK, only had to work two days the whole trip. Had no trouble getting used to the temp, about 40°F - kinda felt good. Here's 60-70°F and the most comfortable I've been since I got here. The politeness in Japan is really something else - and the people are very friendly. But I think the girls in Taipei are better looking. They got some good beer, even approaching German quality, but almost twice as expensive.
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[AG2 Fehr did visit a beer hall in Tokyo that displayed the Löwenbräu insignia with the two gold facing lions on a blue banner that was hanging inside the door. Believe that beer was Asahi and it tasted great; so did the shrimp tempura. An English speaking Japanese engineer engaged him in conversation to brag about a supertanker he was helping to build or design. Another Japanese, a student, helped Steve find the correct train to catch back to Kamiseya. He also wandered through a modern department store looking for a suitable gift for CiCi. The TAD trip to NSGA Kamiseya was from 05 to 10 December 1965.] Your trusted Chinese correspondent.
P.S. They have XMAS sales here & in Japan, too!
AG2 Pete Wyatt, a friend from FleWeaCen and NSA, was stationed in Japan. Pete introduced Steve to local culture and warm sake. Their paths would cross again elsewhere in the Far East fourteen months later.
There was another curious, hopefully humorous, Chinese Christmas card discovered in the box of letters. The front featured a red bowl with rice grains glued to the top and adorned with two green chopsticks. Upon opening, the left leaf in red print said Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy new year. The right leaf displayed a verse in chopstick Chinese somewhat remotely associated with the Night Before Christmas:
Somebody speak Christmas boss
Is Fuchin name Santa Claus.
I hope this year he come your house,
When creature no stir, not even mouse,
And leave presents too much nice
Like Chiu Bottle and big bowl rice.