Great Wall of China

Porthole - China was quite 'lively' during that period with the 'cultural Revolution' . some of the lads could'nt resist goading the Chinese regarding Mao and even drawing o nthe photoes and posters they put up in the accomodation, moustaches and glasses were a favourite but, brought instant retribution and usually a big scene, couple of nights in 'the slammer' and the Old Man and the culprit having to read out aloud and sign an apology. Bloody nightmare, but, as you say at least the International Seaman's Clubs sold decent beer and the restaurants were good(Thumb)

Stumps - yes, on our first visit we too had an artist - one of the junior engineers - who added glasses, a moustache and rude comment to a picture of Mao, which was found. There followed a big enquiry into who the culprit was (of course he didn't own up!) cabins were searched - I was a prime suspect because of some doodles of an oriental person I'd done in an exercise book. We all had to give examples of our handwriting (of the rude comment) in front of the Old Man. I think the guy did eventually own up but can't remember what happened to him. The episode caused the Old Man a whole lot of extra work and grief.
Needless to say, on our following visits we were on our best behaviour.
I've still got my chairman Mao badges, but I binned his 'little book'.
Regards
Pete

Hi Pete, I was in Chinwangtao,in 1966 on the Shaftsbury,we had the guards on the gangway and the little red book,a trip to the Great Wall was organized, I always regretted not going,I remember the Mission was was a very big place with large pillars outside and a good shop on the left as you went in,some of the crew got jade statues,large bottles of beer and king prawns was the order of the day,then back in the vwagon minibus to the ship.I remember coming in at night and we had clusters over the bow on the ships name and the funnel lit up to come in the Bay . We left Bassens in France with grain and shortly after us a Dutch ship in the next berth left with grain for the same place,we arrived in Chingwangtao and anchored about 4am,the Dutch ship arrived about 1hr later, we had not seen it since leaving France it was right behind us all the way though.By the way another thing I remember,we won the final of the World Cup while we loaded in Bassens,happy days.We left China for Oz to load sugar.
Regards Ray.

Ray, yes the 'little red book', we were all given one, and lots of Mao badges - I ditched the book but kept the badges - they be worth something on e-bay one day! At the Seamans Club I bought silk material and a large valve radio in a wooden cabinet, at the time the Japanese transistor radios were getting smaller and smaller, this Chinese radio was huge by comparison- but the reception was great - so good, that I had it shipped home when I paid off.
Regards Pete

PS I like your series of photos of bar cards - I recognise a few of the bar names