The Tailor Run
When you were broke and in need of a beer in Hong Kong, you went on a Tailor Run . . . the tailors would ply you with free beer while you chose your suit or whatever, then you could leave promising to return when you had made up your mind, only to move on to the next tailor for a few more free beers.

It was just before Christmas 1961 when a group of us Communicators went on such a run, only we decided we would actually buy some tailored clothes to take home. While we were sucking on our free beers and looking through the catalogues, four American sailors came in. The Chinese tailors pushed us aside in a friendly manner and asked us to sit quietly in a corner (sipping our free beer), while they fleeced er . . . dealt with the Americans. It was quite interesting seeing the different way they dealt with the Yanks, let alone the price hike from that given to us previously. Anyway, they eventually left after we had consumed about 4 beers each and we resumed our dealings. They explained that they enjoyed trading with the Aussies but liked taking the American money.
As things developed, and prior to our receiving our goods, the tailors invited us to a 'Christmas' banquet. I could not believe it! There was as much beer, food and goodies as you could consume . . . all free!! The whole tailor shop had turned out and we were the only 'white' people there! Quite an honour. I remember they had a 'cooker' in the centre of the table where you would 'cook' your fish fillets which were served raw. We had a great time and last thing I remember of them was walking (or rather rolling) down the street with one of the Chinese slung between two of us, his jacket on inside out, singing "Won ton a mera" I think he had won tons on his brain. I was soooo sick from that banquet (or was it the beer) that I missed the Christmas on board!

Ah, the memories . . . (more memories)