81. Puffed Up Arms in San Francisco

Early 1966

I thought about it most of the night and chose not to return to the hospital that morning as I knew it would be far too difficult to leave at all. Ā 

I trusted Alok was safe and I hugged and kissed my children before leaving for the few days I assumed I’d be away. Ā My previous job at Santa Ynez I had left on good terms and with positive reference, as was my habit of doing.

I knew in my mind that if I was going to get to Fiji it was now or never. Ā Diana drove me to the station so I would catch the 10a Greyhound into San Francisco. Ā After dropping me off she went back to the hospital to bring Alok home.

For the most part it was a straight through drive up north with only a few key stops along the way. Ā I arrived some time that evening just after the dinner hour. Ā Upon arrival in San Francisco I took a taxi to a friend’s apartment. Ā I’d known Morris since Fiji. Ā This is where I’d stay for nearly a week. Ā 

It just so happened the Seafarers’ International Union of North America was across the street from his apartment building. Ā What were the odds?

Next morning I took that fateful walk across the street and made myself known to them, stating my intentions and then fell into their process. Ā One of these things was to take their form to a doctor (choose one from a list f I didn’t have one up there, which of course I didn’t) for shots, check-up, etc., Ā whew! Ā What a lot of technical to-dos. Ā 

I returned to Morris’ apartment late that afternoon with the certificate of completion of the union’s medical requirements.

I also had the need to go to bed. Ā My arms were loaded with shots, painful, swollen and these caused me to feel quite ill. Ā Well I was forewarned by the doctor this most likely would be the side effect.

I did manage to call home and check with Diana about Alok’s health, how Amar and Asha were doing, how she was getting on, things at home and you know, stuff. Ā 

She comforted me, telling me that all is well and how wonderful it was having Susan and Lisa with her young son just next door. Ā I told her about the not-so-fun time at the doctor’s office.

Fortunate for me, Morris’ wife nursed me a bit, fed me good Indian food and I was able to rest the remainder of the day and the night through. Ā The next two days I was really a mess. Ā I felt much better the third day.

In that next morning I returned to the Seafarers’ Union office to submit the doctor’s completed form and certification showing I had all the proper vaccinations. Ā 

After what appeared to be a thorough review the staff behind the counter gave back to me all of my papers, the ID clearance card which I had previously obtained in Long Beach and my identification to include my British passport and my Green Card.

I was instructed to sit with the other fellows over in the reception area. Ā We would wait. Little conversations took place, something to pass the time. Ā I noted I was the only Indian, there was a small handful of African origin gents, a couple of Irish men and the rest were American or something. Ā I’m guessing. Ā It’s not really important, is it?

My name was called and I went back up to the counter. Ā I was told, Ā ā€œWe need a waiter.ā€ Ā The one agent asked if I was experienced. Ā I replied, ā€˜Yes and I have worked on a ship before.’ Ā I was then instructed to throw in my ID card, like literally. Ā 

It felt like a gamble; it’s the way they do it. Ā Other people reviewed my papers and near immediately I was accepted for the position.

Next thing is I’m being told where the ship is docked. Ā It was at my own expense to get to this ship. Ā The location is on Suisan Bay at Concord, California. Ā I’ve been given everything I need to report to that ship. Ā Grateful for the job I returned to Morris’ apartment and shared my exciting news. Ā 

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Suisan Bay Ā  a part of Contra Costa County which is located in north-Ā­central California. Ā This is where you’ll find the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Ā That’s aboutĀ 70 miles southwest of the capital of Sacramento. Ā