TRAVEL STORIES

I had fancy gold-sealed letters of introduction from many, including my Governor; he was then thought to have a good chance. In Japan I saw in the paper a big economic conference at Keidanren Hall. I arrived and presented my introduction from the Governor, and got admitted as a full member of the conference, with the bigwigs. Finally one asked me, "If I may ask, how did YOU get invited?." I said, "I just showed up and asked to attend, and they invited me!" They never figured it out.

Upon arrival in Paris I walked out of the train station up to a deserted street, just in time to see "Le Grand Charles", Charles DeGaulle, drive by in a Citroen as big as a battleship, wearing a kepi hat, with his Gallic nose in the air.

In Thailand during the 1968 Presidential race I got invited to the US Ambassador's home for "an election party", with embassy staff playing the part of the various candidates. At the bar, I met former Gov. G. Mennen ["Soapy"] Williams of Michigan, who had driven Michigan into bankruptcy and, even better, I recognized him.