France--There I Went

As most of you know, I lived in France for several years.  How I got there was an adventure.  I left Denver, Colorado in December of 1962 and traveled to New York City by Greyhound Bus, a three day express trip (No overnight stops), then after a night in a hotel near Times Square, I took a taxi (first time ever) to the port, and there I boarded my oceanic transportation the SS France-- At the time of her construction in 1960 she was the longest passenger ship ever built, a record that remained unchallenged until the construction of the 345 meter RMS Queen Mary 2 in 2004.  One area given an unusual amount of attention was the ship's kitchens; 1,500 square meters in area, and placed almost amidships, between the two dining rooms which the one kitchen served.  The France would not only display the best in French art and design, but also French cuisine. The kitchens were equipped with the most advanced machinery available, as well as many traditional cooking aides, including a stove that was 12 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. Staffed with 180 of France's best cooks, sauce and pastry chefs, rotisserie cooks, head waiters and wine stewards, this team made the France one of the finest restaurants in the world.  Too bad I didn't get to enjoy it much--I was seasick before we passed the Statue of Liberty.