My first trip to US started by landing in Chicago. There was a trade show hosted by the trade association of office machines. I cannot recall their name. It stuck in between my ear. Father’s company was exhibiting the “Handi” check writing machine. That was held at Palmer House. My first impression of there was astounding! I felt like jumping into Capone era. There were large grand fathers clock at the lobby. It was stately building never seen before.

I was 22 or 23 and didn’t have time to learn about America but listening to jazz and its verse. I have watched lots of movies though, most of them were cowboy staff. That was 1967 and way before the Mafia movies.

I walked into the barber shop in the hotel. Hey, I remember there were two guys wearing mustache. I was told that I cannot expect hair wash or other added services in America. If I go hair cut, that the only thing I get. So that was a surprise that they washed my hair first then started to cut. I thought that if I got wash, I won’t be getting shaving of any kind. So, I tried to stand up as soon as they finished hair cut. They hold my shoulder and have me sit down. It’s a little fearsome if someone push your shoulder and down to the chair.

Now they started to shave my hem. It was a relief. Because I saw a price list somewhere else that was saying that they charge extra for shaving.

It had been the continuous strain for me, matter of fact.

I had to stay Palmer House a while till the exhibition closes. The next unexpected had happened around noon time on next day. I was not able to wake up in the morning for the time difference.