Kanrin Maru Arrives at SF; Dine at International Hotel

Kimura Yoshitake
Commander of the Kanrin Maru
San Francisco
March 17, 1860

The Kanrin Maru has finally arrived at the famous San Francisco. We wouldn't have been able to be here if it hadn't been for such a great crew. Brooke has been an especially helpful member of the crew. I decided to give Brooke a speical reward, however he wouldn't accept any of it. I bade him to take anything out of my three chests filled with various gold pieces, but he took none. I knew Brooke was a gentleman, but I had no idea he was this noble. Anyhow, dinner at the International Hotel was an experience I will never forget. The food was something I love to have been able to experience. They had iced and frozen creams which was delicious. The way they ate was also quite different and I think they expected us to bring our own chopsticks as if we couldn't handle forks, spoons, or knives. I know I felt quite awkward with them staring at me through the whole night.