Just some observations.
Clothes - The men usually do not match or are their clothes cut to western standards. However the very rich do look rich. The young men are attractive. The older men not so unless they are wealthy. The average woman is not that good looking when they are my age, again unless they are wealthy. The young women are not that attractive as our average woman, but there is an air about them that is appealing. Perhaps it is the confidence they display. There were a lot of unattached women travelling around.
Food - I have not been impressed by the food. It's OK but nothing to write home about so I wont. The servings are smaller and there seems to be a difference on how much they charge if you are waited on or not. No sandwiches as we know them. The tea is good, the coffee bad.
The women are not modest on the beach. They go topless a lot. People say this is just natural to them but if it's so natural why do the men point and stair.
TV - There are an overabundance of commercials. Everyone is trying to sell you something. They act like the barkers in the carnival. There is is lot of nudity on TV. Some shows have nudes and and a lot of string bikini's.
Hotel - We stayed in a nice place. The rooms were small and so were the beds. The towels were like dish washing towels but much larger. The telephone was rotary.
Most things were expensive. A coke cost L2,500 or $2, a can. An average meal cost about $14, beer L3,500 and it keeps changing from day to day. The room cost L120,000 per day. It doesn't seem like much really. I guess it is because it is a resort area where we stayed. The BMW I drove around would cost about $50,000 in the states. More later.
One thing that always strikes me when I am on overseas active duty (which is only three times) is that the military hold many opportunities for travel and excitement.
Well my great adventure ends today. The only highlights are slim ones really. My flight will pass over Shannon Ireland.
Yesterday we visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Ate in a road side restaurant. Pasta was served first, followed by salad, meat and french fries. I had veal, three of the guys had wild bore, another stuffed pork chops. I bought two bottles of Dom.
My feelings are mixed. I feel like I have nothing really to go home for. I miss the kids but I miss more not having a normal life. A man my age is supposed to have a different life than the one I have. It really gets me down sometimes. But I am a survivor. I'll carry on and shake the depression. It is one thing to be depressed now and then and another to let it run your life.
This undoubtedly will be my last "great adventure" (note: I did not know that I would ever teach Eskimos in bush Alaska)
I have read James Michner's "The World is My Home" while here and I find it very inspiring. I wish I had his character and fortitude and belief in life.
I guess one of the more interesting things that happened to me is that I met a Dutchman in an American Bar and had many interesting evening with him over drinks discussing his country and mine. His name was Hans Boot. I have his address and I will write him now and then.
Unless something really unusual happens this will be my last entry. We arrive in KC at 4:17 PM, 5 March.
Just remember that what ever happens between the time this narrative is written and the time it is read that I've loved you all. When one is away from those he loves he ponders and thinks - usually to much, but that is life.
I am going back home with no resolve just some tasks to be done, much to do before I sleep, and miles to go.
Love Dad, 1992, Pisa, Italy
Post Script: It is now 2007, Oct. 23, I stored this book in a box that I put in Shannon's garage. I've rented a house on Spring Street and thought I better get the box. I re read all of what I have written and it is all true - facts are left out however but in the main unimportant ones.
After returning from Italy I went to a couple of drills. Flew to Virginia to help at pre camp. Ate at Virginia Beach. But that is about it. The National Guard got very time consuming. I was made the XO of our unit but really received no guidance as what was expected and I wanted to leave on a good note. I told the LTC I was retiring and then after 20 years and nine months I walked away. This year, last May, I received my first retirement check.
Staying and being a member the National Guard was the smartest and most interesting thin I have ever done.
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