A Summer Abroad (1979)
AESU 616
16 & 17 June 1979 (Saturday & Sunday): the 17th is Day 1
Walnut, NC – London, England
JOURNAL: Yesterday [6/16], instead of leaving at 4:45, my flight out of Charlotte was cancelled. By the time I made it to New York City, I was too late to make my connecting flight to London, so Eastern put me up for the night in room 358 at the Travelers Hotel in Queens. Today must fly to London on TWA and then track down my group. . . . Now in London and things are no better. I found the group, but I can't find the leaders, so I have no room assignment. Nothing to do but sit in the lobby. . . . Things are looking like no room tonight so I may end up sleeping here in the lobby. It's now 12:10 am, and everything sucks. . . . Everything is fine. They gave me a private room and I slept well.
NOTES: Fellow on plane sat beside whole way, as filled out cards for UK his birthday 11/25/36
Michael always at airport except for me
Tony, the black English gent, gave me room
Everyone amazed at how I found hotel
Rode Picadilly Line to Earl's Court then switched to district to Paddington. From there walking about 30 minutes to Carmel House
18 June (Monday): Day 2
London
JOURNAL: This morning we went on a London sightseeing tour to catch the main points: London Bridge, London Tower, St. Paul's, Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the change of the Guard. I've met a few people so far. Some are going to Windsor Castle this afternoon, but I think I'll go back to the hotel, try to meet my leader. . . . I still haven't found the group leaders; apparently they haven't been seen since they checked in. I've having a good time so far (much better than yesterday). Now I need to find something to do tonight. . . . Tonight I wrote postcards home and again I wished to be there. After the writing, I took a good, long walk to find a mailbox. I guess I walked between 2 and 3 miles. On the way back, I stopped for a good McDonalds shake.
NOTES: Sat in on a meeting of Parliament and listened to them debate their responsibility as a member of UN in helping the Boat People (Vietnam refugees) very rowdy, wore wigs
19 June (Tuesday): Day 3
London
JOURNAL: Got up c. 8:10, ready by 9:30 to go to London Tower. The tower and fortress were fantastic; everything is so old here. There are some sections of the wall built around London by the Romans in the 2nd or 3rd centuries that are still standing here and there. Also at tower, I saw the Crown Jewels of England; the African Star diamond set in the scepter, 530.2 carats (Fantastic). . . . Tonight John, Mike, and myself met a British girl at Strikes (?) 1926. Then went searching for a pub called the Greyhound (No good) and ended up in Picadilly Circus at a pub called Cockney's Pride (excellent). . . . Finally met the tour guide. He's been real busy welcoming groups at the airport. Met many nice people.
20 June (Wednesday): Day 4
London
JOURNAL: Today was our last day in London. I stayed in bed till almost noon, then Eddie and I went to St. Paul's cathedral. I thought it was huge and beautiful. An old Londoner I've been chatting with the last couple of days thinks it is "hideous" but "it's London's." Tonight we just roamed around a bit, not going too far because of all we have to do tomorrow: rist at 5:30, shower, pack, load luggage at 6:15, depart for the Channel—destination Paris—at 7:00.
NOTES: *Remember Tony, the crazy, but helpful, black Britishman
I'll be so glad to get back out into the country tomorrow
A little wine and bread in the lobby
21 June (Thursday): Day 5
London, England – Paris, France
JOURNAL: Today we got up early and said good-bye to Tony and the Carmel House in London. We then rode to Ramsgate on the English Channel and are now on the hovercraft approaching Chalais, France. From there we will travel straight to Paris. . . . Here I am in "Gay Paris" at 6:10 pm. We are at the Hotel Ibis in east Paris. We are meeting for supper at 7:30 pm. . . . Supper was great in a little French restaurant in Paris. After that we went to the cathedral and a certain square below it. There were minstrels on the corners, wine under the trees (with Allen, Cathy, Beth) in a beautiful central garden, and very nice shops and restaurants. Then it was "Illumination" drive to the major sights of Paris. The atmosphere here is great, and I wonder why I stayed in London. I've decided to come here on my honeymoon.
NOTES: The place is so romantic. I miss Anita and my good friends who aren't able to share all of this
Rooming with Mike from Columbia
Hotel Inter-Continental Honeymoon
6 hrs. time difference
22 June (Friday): Day 6
Paris
JOURNAL: Today we leave on an extensive (marathon) sightseeing tour of Paris and an excursion out to Versailles – palace of Louis XIV, "the Sun King." . . . We just saw Notre Dame cathedral and it's really hard to describe. Pictures that you take can't seem to do it justice, so maybe they can give the folks at home an idea and I'll just keep my own private pictures of all in my head. . . . Ate lunch at Le Manhattan Bar, then eventually made it to Versailles. Louis XIV had a house with 1600 rooms surrounded by lakes, woods, and gardens. Fantastic. Tonight we went to the oldest café in Paris for wine and onion soup, etc. Then we took the Seine River cruise to see the sights illuminated at night. Paris is still "fantastique!" Tonight we had a party in Allen's room. It was great.
NOTES: It doesn't get dark till almost 11:00
Met Joyce and we talked about NC
23 June (Saturday): Day 7
Paris
JOURNAL: Today is our last day in Paris and tomorrow we leave for Heidelberg. We have the whole day free today so consequently I didn't get up until 10:30. I mailed some postcards and about 12N I went on about a 3 hour walk. At 5:30 we leave for a special dinner and French Cabaret. . . . The dinner was very good. We had salad, snails, chicken, cheese, chocolate cake, and wine. The cabaret was fantastic [I seem to have been a bit hooked on this word!]—a little bottomless, more than a little topless, y' know? I myself had a bit much to drink and got a little sick just before I went to bed. My drunken state allowed me to meet everyone; now if I can only remember their names.
NOTES: Jack said he knew I was cool by this night
Dances, singing, lady jugglers, contortionist, and great unicycle
24 June (Sunday): Day 8
Paris, France – Heidelberg, West Germany
JOURNAL: This morning we got up at approximately 6:45 am. I'm feeling a little hung over and sleepy. Some girls late for the bus—poor Michael! We had a good drive to Luxembourg. It was sort of foggy, but we made good time. We got caught doing 122 in a 90 kph speed trap, detained about 30 minutes, fined 250 francs. All pitched in to help Pasquale out. Luxembourg was absolutely beautiful, forests so dark! Heidelberg is a quaint little town and quiet. I tried my German out on a girl in the ice cream shop. She didn't quite understand, but I think I may have been using some American idiom. Rooming with Al from Boston. Heidelberg has cobblestone streets in an open-air mall sort of situation and no cars allowed. Received a letter from Mom and Dad.
NOTES: Jack lost contact lens playing Frisbee and that night locked out of hotel. Major cold epidemic on board
25 June (Monday): Day 9
Heidelberg, West Germany
JOURNAL: A beautiful morning in Heidelberg. I got to sleep in a feather bed—das Deckbett—last night. Very nice! Al nearly set the room on fire this morning trying to fix coffee. We leave for the castle at 10:00. . . . The castle was great and I ended up taking about 14 pictures. Bought dictionary and DD book [?]. Will buy a shirt tonight. Now to write postcards. . . . Didn't buy a shirt after all. Mailed postcards, slept awhile and then went to supper. After supper went down to river with Isabella and Bridgette. From there to Queen's Pub for some (3) "Jim Beam," then to another pub for Apfel snäpse, then to 1900 club for disco and Southern Comfort. Feeling good, but not wanting to leave Heidelberg. It's on to Amsterdam tomorrow. OK? Talked with Cecilia from Argentina.
26 June (Tuesday): Day 10
Heidelberg & Cologne, West Germany – Amsterdam, Holland
JOURNAL: Sun rises early here—up in the sky by 6:00 am. Woke up this morning [and] could only doze until 6:10. Left Heidelberg by 7:45 and now on way to the Rhein – Köln – Amsterdam. Now riding through beautiful Rheinland with green hills and vineyards. . . . Now back on bus en route Köln. The boat ride was refreshing and saw many castles. some people on trip always complaining—could be hard to live with them all summer. Evening arrival in Amsterdam—countryside is so flat and filled with canals. As soon as we arrived we had an excellent dinner. Afterwards my roommates and I (rooming with Mike, Jack, and Joe) walked around the city a bit but then [to] sleep. Pasquale very tired, but we made it safely, except for another ticket.
NOTES: Saw man playing flute in archway; I miss mine!
Short stop in Cologne at the cathedral then we ate at McDonalds across the street—best ever
Speed limit signs usually read "nicht sneller als 130 kmph"
27 June (Wednesday): Day 11
Amsterdam, Holland
JOURNAL: This morning no breakfast, very busy. We took a canal tour through the city to the harbour. Then on to the Heineken brewery for a tour, tour movie and free samples. Should be a good day. . . . Now at 2:00 in the pm we just came out of the city and a tour of the Van Moppes diamond factory. Some people bought some nice stuff. We just finished a tour (with samples) of an Edam cheese farm. I keep wanting something to get for the folks at home, but this early in the trip paranoid about spending. . . . Done too much today. . . . after cheese farm, fishing village, wooden shoemaker, and finally windmills. . . . We had Chinese food (or Indonesian), very spicy. Tonight to the red light district. Girls in lighted windows, little on, some curtains closed, stumbled into gay bar (they said) and had music and a few drinks; Jack met new friend Eddie [not the Eddie from our trip!].
NOTES: Decided to grow beard and have about 4 days growth. Found a white hair in moustache.
Couples so far? good for you Steve and Carol? Joyce and Eddie?
Rode through countryside crisscrossed with thousand canals houses and fields surrounded small yards, usually bridge to yard, very grün and schön
28 June (Thursday): Day 12
Amsterdam, Holland – Dinklage, West Germany
JOURNAL: This morning we rose, showered and ate breakfast. We're not leaving till around noon, so I bought something to snack on during the ride to Dinklage. Also bought two little wooden shoes and another sticker for my collection. . . . The bus ride today was a bit long but not as long as some. All of the Group stayed in a beautiful little hotel back in the woods, literally "castle hotel" (http://www.vilavitahotels.com/cms/fds/dinkl/var_de.htm)— all except for Michael, Pasquale, Mike Schmidt, and yours truly. (We are at another nice place not far down the road.) We stayed with the group until around 11:00 pm. Tonight we played some Frisbee, saw deer and wild boar, ate supper, watched [an] American western dubbed off in German, drank a little beer and wine, and danced. Isabella and Michael taught me the "Waltz" for when we come to Vienna. Rooming tonight with Mike Schmidt. Pasquale is great! We teach him a little English, he teaches us Italian and we have good laughs together.
29 June (Friday): Day 13
Dinklage, West Germany – Copenhagen, Denmark
JOURNAL: We had a beautiful ride through the north German countryside today. I had a good time on the bus, listening to music, reading, talking, getting a backrub, but for the most part I'm either singing to myself or silent. At Puttgaden, we caught a German cruiser for an hour ride to Denmark. On board we had a huge smorgasbord and afterwards we went up on deck for a nice view of our approach to Denmark. I'm staying with Joe, Jack, and Mike again. They're funny guys and are debating if I'm OK to join their club (es macht nicht mir). Our hotel for these two nights is downtown in the center of the "red light district." . . . Tonight we went to Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park, really nice; group turning to a "Peyton Place." On way back to hotel we had a hamburger, a King Kong burger place (?)—Before we left the gardens had a couple of crepe which was strawberry, sugar, pancake, and fantastic.
NOTES: Got letters today from Mom & Dad, Cloice & family, Joey, & Steve
Got good backrub from Isabella
30 June (Saturday): Day 14
Copenhagen, Denmark
JOURNAL: This morning brisk like an October day at home, very windy. Left hotel for city tour (guide Lona), Church of Our Savior, gardens of parliament Library, Churchill Court [?], the Little Mermaid in the Harbor, Grundtvigskirche (bought mermaid), found our Hotel is named for the founder of Køpenhaven. . . . Later on to Hamlet's Castle in Helsingborg, got a nice look out over the "Eastern sea" to the coast of Sweden. Now to lunch. . . . had beef sandwich, ice cream, and some strawberry Danish . . . on to Fredricksborg Castle, which was great . . . wrote postcards home . . . beard coming along but I look kind of scraggly; no one here I have to impress . . . back in Copenhagen, I went to get some groceries for the trip to W. Berlin tomorrow; then back to the hotel to rest awhile before 9:00 "dinner"; afterwards to a porn shop to get cultured, then to a store for a real Danish Tuborg beer. Then to sleep. . . .
1 July 1979 (Sunday): Day 15
Copenhagen, Denmark – West Berlin
JOURNAL: Rose at 5:45 am then on to breakfast. Left Copenhagen at 7:20. . . . A note about the countryside here (and in France)—gently rolling and very green and now and then the blowing fields are broken by beautifully laid out sections of bright yellow flowers—a beautiful combination. . . . This morning is a little blue, a little rainy, and there was a rainbow. . . . Here we are on the two-hour cruise to East Germany. It is with really mixed feelings that I enter this Communist land; so far everywhere we've been has been free. There is a slight element of fear crossing this Baltic Sea. . . . Gulls seem to just hang above me on a string. . . . There's a dark storm off the bow (starboard) and it's misting rain a bit here. . . . We made the East German side and finally got the OK to go ahead. The EG countryside very pretty green and rolling but no one seems to live there. About 15 km from West Berlin we got first shock: cobblestone streets through a small German town. The shock—maybe 4 people on the streets, buildings are war torn and in ill repair, seemingly untouched since the war. After we passed through, for the last 5-7 miles to the border of WB, both sides of the road were covered by a massive Russian military camp housing thousands. It also seemed unrepaired from the war. In fact, the whole trip down here was dotted here and there with monuments of red and the red star. The first billboards we saw when we entered the country read "Praise to our Russian Brothers" and "Long Live Socialism." Along the last 5 miles at odd intervals stood caped Russian soldiers, trying to look inconspicuous while watching the road. There were also a few towers of watch. . . . Another long wait at the border to WB. At least we don't have to go through what the cars do: seats taken out, headlights, etc. . . . We finally came to the hotel. I'm in room #26 with Gary, Mike, Greg, and Allen. We had a great supper at some soccer-crazy place. Then we hit the disco and I danced all night. It is easy to tell that Michael cares little for East Germany. He always complains about "shitty" cars and roads and people lying! Shaved off beard. . . .
NOTES: 165 k of wall [?]; 16,000 guards
Many of the DDR border guards don't like what they are forced to do by the Russians. The Russos take away all of DDR industry to help support their other children—DDR knows what it's like in the West, but Russia has them down for now
2 July (Monday): Day 16
West Berlin
JOURNAL: This morning up for a tour of Berlin. I ran out of film after one picture of Checkpoint Charlie. We've seen the monument for the Allied Air Forces during the Blockade in 1948, the Brandenburg Gate, the Wall and saw brown hill or mound [bunker] where Hitler and his family committed suicide, & Russian war memorial built of bricks from Hitler's mound. We stopped at a souvenir shop near the wall where there was a platform to look over to East Berlin, and there was a man there who was divided from his daughter by the wall and he's not seen her for 17 years. Once he saw her from the platform but she was taken away and the guards came and broke his stick. Very unique to be a Berliner (say they have the best beer in world). All life very dependent upon Western Allies. West Berlin controls Bus and underground and East Berlin handles the train. Got off bus at zoo square and spent two hours at the zoo. Then ate at Burger King and came home to find my socks gone. After c. 2 hrs sleep I went to the desk and "auf Deutsch" inquired about socks—in #23 with Pasquale. Then to supper at Wienerwald (fried chicken!) and dessert along walk back. Saw a movie being filmed on sidewalk. Came back to party in our room. Several people. Drank Apfel snäpse, received excellent backrub from Isabella. Found bullet holes in wall!
NOTES: Saw Olympic Stadium from 1936—year of Jesse Owens
3 July (Tuesday): Day 17
West Berlin
JOURNAL: This morning we rose and went to a discussion on the situation here in Berlin. The history is very interesting. This afternoon I went with Jack, Joe, and Mike into East Berlin via Checkpoint Charlie. It is really hard to explain my feelings while walking through a city which is so dependent on "the Enemy": Russia. The people there are quiet and all seem to be from the same financial standing (which they are). As we walked down the street, we saw the old buildings, basically untouched (but lived in) since the war. The walls were riddled with machine gun bullet holes all over. We passed by the Soviet embassy and they had a bust of Lenin, but for some reason I didn't take a picture. Tonight we had Argentinian Steak and then just walked around a lot. Going to bed early tonight.
NOTES: Remember the 4 powers and dealings with Berlin
300 people made it out of East to West last year
Met some girls who were exchange students. Sounds good!
4 July (Wednesday): Day 18
West Berlin – Prague, Czechoslovakia
JOURNAL: Happy Birthday, America! And here I go plunging in to Communist country heading for Prague, Czech. We've been gone from the hotel for two hours, got slightly lost, and now we've sat at the border for an hour. I took pictures out of window of guard tower and Iron Curtain; may not come out. Sand between sections of curtain is very tilled so that one would have a hard time running to escape. We got out and built a pyramid, then played "Simon Says." We're wondering if we get fireworks tonight in Prague. I read some, slept, then woke up to a heavy political discussion, I take no part. Talked to an East German lady today at a truck stop; she was very nice and understood all of my Deutsch. We passed through the outskirts of Dresden, a rather large city in DDR. People stop and stare. Michael says: center of city new because of heavy bombing (3 days & 1500 planes). Where we passed, very old and shabby; to many we seem from the future or another planet. Michael is very bitter toward Russia and socialism & a little against USA. We came to Czech, after 2½ hr wait at border (plus 1 hr for daytime), and soviet control is so obvious here; red stars, memorials, forced tour guide, etc.; Laterna Magika, 4th of July party on top floor.
NOTES: Many signs—Long Live Friendship DDR-USSR
I saw boys working on railroad for summer vacation—no pay
Southern DDR beautifully forested and hilled—forests not as dark as BRD/Evergreens
#11 at border of West Berlin
5 July (Thursday): Day 19
Prague, Czechoslovakia – Vienna, Austria
JOURNAL: Slept good but no shower because no hot water, left shampoo in Berlin. Today in Austria must buy shampoo and deodorant and maybe soap. City tour took us only to Prague Castle, where we were "held" for about 2 hours, then Monarchi got lost. On the road there was an "excellent" monument to Russia, then beside a star in red flowers, lots of propaganda. . . . We rode through Czech countryside—very nice. Saw field workers and berry pickers. . . . Finally made it through borders past IC and back into free world. . . . Rather uneventful trip from border to Vienna. . . . Frodo accomplished his Quest today while we were on the bus. . . . Many people have discovered my Command Ring and [know] that I'm a Trekkie. . . . Tonight we had a great cold plate at this beautiful Austrian restaurant—the wine growers—and we ate outside with trees, lamps, cool breeze, musicians playing waltz and polka. Vienna is beautiful. We saw the Danube and sat around after dancing and sang more patriotic songs. I taught some people to waltz and waltzed with Isabella. I am now once again Mus! [This is the way we spelled it in high school because the name had nothing to with the animal.] I fell in love tonight for just a second with an Oriental/Hawaiian girl from 615 who waltzed me in the lobby.
NOTES: Got 6 letters tonight
Must try and find a letter Jerry sent
6 July (Friday): Day 20
Vienna, Austria
JOURNAL: This morning a driving tour through the city and a walk through Schönbrunn Palace. It is much like Versailles but not quite as large. Joyce told us about the wild girls in the bus ahead of us and I wish that was my tour. . . . I got lost from crowd when we got out in town for lunch, found some to eat lunch with in McDonald's. When trying to get back to hotel, I missed tram stop and ended up at the end of the line and walked about 1.5 miles (at least) back to hotel. Had great dinner with great Aust. beer—2 glasses; then it was time to go waltzing and since beers put me in such a friendly mood, I managed to dance with about 10 different girls: Isabella, Barbara, Lana, Vallory, Kathryn, Carol—due to state of mind [I'm a lightweight as far as drinking goes] I can think of no others. We waltzed till about 11pm to the little orchestra in the park, came back to hotel and ran around some, then wrote letters home.
NOTES: Shari was another partner, and Tina sat in my lap while I sang "Edelweiss," "Just the Way You Are," "Precious and Few," etc. Michael tells me I should have brought my guitar (if I'd only known)
7 July (Saturday): Day 21
Vienna, Austria
JOURNAL: This morning we slept in a little 'cause the whole day is free. Joyce came down with wet hair to tempt us into walking around a bit. Shops close at noon so I suppose I should go to get lunch and try to find some deodorant. . . . Jack and I went downtown for about 2 hrs. Michael gave us a ride down in his brown Mercedes (what a car). Roberta and Lana were also there. Roberta dropped a Tampax and I stuttered around, walked past, finally said, "Roberta, you dropped something"—didn't really bother me other than possibility of embarrassing her, which it did. Later met Tina, Shari, and MM ate at McDonalds again for S50.00 [?], started to rain so hopped tram back, finished letters & mailed then slept 2 hrs. Yesterday I received Jerry's VISA card, but I didn't think I'd need it but now I discover about $40.00-$60.00 missing from my little pouch. After spaghetti dinner we went to Vienna Woods for view of city, back to amusement park. Highest Ferris wheel, great bumper cars, dumb haunted house, air hockey. Ride back with Teresa KY.
NOTES: While Jack called his folks last night, I sat for 1½ hrs and talked with a Austrian fellow of "Mideast" origin (near Turkey or Iran), auf Deutsch. It was great.
8 July (Sunday): Day 22
Vienna, Austria – Budapest, Hungary
JOURNAL: After breakfast in Vienna we set out for Hungary—a good time at the border, throwing Frisbee—on way to Budapest heavy rain. . . . We have come to Budapest and my room #312 mates are Steve J., Kerry [Cary of course], and Michael. After a terrible lunch (at least the beginning—liver balls), we went for a sight-seeing tour through the city. The Russians must have a strong hold here because you don't see as many signs and monuments as in Czech. The one monument we saw towers over the whole city, symbol of the liberation by the Russians from the Nazis. Little did they know how that liberation would end. Monument faces East with lady of hope—sign of socialism—and statue symbolizing Russia beating down fascism. Facing the west, one very grim soldier in battle gear. . . . Back to hotel, then out for dinner and Hungarian music. Music commissioned by USSR—not allowed to pass the hat—did anyway & Jack gave a coin & they threw it back in his face. Tour guide straightened it out. Taught Michael to be bummed out. Kerry [Cary] had bad dream and screamed. Michael said "bummed out."
NOTES: Drank gin and orange juice
Got three glasses of different wine free for sampling
9 July (Monday): Day 23
Budapest, Hungary – Belgrade, Yugoslavia
JOURNAL: Eggs for breakfast; finally found our [lunch] restaurant and had a huge, good meal except for the soup, which had liver balls same as yesterday. Spoke German with a man outside restaurant (general conversation). Rode on to Yugoslavian border where we ended up with a 2½ hrs wait. The trip was rather uneventful. I saw a beautiful sunset. Tonight we had a big dinner and then to bed. I must get together a group to write a 616 song. [Here, for some reason, I simply wrote down a list of names. Apologies to Kathy and Kathryn: my first girl friend in the first grade spelled her name with a C, and I've tended to spell the name like that ever since.] Cathy, Catherine, John, Jersey Steve, Southern Steve, Bridgette [Bridget], Gary, Cecilia, Teresa, Beth, Joe, Tina, Shari, jean, Janet, Martha, Allen, Cary, Judy, Jack, Joyce, Joyce, Eddie, Barbara, Pat, Lana, Tammy, Candi [Candy], Lori, Abra, Isabella, Mike S., Mike M., Jo Ann [Joanne], Edith, Thea, Lynne, Theres[e], Pam, Valorie, Valorie [Vallory], Mimi, Janie, Roberta, Kim, Greg, Carol, Linda, Michael & Pasquale.
10 July (Tuesday): Day 24
Belgrade, Yugoslavia – Thessloniki, Greece
JOURNAL: We had a very long ride today down [to] the harbor of Thessaloniki. We drove from 7:30 to 2:30, when we stopped for lunch. Steve Perry had a bunch of cops after him 'cause he tried to take a picture of a gas station; we escaped. From lunch on until we were well into Greece, we passed through the most beautiful countryside; hills at first green, then patched with brown, then brown patched with green, high mountains, a beautiful river, the Golden hills of Greece, a beautiful but amazingly fast sunset. We lost 2 hrs. coming into Greece. Our hotel was nice as I roomed with Steve J. and Cary. A long bus ride but an excellent day.
11 July (Wednesday): Day 25
Thessaloniki, Greece – Delphi, Greece
JOURNAL: This morning I was a little late for breakfast. Finally on the road but no stations have gas. We run out of gasoline in the country outside Thessaloniki, but coast to a station, also out. We are near the sea, so I take a walk. . . . After several more tries and donations of 15-120 liters, finally had enough to make lunch and Aegean Sea (actually an inlet of Mediterranean). Here we swam and played Frisbee for about 45 mins.; then ate a large lunch with watermelon and then swam with Frisbee for 1½ hrs. We left and rode through beautiful countryside, winding roads climbing up out of the plains (remember the fortress on hill overlooking sea). Tolkien must have been here for many of his descriptions; it was really undescribable. Huge mountains rising tall, rugged and sheer out of the plains. Only bushes (80 million olive trees) grow on them and most show almost half solid rock.
NOTES: Rooming with Joe in #3 Delphi, Greece
Tonight walked streets, went to shops and finally back to hotel to rest
We arrived in Delphi, Greece just before sundown
12 July (Thursday): Day 26
Delphi, Greece – Athens, Greece
JOURNAL: This morning we visited the ruins of the mountain temple of Apollo. At one time the hill was covered with thousands of statues. Had a great guide named John. We shopped for about 2-3 hrs. and now trying to get through the mountains to Athens. . . . After a nice drive through the countryside of Greece, we finally came upon Athens and after unloading and getting to # 205 with Jack and Steve P., I washed almost every stitch of clothes I have. I have made it half through the trip and have half my money left (including the $60.00 gone in Berlin). Tonight we saw the sound and light drama, which was not spectacular in itself but the lighted Acropolis was absolutely beautiful. Afterwards back to hotel to write postcards. Got 3 letters tonight: Mom, Joe, and CC (Charlene Carter, Joe's girlfriend at the time?)
13 July (Friday): Day 27
Athens, Greece
JOURNAL: This morning we had a 9:00 tour of Athens, spending most of the time between then and 12:00 at the Acropolis. It is a very old, sad, yet majestic place. I had some pictures taken on the nearby rock hill, the original Mars Hill, where Paul preached and [from which] my school took its name. Later we went to lunch and now I am again at the hotel. It is very hot out and I've picked up a headache so I don't know if I'll go out or not. . . . pro wrestling is very big over here; in fact, results of last night's matches made today's front page with pictures and everything; there are also posters for it everywhere. I wonder if it is so fake as at home, 'cause it seems to look like the same thing. After lying around a couple hrs. after lunch, Jack, Mike S, Mike M, Greg, and myself played basketball (remember the problem with the taxi). Supper with music and excellent wine. Then up to Omonia Square for a beer with Michael, Pasquale, Janie, Mimi, Enso (?). Can't find anything for Anita. I think maybe something in Italy.
14 July (Saturday): Day 28
Athens, Greece – Island of Poros, Greece
JOURNAL: This morning we departed Athens early for the Greek island, Poros. The ship was really crowded but I found a really nice place on the edge behind the life boats. We arrived at the dock and were assigned to our rooms. We are staying in more or less private homes (almost a hostel) and I'm with Joe, Jack, Mike, [and] Eddie: #8. After an hour for lunch we sailed in our private 65-foot boat to an inlet where we spent 1½ hrs. swimming. The water here is beautiful blue and clear as the springs at home. When depths get 30 feet or below [less], you can see almost every stone on the bottom, and the Greek worker on board caught 2 octopi (strange). Nearly everyone got at least a small sunburn. Mine is not too bad because I didn't swim much. The water was about 20 feet deep so Cary gave me lessons in treading water. I slept on the trip back to harbor. . . . We had a beautiful evening. Only problem not enough food for party on boat and everyone bitching. Later though thousands of stars out. Took on nude Londoners, and came back to sit under trees with Joe, Tina, Vallory, Cary.
NOTES: The heat here is incredible. The air is dry, but temps this afternoon have been 100+ and now at 7:00, the sun is still well up and at least 95. (We learned that yesterday when we were playing basketball in Athens the temp was 111!)
Water and mountainous islands are very beautiful
15 July (Sunday): Day 29
Island of Poros, Greece – Overnight Ship to Italy
JOURNAL: This morning we had bacon and eggs at George's Café and then across to the bus for another ride through the mountains, coming to Canal of Corinth at about 12:30. Canal is very deep but all manmade. I wanted to get a postcard for Anita and the church, but there were none I really liked. Still no mail from Anita, but I'll probably get her something in Italy. We reached the boat port @ 3:30 Greece time and after a short wait, we boarded. During the wait, I played a wooden pipe flute that Edith had bought in Atlanta. On board (#467 with J, J, & M), we met a couple of girls from Canada but later I met Therry Johnson (25) from NC. We had a long talk upstairs on the deck near the Captain's room and watched the sunset. She had to sleep on deck, no sleeping bag. Very cold so after dinner I took her a blanket from my cabin and we wrapped up in it and talked for about 3 hrs. Had a good night's sleep.
NOTES: Mike and Cecilia going very strong! Started in earnest on ship last night at Poros
Jack got a disco haircut and doesn't quite know how to deal with it. Thinks it looks radical
16 July (Monday): Day 30
Overnight Ship to Italy – Vico Equense, Italy
JOURNAL: Saw Therry again this morning. She said she was cold but near as much so as she would have been without blanket. This morning stepped off ship into Italy. We rode through countryside, flat at first, then mountainous like Greece except more trees. Stopped a couple of times. Money strange and Coke costs 600 [lira]. We stopped at a cameo place and I bought a necklace for Anita--$17 or 13,500 l (Glad that's over with.) Lost our bus and Pasquale to the garage. 615's bus picked us up. . . . Our hotel is unbelievable. It sits on top of a 200 ft. cliff dropping into the sea of clear green and blue. We have a balcony facing west, and sunsets are beautiful. The water is clear and warm, and an elevator takes you down through the heart of the cliff and you walk through a short cave onto the beach. We swam for about 2½ hrs. Then great dinner and parties at night. 615 is bad group. Jack gave me hat. Italian men have the purples. [Now twenty-five years later, I have no idea what I meant by that last comment.]
NOTES: Cohabitation has begun—Eddie & Joyce, Greg & Joyce, Mike & Lynn
#107 with Jack
Today marks one month as far as date goes
17 July (Tuesday): Day 31
Vico Equense, Italy
Left this morning for Capri, a very beautiful island. We rode on a small boat with another group: ISE [?]. Met a girl named Kate who travels with them—nice girl. We sailed straight to the cave entrance of the Blue Grotto. It's so eerie because light comes up from the extended cave opening which is under water and the whole place is blue. Then we went to beach for about 3 hrs., where I bought some wooden sandals. We had lunch on the top of the mountain at a beautiful outdoor restaurant under palm trees and grape vines. Later back for shopping then on boat back to Sorrento. Back but still no Pasquale. 617 picked us up. Back to hotel. Played Edith's flute and met girls from 617 until supper. Went shopping and partying until bed. Went to bed while everyone partied. Jack came in 1 hr later and bummed out again by blond girl from 617 (Janet). Saw young Italian getting his first haircut.
18 July (Wednesday): Day 32
Vico Equense, Italy – Rome, Italy
JOURNAL: Shari answered the telephone this morning when the alarm clock went off. Jack was on balcony and saw. We launched plane from Hotel Sporting (http://www.hotel-sporting.it/; http://www.kitravel.com/vico_equense_hotels.htm) and retrieved from bush on side of mountain. Then worst news of trip. Giuseppe Mirante [the name of our bus?] is in Roman garage & we had to get bus from another company, so no more Pasquale. Bad news for me 'cause we got along really well. . . . We saw ruins of Pompeii, which were fascinating. In the old theater, Jack and I sang "Senior Services" and "Volaré" (http://www.piano-bar.com/pages/volare.htm). Then lunch with music. So far a good day except no Pasquale. . . . We traveled through mountains past Monte Casino, a monastery where much fighting in war. Then to Christian catacombs, underground tunnels for burial. Peter & Paul had been there once & Jesus was supposed to have appeared to Peter, saw footprints of JC. . . . At the hotel we got ready and went out for supper. We had a good meal and then music and dancing. Our new driver (Fiori) is a wild man, not so suave and debonair as Pasquale. We got shattered.
NOTES: MUS faced
Elizabeth said there is a chance of getting Pasquale back. It would be nice.
#3370 with M, J, & J
19 July (Thursday): Day 33
Rome, Italy
JOURNAL: Up this morning and straight to the Vatican; saw Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Cathedral; then on to the Pantheon and Circus Maximus (main place for persecution of Christians), the Roman Forum, and the Coliseum. After the Coliseum, back to hotel. Joe, Tina, Jack, and I went to a little café and after a hassle over anchovies we finally had some pizza. Then I got stamps and came back to write post cards, after which I slept for about 1½ hrs. . . . Tonight was a night to remember for good and bad. We loaded the bus to go to Tivoli at about 7:50 and got there for a great meal. I had spaghetti, chicken, and ice cream, white wine and champagne. We had the best musicians we've had so far, and they played all night with spirit. Jack got everyone to send me up, and one guy gave me his guitar and I played the first couple of verses of "Stairway to Heaven." I couldn't believe how strong people reacted. I got finished with the little I played and looked up. Everyone was crowded around me and it was a standing ovation for a good 30 secs. Unreal! My friends seemed so impressed, and I am thankful for the talent and the chance to use it. Now comes the bad. After the back of the bus got lost trying to get into Villa D'Este [does anybody know what this means?], we finally found it and made it in. We were walking around the top of this great fountain and met Kathryn and Eddie. We presumed, foolishly, that Joyce would then go with Ed, so we walked on. As she was trying to catch up to us, two men grabbed her and seemed to have rape on their minds or some sick fun at least. She got away and cried in Jack's arms an hour.
20 July (Friday): Day 34
Rome, Italy
JOURNAL: So far today we (me, Joe, & Jack) slept till about 10:00. Mike was up at 8:00 and went out with Cecilia. They came back before we left and he was really feeling bad. We caught a taxi downtown and walked through the streets a bit. We bought kazoos and national stickers, then lunch and walked some more. About 2:30 we caught another taxi and came back to hotel. Cecilia and Mike were both asleep. Jack is writing [postcards] and Joe is five days behind in his journal. We just sat around awhile. I wrote a first draft of the song for the final night, then Joe and I went out to eat. We came back but found that [Fiori] will probably not continue with us. [Something screwy went on with the narrative here.] Bummer. Tonight dinner was nothing spectacular. We had a small pizza each and some excellent wine. We got another new bus and almost a "dick of a driver." Fiori will stay with us at least till Florence. After dinner we discoed and drank Koka-Kora. Now we go to sleep.
21 July (Saturday): Day 35
Rome, Italy – Florence, Italy
JOURNAL: This morning at 4:30 we were shocked into awakening by the most terror-filled scream I ever want to hear. We came out came out of our dreams to a scream that definitely said bloody murder. I got up and looked out the window but could not figure out where the screams came from. [Across the street was the entrance to a little park—if I remember correctly—and I thought the screams must have come from there.] I don't think we ever really woke up enough to realize we should do something. There was hardly no other sound except some people calling out [to ask] if someone needed help. After calming our nerves we went to uneasy dreams and this morning found out it was Mimi, Janie, Lana, and Barbara. Some guy had walked into their room, apparently thinking it was his or pretending to. . . . After riding through the country, had a picnic on beach and then fantastic swimming on sand beach. . . . on then to climb leaning Tower of Pisa (nice) and finally to Florence. Walked to dinner and it was good with spaghetti and chicken. #20 with Joe & Jack. [If my son's Mickey Wonders Why books are correct, people are no longer allowed to climb the Tower of Pisa.]
22 July (Sunday): Day 36
Florence, Italy
JOURNAL: Today is Sunday, so once again I feel the need to be home. We got up this morning and had a city tour. Florence is, as Mr. Abbott said, a very beautiful place. [I can't recall at present who this Mr. Abbott was.] The most beautiful thing here, one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, is Michelangelo's David. I was awestruck when I saw it. . . . I've decided to buy gifts for the folks at home. I'll buy for Joey, Steve, Charlene, Egbert [Mark], Jerry, Tweed, Bobbie, Brian(?), Scott(?), Ernie, Cloice, Mama Reeves, Dad, Mom. I shopped around and found some stuff and then back to hotel. Ended up sleeping for about 2½ hrs. and barely woke up in time to shower for dinner. After dinner I walked Vallory back to the hotel and she told me the story of the guy with the Time magazine. After, we sat for a few minutes and smoked & talked. We planned to go to a bar but ended up at the Space Electronic Disco. It was a really great time. Finally back to hotel. Lost Fiori and picked up Giro.
23 July (Monday): Day 37
Florence, Italy – Venice, Italy
JOURNAL: This morning we got up and went shopping. I was so tempted to buy gold but ended up resisting. After a small lunch, at 12:50 we're on our way to Venice. . . . We arrived in Venice approximately 4:00, slept, showered, and had dinner at 7:00. We then left for the main part of the city for our Gondola Serenade. I rode with Vallory and we had a good ride with Jack and 616 Janet. After the ride, Isia [Isabella] told me that what I played in the hall at Hotel Sporting [when I played Edith's flute] sounded just great for my "Lord of the Rings" music. she said she even wrote it down in her journal. There may be hope for us before the end. I told her I would dedicate one of the movements to her. In Salzburg she wants to go up on the mountains and listen to me play my [Edith's] flute. I'm also getting close to Pam. Two weeks from tomorrow I'll be home.
24 July (Tuesday): Day 38
Venice, Italy
JOURNAL: This morning we got up at 6:15 because we had an early city tour. We saw a guy doing hand-blown glass and I finally used Jerry's VISA and bought something for Mom (I guess I'll give it to Mom, although if it doesn't fit anywhere I may just save it). It was green, hand-blown, and decorated with 22K gold. I had it shipped to the States. [I gave it to Mom, and it still decorates the living room of the house in which I grew up.] Afterwards Jack, Joe, and I walked through all of Venice following these snake show signs. We ended up not even going in and had some good pizza and later good beer. Tonight Jack went Gondola with 617 Janet, and I hung around with Tina and Vallory. We went to a café and had some cappuccino and whiskey, then back to hotel for a gossip or a trash session. Anxious to hear about Jack. Talked to 617 Pam. Two weeks from tonight I'll be home.
25 July (Wednesday): Day 39
Venice, Italy – Salzburg, Austria
JOURNAL: We left Venice and almost immediately I fell asleep. One and ½ hrs later I woke up in time to see the most southern part of the Italian Alps approaching. We drove through them into Austria, and it is the most beautiful place. Of places I would live, this is #1. We had lunch at a small inn out in the country. We also saw the castle on the side of the mountain where they filmed Where Eagles Dare. We arrived at our hotel and once again I am with Jack in #441. I got 2 letters and in one Mom said Mike is going to call Anita. I was going to call Mike, but they don't make collect calls after 6 pm. Maybe I'll get up one morning and call. Tonight we went to the Beer Garden in Salzburg where I had 1.5 liters of beer (Jack 2, Greg 4). [From this distance, I have no memory of why I would be wanting Mike Tweed, a Methodist preacher and great friend of mine, to call Anita Miller, the young woman I'd been dating when I left for the trip. Maybe I was worried about not having received a letter from her. I think we broke up almost as soon as I was back home in the States. The gift I bought for her at the cameo shop when we first arrived in Italy eventually went to my wife Leesa, its rightful recipient!]
26 July (Thursday): Day 40
Salzburg, Austria
JOURNAL: This morning we got up early and drove across the border into Germany, where we visited Berchtesgaden, which is a salt mine. We dressed up into suits that looked Chinese or Russian. We had a group picture made [does anybody have an electronic version of this?] and then slid down into the mines on great polished wooden slides. The first was 80 feet and the last 130. Now we return to Salzburg ("Salt Castle"). In Salzburg we had an informal tour and a great lunch. We saw the house used in The Sound of Music and also the small pavilion used for the love scene. I didn't have my camera 1) because I had no film and 2) because I'm so tired of taking pictures [how shortsighted we are when young!]. I came back to hotel and slept about 3 hrs. Woke with bad sore throat and went to the beer gardens for another 1.5 liters. I really miss Jerry [my brother] in a place like this. Towards the end of the beer gardens I got with Pam and stayed with her the rest of the evening. Jack's still out with 617 Janet, and I sat up with Lynn and Ted [?] till 12:45 just talking.
27 July (Friday): Day 41
Salzburg, Austria – Tirol, Austria (via Munich)
JOURNAL: We left Salzburg rather early this morning and by 11:00 we came to Munich. We walked for about an hour and listened to some sidewalk music. Then we went to the Hofbräuhaus (http://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/english/index_start.html) and had a liter of beer and a couple of sandwiches. I bought a t-shirt, but I don't know whether I'll keep it or give it to Joey. Won't think right now; I'm fairly smashed. I fell in love with Munich as soon as I saw it. We rode through the mountains all afternoon; the Alps are so beautiful. We saw a couple of ski jumps on the way to Innsbruck and in the city we saw the one used for the '76 Olympics. Eventually we made it to the hotel and had a wonderful meal. Tonight we are just relaxing in a beautiful country village. Saw many war graves out near church.
NOTES: #23 Joe, Jack, Mike
28 July (Saturday): Day 42
Tirol, Austria
JOURNAL: This morning we got up for breakfast at 9:00 and at 10:00 we set out for the hike. To the top was a long hard walk—even harder than Chimney Tops (http://www.onedayhikes.com/Hikes.asp?HikesID=62) if I remember correctly. But the reward at the top was worth it. A family lived there and ran a small restaurant. we ate and drank for awhile and then walked up and sat on the topside of the mountain for awhile, talking to cattle and having a good ol' time. Back down at the restaurant we ate some more and drank from a beautifully done wooden fountain. We went back down to another restaurant and Jack and I split a beer. Michael kept giving us some of his wiener schnitzel and then ordered us another beer. Came back to hotel and slept, ate, and walked Jack down to see Janet. Came back and had banana split with Val, Tina, and Joe. Nothing much else.
NOTES: I got 5 letters this morning: 2 from Steve, 1 Mom, 1 Joey, 1 Mike & Bobbie Tweed
29 July (Sunday): Day 43
Tirol, Austria – Einsiedeln, Switzerland
JOURNAL: Left Götzens to head toward "Swiss." Beautiful countryside; wrote 8 postcards. We rode all through Austria and saw some manner of Mass or something being held with a band and old style clothing worn when Napoleon was around. We rode through the Alps to Liechtenstein. and were out of there in 20 minutes, then into Switzerland and 30 minutes from the hotel. We are once again having bus problems. . . . We made it to the hotel and got our rooms. I got 3 letters (Mom, Joey, Steve). Jack and I went and cashed in my schillings and had a big meal at a restaurant. Tonight we had fondue, but with my cold I couldn't really taste it. I also had a big beer so that may have helped too. During dinner we had music, singing, yodeling, and dancing. Afterwards not much to do but to go to bed. Remember what Shari and Joe let you in on concerning Judaism (The Passion Play). [Unfortunately I've forgotten what Shari and Joe let me in on concerning Judaism. Any ideas, Joe?]
NOTES: #106 with Joe, Jack, Mike
30 July (Monday): Day 44
Einsiedeln, Switzerland – Milan, Italy
JOURNAL: This morning we got up and drove into Lucerne for some shopping. I bought 3 airmail stamps but some people just bought famous Swiss watches. We are now on the road again en route to Milano, via Lugano. We read this morning about the bombing incident in Madrid, and some people are a little paranoid 'cause we'll be there Friday and planes leave one week from tomorrow! Today ended as a really long, hard ride and rumors are that tomorrow is even worse! We hit Milan in the late afternoon, around 6:30, and stopped in the main square for some looking. I saw the La Scala Opera House and in the center of Piazza della Scala, a huge statue of Leonardo de Vinci. We came to hotel, ate, and messed around the pool. I talked to Pam for awhile.
NOTES: Swiss Alps are more green and there are foamy waterfalls cascading down every few yards ["more green" and "foamy"?]
#608 with Jack & Mike
31 July (Tuesday): Day 45
Milano, Italy – Nice, France
JOURNAL: Up this morning and off again to Monaco and Nice, France. Nothing much to write today, probably just another long day on the bus. We've been threatened with rain all morning as we have come back down to the sea. Michael said Fritz called last night and said all was quite in Spain (no revolutionary atmosphere), so from what the papers said the bombing was mainly in retaliation to something the government did. . . . about 1:35 we dropped down into a sea coast town for some lunch, but after getting rid of all my lira last night I only had stuff I took from breakfast. The name of the town was Bordighera. . . . After coming through the border, we came to Monaco and Monte Carlo. We saw the casino and some (Lori) won money from this dude there. We saw the palace of Prince Ranier and Princess Grace. Then on to Nice, which is nice, and the heat in the restaurant really made me feel bad, but doing better now.
NOTES: We walked back to the hotel after having some beers with Michael and Giro down at a café. Pam gave me some medicine.
Beautiful hotel outside of Monte Carlo called Le Cap Êotel
#36 con Jack
1 August 1979 (Wednesday): Day 46
Nice, France
Today I woke up feeling really good compared to the last few days. I think it was the result of the Comtrex that Pam gave me last night. We ate and about ¾ of the group left for Cannes, the film resort, for a day of swimming on the beach. We sat in the sun for awhile then hit water, then hit shade. Several of our girls went topless—most looked very nice. It was strange to see all of the bare-breasted women running around, but for some reason I took no pictures (stupid!). I told Jack the story "White Water Band Goes to Myrtle Beach." We saw all of these people going by our tree and exclaiming. Stood up and saw boat burning on water and floating to beach. . . . After dinner, Pam and I had a walk and sit down by the beach, a huge banana split (16 f.) and then came back to hotel and talked.
NOTES: Strange to hear Californians talk about stars they've seen.
[I can't imagine why I didn't write this down when it happened, but I think it was in Nice that Jack washed a bunch of his clothes. If I'm remembering right, he laid them out on the balcony railing to dry and when he checked on them later they were splattered with pigeon droppings.]
2 August (Thursday): Day 47
Nice, France – Barcelona, Spain
JOURNAL: This morning at 4:10 I woke up because of the traffic, took some Comtrex, and went to the can, accidentally closed the door and locked myself out. When I came back I had to do about 7 sets of knocks before I heard Jack say, "Oh, man, it's Moose." He let me in then told me of this dream about he and Janet walking toward the casino in Monte Carlo and with every knock [my knocks on the door] the casino would hop away (very funny). Michael told us this morning we had an 11 or 12 hour bus ride today. . . . Well, the ride didn't end up as long as we all thought today, or at least it didn't seem like it. We stopped a couple of times and threw Frisbee (got chewed out by some Irish woman). Valerie/Vallory [?] and I had some fun; we sang "Shattered." Tonight in Barcelona we walked down to the sea and saw the reconstruction of the Santa Maria. I can say now that I'm really not much impressed with Spain. I would rather have ended the trip in Nice. We are just all blown away by the realization that the trip ends in less than a week.
3-8 August (Friday-Wednesday): Days 48-53
Barcelona, Spain – Madrid, Spain – Flight to the U.S.
JOURNAL: [Unfortunately, my journal ran out of specific day pages at this point. The rest is crammed into a section at the back reserved for "Notes." In the fury and flurry of our final moments together, my journal collapsed our last days into the following entry.] Today we began our last ride into Madrid. It kind of hits that it's ending when everyone starts going for addresses. We stopped at a restaurant to get lunch but it wasn't open so we're traveling on. We stopped for lunch at a little Spanish place and everyone kept Cecilia busy. Jack and I had some really good beer. Been back on road for about 2 hrs. and are 150 km (93 m) outside our last stop: MADRID. . . . We arrived in Madrid, had supper, and drank sangria. Jack came in before and said we were to get radical. Joe wore hat, long Athens t-shirt, tie around neck and waist, sun glasses; Mike wore short pants, long blue socks, tank-top, tie, and baseball cap; I wore jeans regular, then shirt, tie, & vest backwards, sunglasses; Jack wore shirt & tie, dress coat (blue), shorts (brown), & Elvis Costello glasses. Later just smashed. . . . **** 4 [?], city tour with Pepe; greatest castle yet; art museum (Prada); this afternoon, Valley of Fallen which was fantastic, simple but most impressive cathedral with cross on top of mt. 495 feet high; then kind of slack palace; back to hotel for supper; girls came in as "hookers"; ended up really smashed by pitcher of sangria, 2.5 B&C and one W&C [drinks?]. . . . Time in Madrid was like the time all over Europe, too short. We did not do much but shop, see flamenco show, I missed trip to Toledo and bullfight. The Farewell party was really nice. Greg read from the Sacred Scroll the "will" of 616. Carol did some acting, some girls did a neat little song (Pam, Linda, Kathy, Lori), I read my song since there was no guitar. After about 2 glasses of straight sangria, 3 glasses of spiked sangria, and three 13% beers, I was shattered at 3 am. Jack took Janet back to our room so I fell asleep between Shari and Vallory. I was supposed to go back to my room by 3:45 but I didn't wake up until about 5:15. I then went back and talked to Jack awhile. . . . When we got up departure day, we went to pick up our plates but the guy had forgotten them. We ended up giving money to Janet so she'll bring them to the States and mail them to us. Then it was on to the airport and it was a very bitter parting for many of us. My hardest goodbyes were John, Joe, Mike, and especially Jack. Most of the girls I'm close to are on my plane and we are now in the air heading for New York.
The following materials are taken as written from various places throughout the travel journal—"Travel Happenings"—I kept in the summer of 1979:
* * *
The Casino was hopping, I had
money to burn and I had
you there by my side
* * *
Volaré oh oh Cantaré ohohohoh
Nel Bue di Pinto di Blue
Felicé di stave las sue
Volaré Volaré pice in auto
in cielo ce mai (my)
E biachaté il mare
Vendendolo da la sie
Comé una rombiné libera
mel ciélo volando su giu
[I couldn't read much of my writing very well here . . . not that it would have mattered!]
* * *
[Under "Identification" on page three, one identifier says "Religion." I wrote "Christian,"
but " – Protestant" is written beside it in my mother's handwriting.]
* * *
SENSITIVITIES & ALLERGIES
Drugs . . . Don't mind if I do
Serums . . . Mrs. Butterworth's
Foods . . . Bad Food, Linberger Cheese, Escargot
Inhalants . . . Bad Air, bathroom deodorizers
Others . . . butterfly chips, green cats, raw water, buffalo ears
* * *
I've never been inclined to let my feelings show
But you've jumped into my heart and set me free
I'm never much with words but I have to let you know
With your love I can be all I want to be
And you take me to the stars when you laugh at things I do
The sky is the limit just as long as I'm with you
* * *
We all left home and friends behind and sailed into
the blue, just a group of strangers, wanting to be friends.
I saw so many faces I had never seen before and wondered
would I know them, before the trip did end.
One by one the days passed by and finally brought us here
One by one we've shared each day with laughter and with tears
If in all the world I had one wish that might come true
I would wish that I could spend all the times of my life with you.
Living day to day together on the bus the miles rolled away
Seeing many wonders left from days gone by, we lived a week in each day
Strangers turned to friends and friendships turned to loves and life was sweet
Time at first seemed slow then suddenly it jumped right out of reach
We were sipping wine and singing, going waltzing 'neath the stars
Shopping on the walking streets and dancing in the bars
A full moon over Delphi shone down on the clear blue sea
Our friend took all these things and made a playground for you and me
Now the times have come and gone but in memory they live on
and beautiful are people and places that we've seen
Remember me my friend and I will remember you, our roads have
crossed for better, long live 616
* * *
apparently written some time farewell night!
Dear Moose Cody,
You’re the best thing that’s happened to me on this trip (though Janet had her advantages in some ways) and if we dont stay in touch the rest of our lives I'm really gonna be "bummed "out
Jack
* * *
He suffered trial and tribulation but he lived
in jubilation with the dear friends
that he loved and the God he served.
And when he began to speak with his
manner calm and meek, unbelievers
who stood near became unnerved.
I was very tired of running and I felt not quite
so cunning as I did the day I robbed that
bank just outside LA
My cash was almost all gone when I saw
him on the church lawn and let me
tell you friend my life was changed that very day
In the sky, In the sky
In that sweet bye & bye
I'll have two of the best friends you could ever know
Jesus Christ, saved my life
But I would not have seen His light
Had it not been for my good friend Rev. Joe
* * *
Jack's Song
Time goes by so fast it makes me wonder
Why we'd want to hurry it along
When the weeks that seem like months suddenly
seem like days
When we reach to grab a moment but it's gone
The days I spent with you slipped like sand
through my fingers
Seems we hardly said hello before good-by
But the swiftness of the time somehow sharpens
the memory
And now I relive all those days in the night
You were behind me all the time in time gone by
Now I'm all alone again and wonderin' why
I still see the soft light on your face as
we sat beneath the stars
It's so clear and yet so sad, the
Time gone by
We just met on a chance but a chance I had to take
Thinking you just might want to take a chance on me
* * *
Wrapped in a tattered trench coat on a park bench in city
The night passes cols and oh so slow
* * *
The Statue
Late at night when all the passers-by are gone
I come down from this pedastal and dance across
the lawn
We can run and play until the night fades into
dawn.
then I go back to my pedastal and again I stand alone.
So many years I've stood and watched the changing
of the world
I've seen the birth and death of many kings
Young men go to war and leave me standing
here behind
(sea)
(The ocean waves stand tall and rough, driven
by the wind
* * *
It's never been so hard to leave before
I feel like I can't make it to the door
I've been here so long and feeling's bind so strong
Afraid to face the cold world anymore
The reasons for these feelings are so clear
I love you and all the things we've built here
I just cannot go without first letting you know
* * *
The blue waters of Poros
* * *
I know where you're
from, I don't know
why I asked