An R&R to Japan
Posted: Saturday, October 02, 2010
by David Tanguay
I was in Vietnam from 1967 thru1969 serving in the Marine Corps. During our tour of duty what we all look forward to while we are putting up with all the hardships we infantry troops had to endure was our R & R (rest and recuperation) to a foreign "and civilized" country. I spent two tours in Vietnam so I had two R & R's
My first R & R I spent in Japan mostly in bars drinking and having a good time. However, my second R & R was also in Japan only this time, I spent it with my sister in law's family.
My brother who was also in the Corps was stationed in Japan back in the 50's. It was there he met and married a Japanese girl by the name of Naoko. They have been married for 56 years now.
Getting back to my R & R when I met my sister in-law's sister she introduced me to the rest of the family they had a difficult time trying to speak the English language but they had a family member who could speak it quite well and he acted as an interpreter.
The family owned a business they worked at from their home. They had a built in pond out back where they would charge the public so much a day to fish from.
They also took me to a Buddhist temple, which really made an impression on me. The people in Japan are very friendly and courteous. I'd like to go back some day now that I'm a lot more matured I believe I would enjoy the experience even more now than I did back then.
My sister in law's family, I'm the one in the black coat
Year, (1969)
This Article has been viewed 925 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)One remarkable memory this piece you wrote and you looked sinfully gorgeous back then that's no wonder you had a good time then, David.
Thanks for sharing !Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting Hilda,, yes I really enjoyed my stay.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Ah, come on David, you know you weren't ever that young, that must be a doctored photo ;). Nice looking family though. Japan from what I've read, and the people that I have met, do seem to be a much more harmonious group than I think Americans tend to be. Hope you get back someday, and don't worry, I won't follow you over there :).
Have a wonderful day.Please log in to respond to this comment.Yeah David, the Japanese people made quite an impression on me. thanks for commentingPlease log in to respond to this comment.
You and I are the same age, and I honor you for your service. I did not serve. But I do support our vets. Thanks for your contribution. It was nice that you met with a Japanese family. Good job.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting Christofer, yes I enjoyed my stay in JapanPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Dave make that someday NOW Life is to short to just think about it.If it's on your mind there must be a reason for you to go.Start packing brother.......Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for commenting brother Mike, but are you going to pay my way? ha haPlease log in to respond to this comment.
I agree with Mike from Maine. Pack. Go. There is a reason you are remembering so fondly.~ GracePlease log in to respond to this comment.No Grace, I'm almost 62 years old now, it's nice to reminisce but I have no real reason for going back.
Thanks for commentingPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Enjoyed your reflections - my sister and hubby are leaving for Korea as their son-in-law now his his first command there (and their daughter and 2 granddaughters are with him). They will have a fascinating visit I am sure!Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting Marijo, I've never been to Korea.Please log in to respond to this comment.
I have a Japanese girlfriend I just love. She is so sweet. She and her husband want a bunch of us artist to get together and go to Japan and they will show us the countryside where she lived and all kinds of art. My hubby nixed it. Ah maybe another day. If you ever get the chance you should go back. I just think the people are wonderful and from the pictures I've seen the country side is beautiful.Please log in to respond to this comment.Yes Linda, the Japanese people are very courteous and friendly. My sister in law's family showed me some very interesting sites while I was there.
thanks for commentingPlease log in to respond to this comment.
I enjoyed your reminiscence, David. I know you say you've matured, but you look as if even in your 20's you were a thoughtful person.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you Jennifer, but I was a lost soul back in my 20''sPlease log in to respond to this comment.
hi david,
i love japanese culture-the food, jewelry, paintings, etc.
it was nice that you got a chance to visit. you have those memories to look back on.
thanks for sharing,
my best,
sue
Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you Susan, my sister in law sometimes makes some Japanese meals one of them called suki yaki. boy is that good. thanks for commenting.Please log in to respond to this comment.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.