Barely
eighteen, Cold War Germany, PFC,
US
Army, me a stranger in a strange land
(thank
you Robert Heinlein for the use of
your
title).
Walking
alone through Bad Hersfeld back
to
the base after an evening drinking beer.
Just
the right amount to make me feel fine.
Love
the cobble stone streets, the timber
infused
ancient architecture, rustic and
fairy
tale quaint, nothing like I’m use to
back
in the States.
Just
arrived at my duty station here a couple
of
weeks ago, got two and a half years to go.
I
can do this, I know. Miss my home, but
need
to grow up on my own, no one proud
of
me yet, but just you wait and see.
These
streets, this man’s Army will make a
man
out of me eventually. A few more nights
like
this and I’m ready for whatever awaits me.
Hoping
the East Germans and their Warsaw
Pact
buddies won’t be charging over the Border
while
I’m here. Need more time to explore, and
more
beer, lots more of that potent Germany
beer.
Couldn’t drink legally in my USA hometown
for
another 3 years.
1965,
the stage was set for great adventures yet
to
come. Fast forward 55-years later, and surprise,
I
survived!
-30-
Chris
Hanch 5-11-2020
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