Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)

“Travels to a Different Time” : 1971 Travel Reflections:

European communism has been a failure: East Germany is in shambles and has fallen so low and barbaric that it has built the Berlin Wall to imprison its citizens. Yugoslavia may have fared better but there is widespread poverty, a poor infrastructure and a shortage of food and consumer goods. Political freedom of expression doesContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 1971 Travel Reflections:”

RKS Wine: A Couple of Tuscans

Tuscany is a beautiful part of the world and some years ago a friend and I rented a villa in the countryside so both our families had a base. Of course, we visited Montalcino and Montepulciano and admired their quaint beauty however tainted as it was by too many tourists. Yet look elsewhere to theContinue reading “RKS Wine: A Couple of Tuscans”

Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog’s Reflections: US Marine First Division Lands in 1943 Melbourne For R&R After Guadalcanal

“The exhilaration of that night! At first, I thought that it was my strange uniform and deep sunburn that marked me out for curiosity. But soon I realized that it was something more. I was the deliverer in the land that he has saved. The smiles and winks of the Melbourne crowds assured me ofContinue reading “Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog’s Reflections: US Marine First Division Lands in 1943 Melbourne For R&R After Guadalcanal”

“Travels to a Different Time”: 27August71: On the Way Home: Hey Buddy Can You Spare Some Food? Cocktails With Captain Stinky Davis: Bad Call from Fritz?

We woke up to a phone call from Fritz and like Heidi getting a phone call from her boyfriend and crying after that call Mom started blubbering. I am confused as what to do. Of course, I wish her the greatest happiness but she can’t seem to move beyond my dead Dad. She loved himContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time”: 27August71: On the Way Home: Hey Buddy Can You Spare Some Food? Cocktails With Captain Stinky Davis: Bad Call from Fritz?”

“Travels to A Different Time” : 27August1971: Good-Bye Deutschland Und Fritz

We were up at 8 rather groggy and feeling greasy and disgusting in our revolting middle of the morning Frankfurt hotel room. We are feeling filthy and just want to get out of here. We phoned Overseas National Airways in Frankfurt and snagged a flight to Bangor, Maine. A refuelling stop for a flight thatContinue reading ““Travels to A Different Time” : 27August1971: Good-Bye Deutschland Und Fritz”

“Travels to a Different Time” : August 26, 1971: Frankfurt: Put on the Wrong Plane! Just Get Me Home!

When you have your mind set on coming home you are like a bird dog on a scent. After showing our tickets for our trip to Oakland we were directed to get on a bus on the tarmac to take us to the airplane at 1 a.m.  We see our Overseas National Airways airplane. ButContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : August 26, 1971: Frankfurt: Put on the Wrong Plane! Just Get Me Home!”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 13 August1971: Margaret Mary Stephen Letter to Mother-in-Law Ida Francis Stephen: Thoughts on East Germany and Berlin: Freedom is the Most Precious Thing We Have

We travelled from Basel, Switzerland to West Berlin. Just before we entered East Germany soldiers came aboard to process visas. Then a few miles later another group of soldiers looked at our visas and passports. Clearly one group does not trust the other. I was asked to remove my glasses so they could get aContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 13 August1971: Margaret Mary Stephen Letter to Mother-in-Law Ida Francis Stephen: Thoughts on East Germany and Berlin: Freedom is the Most Precious Thing We Have”

“Travels to a Different Time” :August 25, 1971: East and West Germany: Heidi Has a Sobbing Fest: My Escape From East Germany

Summing up today it was a bit of excitement and disappointment. Heidi, Mom and I had an early breakfast then Heidi’s boyfriend called and for some reason Heidi broke out in sobs. Such a nice person must endure tears and sadness. What did Michael do wrong? With dry eyes we were out the door andContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” :August 25, 1971: East and West Germany: Heidi Has a Sobbing Fest: My Escape From East Germany”

Reflections of Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog: Spam on Guadalcanal

“Stacks of crates and cartons gave us cover while we crept quietly along, searching for canned fruit, baked beans, spaghetti, Vienna Sausage-even prize of all prizes, Spam, Yes, Spam. Perhaps the processed pork that everyone called Spam was the bane of Stateside mess halls, but on Guadalcanal, Spam was a distinct delicacy. Often we wouldContinue reading “Reflections of Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog: Spam on Guadalcanal”

“Travels to a Different Time” :August 22, 1971: West Berlin: Breakfast Disaster and The Passport Goes For A Trip!

Up at 10 to make breakfast which was a disaster and even poor Heidi groaned. Michael came over at 1:30 and we were setting off to The British Officer’s Club for a swim. Mom said she couldn’t find her passport. Have you ever lost your passport in a foreign country? Mass panic. We turned ourContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” :August 22, 1971: West Berlin: Breakfast Disaster and The Passport Goes For A Trip!”