April 13, 2012

• International Celebrity / National Nobody

  A line borrowed from a friend who also is a pretty good rapper. Its meaning is interpreted as stated… nothing more nothing less. I feel it applies to me because the “highlights” of my life for the most part have been overseas thus far. I’ve found Love at home and always enjoy going back but nothing can take away the things I’ve experience abroad. For those interested in my exploits feel free to continue reading….

   

   Upon joining the military I was immediately taken out of my comfort zone (geographically speaking.) I went to basic training and MOS training in Columbia, South Carolina. From there I was flown to the wonderful winter land of Deutschland. I resided in a smaller town called Wiesbaden right outside of the “Beverly Hills” like city of Mainz. The people and things I experienced there were amazing to say the least. Beautiful women, great public transportation and the legal drinking age of 18 made for an immediate adventure I was willing to undertake. I met genuine people whom many keep in touch with currently. The one thing I did NOT learn here was temperance. If we did anything, it was an all out affair. I arrived in Hanau to in process on December 7th 2006. By New Year’s weekend some new found friends and I were on a train headed to Berlin. I don’t remember much of the trip as I was inebriated the ENTIRE time lol. I do remember gorgeous people, generous drink servings and my first experience with eating duck. On the train ride there we saw a few girls our age sitting in the car ahead of us. After a miniscule deliberation amongst ourselves we decided to go talk to them. Within 5 minutes we were playing spades, re-confirming our train stops and drinking Hennessey and coke (conveniently tucked away in one of their travel bags.) After arriving to Berlin we proceeded to check in to the hotel (we arrived on NYE). Soon after we hit the streets to scout bars and clubs. In Germany you can open carry and I think we had Hennessey and Remy Martin with us to pregame while walking. One of the bottles got busted and someone felt so bad for us they proceeded to offer us champagne. I thought they wanted us each to “sip” but that was considered disrespectful. Instead we devoured a bottle of champagne while we waited for a taxi with strangers. The rest is mostly a blur… I lost my camera, my favorite hat and my ability to EVER have a “normal” New Years. Needless to say I’d do it again. To be noted it was “reported” we went to a New Year’s Celebration where the 90s group “So For Real” was singling live (YouTube Candy Rain.) Somehow we ended up on stage and were the unofficial, official backup singers or something to that effect lol.

     

  From Germany I was deployed to Iraq with the rest of the 1st Armored Division. Here I was able to mature not only as a Soldier but a Man. I was Raised from a dead level to a living square and continue to square my actions in everything I do. The men and women that share this bond with me aren’t just my brother/sisters in arms. They are my PHAm and SiStars. IN HOC to all my Knights! While deployed I was able to re-enlist for Okinawa Japan. I was always interested in Asia and figured I would capitalize on my chance to continue to experience life abroad. Fortunately for me I did because it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life ^_^

  

   

      I arrived in Okinawa, Japan May 11th 2009. It was night time when my NCO’s came to pick me up from the Naha airport. When driving back to base all I could remember were “lights”. Route 58 going from Naha to Torii is beautiful especially at night time. During my tour on Oki I experienced a lot. I learned how to ride motorcycles, became an avid bowler, an amateur model, PT stud, True Dreamer and somewhat Enlightened. The people that I met here remain close in many facets in my life. I think it’s something to do with the “island effect”. In my opinion when you’re “stuck” in a place that small the bonds, people and experiences you encounter are stronger and more significant. I can’t confirm why, I just believe it to be true. Okinawa wasn’t as “crazy” as Germany but it definitely had its moments. For some time I lived with my “brother” Perry in a condo about 800 meters from the East China Sea. During the summertime we would work out and go swimming after work. We lived right down the street from the Seawall so we always had good food, good drinks and high spirits. For some time I worked as an MC at a local club called Dragons on gate 2 street. When the crowd was there it was the place to be hands down. I bowled 3 nights a week on various leagues at the Kadena Bowling Center. Bowling wasn’t just about throwing a ball down the lane there…. It was about cheap drinks, slot machines, genuine friendships and bragging rights lol. Seriously it was more like a family than a bowling league. As far as the Military while in Okinawa I originally worked as a Human Resource Specialist at the 505th Quarter Master Battalion. Through steady involvement and good timing I was transferred and became the President of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program on Okinawa. This program focused on Quality of Life for the Soldier, Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities. Hands down the HIGHLIGHT of my career in the Army. I’d be lying if I said I was at my best but I tried and those who worked with me tried as well. Together we brought the program from par to phenomenal and I still remain thankful for all that I was able to experience because of it. If anyone is in the service support your Single Service Member Programs. They thrive because of YOU!

      

   

  While in Okinawa I made multiple trips to the BEST city in Japan: Tokyo. My first trip there was for my 22nd Birthday. I felt I owed it to myself since I turned 20 & 21 in Iraq (to be noted I did get birthday cupcakes and an IPod while deployed ^_^) I stayed at the Hardy Barracks located a few blocks from downtown Roppongi. For $35 a night I had a double room with the works including flat screen T.V., king size bed, enormous bathroom and a heated, magical toilet (you haven’t experienced heaven in a restroom until you use a toilet in Japan lol). Tokyo is AMAZING. There’s always somewhere open and so much to see and do. My first trip basically consisted of walking, drinking, clubbing, drinking, walking, sleeping (shower & repeat). My last few days fell on a Sunday – Tuesday so I figured I would take it easy (although Sunday was my officially my birthday) I head to a local Pizza bar and get a beer while watching a basket ball game. I remember the Lakers were playing and Kobe was sucking as usual lol. In comes a group of Japanese Men/Women and they all were dressed really nice. Me being social as usual decide to ask them why so “spiffy” and it turns out they were celebrating because one of the couples just got married. The entire time I’m speaking to Yuzo as he speaks the most English. I try some of my Japanese and we soon discover each other’s interest of American/Asian women and traveling. Then comes the question…. “Why are you here Davy-san”? I proceed to tell him it’s my birthday. He gets really excited and tells all his friends something in Japanese. They all come up to me and proceed to wish me a Happy Birthday. He then asks me are we considered “friends” in completely heterosexual manner. On my third beer and empty stomach (pizza was just sitting there) I proceed to tell him “Hai Tomodachi. Nunde? (Yes friend, why?). He proceeds to tell me tonight while be a testament to our friendship and that I should trust him because I’m about to get drunk. (To be noted when Asians decide to get drunk they go HAM.) I say “OK” and all his friends line up behind him. One by one they proceed to take a shot with me wishing me a happy birthday. I don’t remember anything pass the 7th or so but he says I went the whole 22… The next morning I wake up in my hotel room with all my valuables and body intact to see a text message from Yuzo that reads “Happy Birthday Dude! You were wasted but we had a blast. Hit me up before you leave so we can meet for lunch”. Needless to say I still keep in touch with Yuzo; he’s a good guy and has as much love for an American Queen as I have for an Asian Goddess.

   

  My next trips to Tokyo including just as interesting dialogues with people of all kind but the only one that mattered was JG. We met on my second trip to Tokyo through a mutual friend who took me out partying in Roppongi and Shibuya. We started as “friends with benefits” although the “friendship definitely came after the benefits lol. She’s older than me by 8 years and extremely well spoken. With a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, a divorce and child she is definitely wise beyond her years and more than willing to speak her mind. We spoke often and usually ended “debates” with agreeing to disagree but never the less we enjoyed every moment of it and each other. What we had was Beautiful and Unforgettable. Any trip after my second trip to Tokyo was to see her and each one was well worth it.

  

   

  I guess that’s enough for now as I’m currently considered “American” again being my current address is in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I eagerly await this coming October-December as I will have plenty to write about as I travel from Richmond VA, to Orlando FL, to Dallas TX, to L.A. CA and ending my “celebratory liberation tour” in Bangkok Thailand for 33 days as I commemorate 25 years of Life, Liberty and Love ^_^ If you’d like more detailed info on this check out my post titled “Processing”.

   Have any of you traveled and have crazy stories to boot? Tell me about them!

  Until next time…

   Peace, Love, Light

  “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; It will never pass into nothingness.”

   - John Keats ☮ ♥ ☼

  • 6:32 pm
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