www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I sat there on this early Sunday morn eating a greasy breakfast in McDonalds. Normally I would be at the Pres enjoying the buffet while observing the pedestrians pathing along the bricks of Ave. Central but due to a unpleasant experienced yesterday I find myself once again after many years doing the big Mac thing. The unpleasant experience I shall write about later.

As I sat there I noticed a frail man of my age range a few tables down. his demeanor was withdrawn, his complexion pale and his eyes stared with a blank look as he nibbled on his hash brown and sipped on tea. I've seen that stare before....especially many times in the past. It was 25 years ago when I use to frequent this place along with other ex-pats. It was sort of a gathering mecca for those who reached out for fellow companionship and support.

As with myself, he probably has no family or perhaps then again....no family has him. He appeard as though he had given up on whatever there was left in life....he just had that look.

When I finished my meal I got up and slowly walked by him. Glancing over I muttered "Class of 68." He briefly looked up and replied, "Class of 67". ......and dying. Yea, I was right....he's a Vietnam vet. I stopped and gently placed my hand on his shoulder and said, "Hang in there man and take care brother." He said nothing else as he lowered his head and returned to his lost world. I would have spent more time with him but some vets just want to be left alone and I respected that.

With a lump iin my throat and moist eyes I walked onto the pigeon smelled Avenue and reluctantly reflected on the many men I had known who found this once jewel of 3rd world privacy an escape from the horrors that mankind bestowes on itself. Sadly, there will be many more like him

Circus.....A sobering encounter, indeed. I appreciate seeing a serious side to you...............Zebra

Dude, hope you write more of your thoughts.

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

If all of us were as tough as him!!! Me, I never could qualify, but if I could, i would be like circus!!!!

Circus;
A good post. Thanks for putting it in Bro.
LVSteve
PS: Never in country but in all the same - 64, 65, 66. Hoorah.

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Just an old horney, fat gambler.

I see it all too often and it hurts my heart. There by the grace of God......

circus : I spent much of last night sipping vodka and thinking about your post. I,m from the "class of 65". Even though almost 40 years have passed, there are some things that will never rest. Those of us who endured that era of pain and sorrow will never be the same again. It is always painfull to see those of us who are affected as was this gentelman. And the worst thing was and is the way we were looked upon with disdain by those who will never understand what we did and why we did it. Always forward brother.

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

Circus,

Thanks for posting this. Your reflections are always insightful and unassuming, and guys like me read every post.

Tanager

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Why own when you can rent?

What hurts me most was losing faith in my government. They lied and cheated.......the government and the senior officer corps. To this day I look at the actions of my government with distrust and cynacism and the years have done nothing to change that view. The young man born and raised of immigrant parents, taught by nuns and brothers to trust those in power was forever changed.

So many lives were forever stifled.........I often wonder "what if......." Circus, once again one of your posts causes serious and much needed reflection.

As many "hollow men" as the Viet Nam debacle created, there will be at least that many created by our Current Madness.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Jazzbo,

As with so many other posts you've found, somehow I missed it when it was first posted.

Damn. Now I'm getting all solemn.

I still have "cringe moments" when I think of how I turned my back on a VN vet who was looking for a hand out, a hand up or maybe just a hand in friendship. The guy was Native American, and I still remember him crying out at me as I walked away....

"Happy Valley, man. Doesn't that mean anything to you!? Fuckin' Happy Valley...."



The embarrassment and pain I feel over that one small moment in time has changed me. Now I am more of a soft touch for beggars, am more patient with those suffering mental illness, and try to embrace and be grateful for the service of our brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

No, I do not nor have I ever agreed with the current war in Iraq...but I respect the hell out of any person brave enough to be there and doing a tough job.

Kudos to Circus. I will publically say it; I love that man. Salute.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Circus. Thanks for keeping me humble

NYG

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Damm that water is cold!!!
And deep too!!!

Circus it is good to see you havn't given up on us. Hope to see you at the 5th party. Thanks for you thoughts.

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Take a walk on the wild side.

Very nice writing . Is your character in SJO experiencing this powerful moment, between you guys and privately too? The tea was puzzling was it hot or cold? Are you in the US or CR? Where can you get a tea in CR? So you must be in Europe, Africa, India, Asia, or US drinking sweet tea.

CR drinks a special tea - Something that starts with an M and is like a green herbal healthful tea...

Again thank you for your writing.

pv

elroy

He is a true hero, regargless of whether the cardboard hotels ever take off!