"From the Heartland" doobrajohn's Profile

Greetings to all of you virtual and actual travelers out there. It's been a while since I had time to do all of this again... yes again. I had already done quite a bit of typing on this site way back in 2000, then they changed it and I wasn't looking forward to doing it again... ah well, I have a little time now. Let me introduce myself.

I was born in St. Louis Missouri, I grew up in Affton Missouri and then moved back to St. Louis once I graduated high school. After three miserable years learning how to survive the city with no vehicle and minimal wage paychecks I joined the Marine Corps reserve.

1979, what an eye opener that was! From poverty to enslavement to re-emergence into the world and sporting a new attitude. America was held hostage and before I was given an assignment I was forced to transfer to a different branch of the military (another story in itself).

I've traveled all over the United States and I've been to Europe several times. I think being transfered was a blessing in disguise. Most likely, had I remained in the Marines, I would have left the military after my first enlistment and missed all the travels I've enjoyed... EW-RAH!

Nothing at all against the Marines, after all once a Marine forever a Marine... Semper Fidelis. I admire them all for their courage, devotion and class. Just greatful I was able to move on.

A Stroll through Florence

I want to take this oppurtunity to thank all of you who have taken the time to make your pages worth the visit. I especially enjoy good, original photos with the VT member in the photo interacting with something or someone from another travel location. To those of you who haven't put much effort into their page (myself included), let's get going and make this site what it could be... a trip in itself.

I'm still getting used to the newer format so I'm sure I'll mess up a thing or two before I get it right. You may have seen me add your name to my friends list. Please don't take offense to this, I may have found your writings or photos interesting and it's my way of remembering where I saw your stuff.

Feel free to write if you want to. It may be a while before I get back to you but be assured tha I will return your message. I would be happy to show you around the St. Louis area if your travels bring you to the heartland. We have excellent pizza, great beer and if you're a rocker, you're in for treat because we know how to rock here in ol' St. Lou!

[I honestly don't think of myself as any larger than anyone else so it was strange seeing this photo (taken from behind by a comrade) of me walking in Florence. I appear to be over a head taller than anyone else in the photo]

One World

The Police:
"One world is enough for all of us"