 August 11th, 1971 |
Even though the Jamboree had formally closed Tuesday night, there were still some activites open. So after we had the campsite closed down, we still had a few hours to roam around the site.
Thursday, August 12th we broke our camp and loaded our packs and duffle bags onto a truck. We all got into busses and rode to Tokyo Airport for the long flight home. I recall we stopped in Seattle for a brief time, then back into Philadelphia. Because of the time change, we 'gained' the day that we 'lost' flying to Japan three weeks before.
We arrived in Philadelphia very tired and jet lagged, and there the scouts from our special Jamboree Troop 334 went our seperate ways. Goodbyes were said than then those of us from Minsi Trails council boarded a bus for Bethlehem. When we arrived we learned that our families had heard about the typhoon we went though and she was very happy that we were home. I recall also that my mother was also quite upset about losing my camera and many of my souviners to the storm and that much of the clothing and other items I had were in servere need of cleaning.
However when you are 16, your thoughts quicky move on to other things. There was still 3 weeks until I started my senior year of high school, and I was anxious to see my friends in Allentown. Also during the time I was in Japan my parents had decided to end their marriage. I had some organizing to do of my souviners for a presentation to my troop at the next Court of Honor, but basically fter that they went into my footlocker. That's where they stayed for the next 30 years as my life moved on to other adventures.
That's the way it was during the last summer of my adolecence, 1971.
Wendesday morning was spent mostly packing our campsite and getting ready to go home tomorrow. Because we left for Japan a day later than other troops on the "TKJ", tour, we were offered a sightseeing tour, however I remember that I was quite ready to go home, and declined it.
 Packing up, heding out, and going home. |
 'For Understanding" tower at the Central Plaza |
 Flags of various nations particpating in the Jamboree at the Central Plaza |
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