When the rain stopped lashing down Costa Rica style I sauntered out to see if there were any pictures available. The threat of more rain, it went off only for an hours, made me hurry somewhat.
Dripping leaves, berries, or whatever they are, knocked, along with the leaves, from trees. Roads wet, drivers not slowing down, forgetful of slippy roads, and puddles aplenty but none in a place where I could make a picture! Bah!
The market was suffering badly. Few stalls, only three regulars and not even the fish van bothered to turn out today. Heavy rain keeps people indoors, so off I went home.
Today however is VJ Day, 'Victory over Japan Day.' This marks 75 years since the signing of the Japanese surrender and the official end of the Second World War. Far too few understand this today, some only concerned with the dropping of two Atom Bombs on Japan, no concern for the millions suffering under Japanese occupation or the 12,000 British troops murdered in Jap POW camps. Add to that the Empire forces from Australia, India and Africa who endured the longest soldiers campaign of the war and consider how happy people were at wars end.
There was therefore a short service at the public Gardens to commemorate this day and the men involved. Only 16 were invited, and I, once informed by devious means, secured a place by boldly walking in uninvited. The virus hinders crowds even at such ceremonies. The thunder expected at that time remained far away and only now has the rain returned. Very respectful of it I must say.
Thus satisfied, though ignored by most others, I made my way home to prepare for the evening football and other joys on offer tonight. Pie and chips, all that was found in the fridge, was not found to be a joy in the end...
3 comments:
Father lost too many friends to the Japanese and refused to have anything Japanese in the house all his life.
I am glad you managed to slip in to the ceremony and that the rain stayed in Costa Rica for the duration.
It gave us a first class soaking, though.
There are some horrible stories about what happened to the PoW's.
I think those fallen fruits may be crab apples.
Pie and chips eh!!they were always good after a couple of beers.
Fly, Many men felt the same, the Argyles were amongst those who suffered and many Scots died there. Glad you enjoyed the rain...
Dave, As a 9 yr old I made the mistake of looking at the pictures in my dads book, 'The Knights of Bushido.' Indians being buried alive, men tortured and beaten etc. I was too young to see that.
Scotch pies are missing round here, they always made a great meal.
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