What was your favorite country? (Army, Navy, stationed, enlistment)

[Rathagos]

What was your favorite country to visit, serve in (other than the U.S.)?

Having been in the Navy for almost 21 years, I've had my share of countries to see. I lived in Japan, Philippines, Italy, and Spain. Outside of that, I've visited Hong Kong (pre-China retake), Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Samoa (western), France, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Malaysia, Azores, New Caledonia, Panama, and Venezuela.

My favorite to visit, overall, for relaxation, the kindness of people, etc., was Pago Pago, Samoa. That was the best!! Tisa's Barefoot Bar was a small hut on the water. If you wanted some snacks... say bananas... a guy would grab a machete, head of across the street into the jungle, and come back with a bunch. They'd literally drop a line for some fresh, seasoned, seared fish. Nicest people you'd ever want to meet.

[121804]

Army in Korea. I loved traveling to Seoul on the weekends or we'd try a new hiking path. There were always Buddhist temples at the bottom of the mountains & it was fascinating to observe. Beautiful country, interesting food, & very pleasant lifestyle. We use to do our PT runs through the rice paddies &the sun was rising. I was stationed in a very small post near the DMZ. It was tough due to the extreme change from life in the states, but it turned out to be one of my best experiences.

I was also able to travel to Vietnam, Thailand, China & Australia while I was there.

Australia was hands down my favorite trip with Bondi Beach in Sydney being my favorite along with the Rocks in downtown Sydney. I was able to spend NYE there & see the fireworks in Sydney Harbor. That was memorable.

[marmac]

I was a 2 year draftee in the Navy and never left the states ( 2 different NAS)

However, every "airdale" I talked to who had been stationed at Rota Spain stated it was the best.

Some "airdales" asked for Rota Spain as a re-enlistment incentive.


Anybody ever been stationed there ?

[Six Foot Three]

All the Caribbean Islands would be on my list as we on a Guided Missle Destroyer and got to visit many of them but I really like Ocho Rios in Jamaica as it was so tropical and fun on the Beaches. Just a fun place to dance and party in the Carribeam.

I also liked Greneda as after the successful U.S. invasiion we got to go there and only a handful of us got to go to shore everyday as i was a diesel mechanic for the Captains Gig so i really lucked out getting to go to shore while the brass ahem....drank in the little bars there. Cool to see the Army Rangers carrying their M-16's all around there after they took out the Cubans. It is a beautiful Island with white sandy beaches and just off the tip of Venezuela.

[Crew Chief]

Was stationed in South Korea and Germany courtesy of the USAF. Enjoyed them both, as well as the Phillipines, Okinawa and all of the countries in Western Europe. If my (German) wife reads this, Deutschland is my favorite country. However, I'd give Holland just a slight edge because of the very laid-back people.

[Rathagos]

Originally Posted by marmac

However, every "airdale" I talked to who had been stationed at Rota Spain stated it was the best. Some "airdales" asked for Rota Spain as a re-enlistment incentive. Anybody ever been stationed there ?

I was there in Rota, Spain, in 1986. It was supposed to be for a 30 day TAD (TDY), but turned into 8 months. It was nice... just outside the base on the main street, there was a place called Shorty's fried rice... I still think that it was the best fried rice I've ever had anywhere in the world. Across the street there was an American bar. They closed on Sunday's, I think, but the owner let me in to watch the World Cup with him and his employees. The people were great.

[Oranje]

I enjoyed Panama and Colombia, but when you're on vacation everything seems a little brighter than it really is.

[Submariner]

Scotland was the best for us.

[BabyBoomers2]

Of all the Ports I went to during my time in the Navy (Viet Nam Era), Hong Kong was TOTALLY COOL!! The ladies there were SO, SO, SO BEAUTIFUL!!

[dynimagelv]

Was stationed in France a million years ago and loved every second of it....as CrewChief said....Holland was also a GREAT country.....Belgium [before SHAPE HQ] was fantastic for Americans.