By Rubrpig
After my final night at the Barracks with my new commanding officers, my mind was a tumble of images. I got back to my hotel and packed my gear as my flight home was in the morning.
After checking through security and customs, I sat in the departure lounge of Heathrow Terminal 2 waiting for flight to be called on the departure boards. I finally was able to stop and think about what had happened over the previous two weeks and especially what happened the previous night. I grabbed my computer bag and pulled out the folder of documents which I had been given by my Officers after I had signed them. I read through them and the reality of what I had done sunk in like the Captain slamming me in the gut with his favourite weighted gloves.
I had willingly joined the Royal Army specifically the Blues and Royals as a trooper. The papers also included the assignment to the ceremonial unit once basic training was completed. The reality hit me hard and I knew that I had a lot of work to accomplish once I got home. I slumped in my seat and wondered what the future was going to hold.
After an afternoon of sightseeing in San Diego, I returned to my hotel in Oceanside, California. A block off the beach, my room on the fifth floor had a great view of the ocean and one of the longest piers on the California coast. With all the walking I had done I favored some time enjoying the hot turbulent waters of the hot tub. So, I slipped on my bathing suit and headed up to the rooftop where the swimming pool and hot tub were located. When I stepped out onto the patio, the view was impressive with a glass wall around the top floor so the vistas would not be spoiled. I was also glad to find no one using the facilities so I had it all to myself. Since it was late afternoon and, on a Friday, most people would only be checking in or busy with other activities.