November 11
New Bern, North Carolina lies at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers and is just thirty or so miles from the ocean. It is the second oldest city in NC, founded in 1710, and once served as its capital. A Civil War battle was fought here in 1862, and in 1890, a local pharmacist concocted a brew which was later named Pepsi. Elvis performed here in the 50’s. The Today show listed it as one of the best places to retire. None of the above drove u
s to come here. Roger and Freda retired here.
Freda was one of my teaching partners at the International School Bangkok (ISB) in 1972. Roger was an army officer at the time and was posted “up country”. Over the years, we have stayed in contact with them as Freda emerged into her role as the “Queen of ISB”. Roger served two tours in Thailand and returned there as a civilian employee for the U.S. government. In all, they lived there 24 years.
Freda worked almost all of those years at ISB. This is very unique as it is customary in
international schools settings that international hires stay just a few years, then move on to a new post. 24 years of service to one international school is very rare. Freda emerged as the “institutional memory” of ISB and served in a variety of capacities. Roger retired from his civilian job, returned to the U.S. to attend college, acquired his teaching certificate, and returned to ISB to teach. They both retired in 2002 and returned to settle in their native state. They settled here due to New Bern’s charm, climate, infrastructure, and proximity to water.
The charm of the area is reflected in Roger and Freda’s lifestyle. The first picture is Freda and Roger picking us up at our campsite dock. It was cold in the early morning, around 40 degrees, but the sun was shining and the air was clear. The second picture reflects our travels through the channels and rivers of the area, and the last, is a picture of our arrival in Freda and Roger's backyard. Hospitality reigned supreme. Roger and Freda represent a combination of southern hospitality and Thai graciousness. Very special, Roger and Freda .
New Bern, North Carolina lies at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers and is just thirty or so miles from the ocean. It is the second oldest city in NC, founded in 1710, and once served as its capital. A Civil War battle was fought here in 1862, and in 1890, a local pharmacist concocted a brew which was later named Pepsi. Elvis performed here in the 50’s. The Today show listed it as one of the best places to retire. None of the above drove u
s to come here. Roger and Freda retired here.Freda was one of my teaching partners at the International School Bangkok (ISB) in 1972. Roger was an army officer at the time and was posted “up country”. Over the years, we have stayed in contact with them as Freda emerged into her role as the “Queen of ISB”. Roger served two tours in Thailand and returned there as a civilian employee for the U.S. government. In all, they lived there 24 years.
Freda worked almost all of those years at ISB. This is very unique as it is customary in
international schools settings that international hires stay just a few years, then move on to a new post. 24 years of service to one international school is very rare. Freda emerged as the “institutional memory” of ISB and served in a variety of capacities. Roger retired from his civilian job, returned to the U.S. to attend college, acquired his teaching certificate, and returned to ISB to teach. They both retired in 2002 and returned to settle in their native state. They settled here due to New Bern’s charm, climate, infrastructure, and proximity to water.
The charm of the area is reflected in Roger and Freda’s lifestyle. The first picture is Freda and Roger picking us up at our campsite dock. It was cold in the early morning, around 40 degrees, but the sun was shining and the air was clear. The second picture reflects our travels through the channels and rivers of the area, and the last, is a picture of our arrival in Freda and Roger's backyard. Hospitality reigned supreme. Roger and Freda represent a combination of southern hospitality and Thai graciousness. Very special, Roger and Freda .
1 comment:
Norm and Barb,
What a lovely entry in your travel journal. But it was all our pleasure to have you and Barb stop and visit us for two days here in New Bern. It was as though no time had passed between us...you are very special folks! I hope that we will be able to visit you in Washington after our Alaska trip. I have not read your whole blog yet, but will later this afternoon.
Be safe, and YA'LL come back anytime.
Freda
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