I have arrived in Heaven, or close to it! The trip was long, as always when flying
abroad, but after a very long wait for my checked bag, I popped out of the airport
into the arms of Debby and Phil. A welcome sight and a warm greeting. We walked next
door to the Capo Base (the Navy Base where Phil has his office...it is a small base,
about 54 acres) and put my stuff in their car and then Phil gave me a walking tour of
the facility. We had a quick cappuccino and then we were off to Pozzuoli and Villa
Anna. What a magnificent villa with a view made for Post Cards. I have taken a
couple of pictures of the view but I need to download them on Phillip's computer. If
I can do that in the next day or so, then I will send you a couple of pictures of what
I look at from almost every room of this three story residence. I didn't have any
time to write last night, as there was a "thank you to the Italians" party at the 4
Star Admiral's villa.
His Villa is known as the most beautiful military residence in Europe so you can
imagine what it was like! The food was as terrific as the Villa, the Admiral and his
wife (a native of Napoli), were charming. The Navy band was playing all evening
(with vocals) and they sounded much like Glen Miller! They also had a local Italian
singer for a few romantic numbers. Although I hadn't slept in at least 24 hrs, I felt
like I was in a scene from a movie. It was wonderful. Phil drove to and from (he
can't use his driver when I am with them...no guests allowed) and he drives just like
the Italians!!! It will be quite an experience when I finally get behind the wheel!
As we were winding up the hill and in and out of traffic, along the side of the road
I saw all these cars parked with newspaper on their windows. When I asked what that
was about, they went into gales of laughter! It seems the young Italians mostly live
at home, due to the expense of housing etc., so when they want to have a romantic
encounter (make babies etc) with their girlfriend, that is what they do. Now here is
a magnificent view but they want privacy so they put newspaper up in all their car
windows. Hmmmm..what can I say???
We came home from the story book party and ended the evening with some Lemoncello
looking over the Bay of Pozzuaoli and all the surrounding lights. I fell into bed at
midnight and didn't awaken until 6:30 AM! I was going to make coffee before Debby
and Phil woke up so I needed bottled water. They had shown me the ample supply the
night before, carefully housed in the garage, with the beautiful marble floor
(Philip's Laser sailboat will be housed in there when it arrives). So, at 6:30 AM I
very carefully turned the lock to the inside garage door 4 times as instructed,
opened the door, and promptly set off the entire house alarm! It announces,
"Intruder, Intruder, Intruder!" When the alarm goes off in this house, a Navy
security officer calls immediately to see what the problem might be. Needless to
say, I woke up Debby and Phil and Phil had to assure security that it was only their
house guest who arrived last night and didn't yet have the "hang" of the security
system. Let's just say my arrival has not gone un-noticed!!
Well, let's see, I'm just getting started as to why I have not written before now.
The computer is on the third floor and I am living in the bottom (kind of basement)
floor. When Phil and Debby leave, I will stay in their room, on the same floor as
Philip. I do not feel comfortable just walking to the 3rd floor and getting on the
computer right between their two bedrooms. This is the first chance I have had to
send you a note.
Tomorrow night Debby and Phil have to give a "Hail and Farewell" party for 12 people
so we need to do some planning (I am her party planner flown in from the states for
the occasion), do some rearranging in the living room, do some flower arranging and do
some cooking. I guess I'll be the Nanny and the maid tomorrow night because she only
has 12 matching placemats etc. etc. and who wants 13 at the table anyway. I don't
mind a bit. I can "float" about and be useful without having to really make small
talk!! This morning we did a bit of the above, then the cleaning lady arrived and the
three of us headed off to the support site where there is a commissary, a base
exchange etc., about a 1/2 hour drive from the Villa. We shopped for the party food
and also procured a few groceries for my use as chief Nanny and cook etc. while they
are gone.
Philip was returning from his football game in Germany and we picked him up about
noon. We have a very little Nissan (with a stick shift) so we crammed 4 rather large
bodies, a duffle bag, football gear, a sleeping bag and pillow, and a truck full of
groceries into this little tin can! We returned home in record time (with Phil
driving), unloaded the car, put stuff away, and ate lunch, once again overlooking the
bay and the magnificent view!!! Breathtaking.
We have electric gates, electric doors, electric everything, with a tall fence
surrounding the property and bars and alarms on all of the windows, doors, etc. God
forbid I should ever want to take a stroll!!! Hee, hee. There is a nice hotel just
next door to us so I will explore what might be available there when I get a chance to
escape the compound.
We need to start cooking for tomorrow night's party so I guess I will end
today's letter. I love Italy...I love being here...I love the villa...I love the
magnificent view...I love the experience and I am beginning to feel very Italian! The
minus things...the Italians do not wait in lines well, they push a lot, they drive
fast and their driving signals mean nothing, they walk in the busy streets right in
your way when you are driving and they park their cars on the sidewalk or, if they
aren't parked on the sidewalk, then they drive on it. They don't really care what you
think or if you like something or if you like them but they are warm and friendly and
delightful..."it's so Italian"!
Ciao! Ciao! Love, Marylee
