Our Trip to Amalfi

Finally, Sunday provided us a break from all the pressures of setting up house in a foreign country.  We paid a visit to the Amalfi Coast and stayed at Hotel Onda Verde.  The hour and a half road trip took us up the narrow winding road along the Amalfi Coast.  Somewhere between Amalfi and Positano, we found Onda Verde nestled against the mountain which ended at the Mediterranean Sea.  We spent all day Sunday taking in the wonderful views, sunbathing, and sipping wine.  The pictures say it all.

 

 

 

Our First Week in Napoli!

Jan and I finally arrived after a 24+ hour trip. We started early Tuesday morning from Jacksonville to Charlotte then Norfolk. There we caught our contracted flight from Norfolk Air Station. After waiting hours in the terminal (we actually had time to rent a car and hit downtown Norfolk for dinner), we boarded at 0005 in the AM. Our first stop was Lajes (pronounced "lodges") Azores, where the aircraft experienced a flat tire (after landing!). Several hours later, we re-boarded her and made our last flight into Naples. By 9 PM (36 hours after starting), we settled in our quarters (hotel). Since, we have been extremely busy with setting up housing and communications. Jan now has a cell phone, and we wait for an air card to help with Vonage. With the air card, we will have multiple means of communications. As for housing, we traveled East of Napoli, North of Napoli, South of Napoli. Believe it or not, Jan was considering an apartment downtown, I believe we will come to the conclusion that on the base housing is right for us. On a separate and cultural note, we found that the young Italian couples like to make out in public!!!! We tried it but it just wasn't the same as a 1975 Beetle! Lastly, we hope to visit the Amalfi coast this week. Wes and Janice

Jan's a Swinger!

Saturday night marked our last gathering with the neighborhood friends. Travis and Rebecca hosted a wonderful gathering with the normal crowd ("normal" to be debated later). While finger foods were available, Travis treated all of us to the widely acclaimed "Frogmore Stew"--cooked in the "cadillac" of all cookers provided by Craig and Kathy! Also joining us was my brother and his son from Beaufort, SC who came to paint our Wilmington home. As we sat around in the backyard, we enjoyed light conversation and plenty of laughs. The highlight of the evening was not seen by the masses but only viewed by a lucky few. As you can see by the photo, Jan could not resist swinging on our host's tree swing. It did not take long for my brother to grab the rope and send Jan swinging high into the night sky. As she reached the top of each swing, she "screamed" like a baby! It was a site to see and a good closing to a great evening. Wes

Happy Independence Day

4th of July! The day the greatest nation in this world gained/declared Independence in 1776. On this day, Jan and I continue to prepare for our move to Italy. Its been a busy two weeks. First, Jan's mom had surgery which ultimately required Jan to fly home, my mom had a pace-maker implanted, we prepared the Rock Creek home for sale, cleaned the on base quarters, and I had surgery on my knee. Although busy, we found time to spend with our family--the attached pics show us enjoying Frogmore Stew with the kids, and Jan and I enjoying solitude at the Rock Creek house on the 4th. In the end, the pool is great, moms are doing well, house is under contract, and my knee is doing well. It appears as if we will make it to Italy after all. SF Wes and Janice