5/7/2022

The following day, Will and Leigh gave me the grand tour of their home. I expected to find them living on base in a cookie-cutter World War II apartment similar to the brick ones in Alexandria, Virginia. Instead, they chose to rent off-base in neighboring Pozzuoli—after visiting 16 rental properties.

They occupied the second level of a surprisingly spacious home—except for the kitchen and lack of closet space.

Outdoor stairs led to an open rooftop, perfect for a panoramic neighborhood 360-degree viewing of  Lake Avernus—the volcanic crater lake with extensive hiking trails and Roman ruins, Lake Lucrino, and the Gulf of Naples. The Aragonese Castle of Baia, a medieval fort built on Roman ruins, can be seen in the distance on the Gulf of Naples. 

With Cooper in tow, we easily walked through the neighborhood, starting with an amazing pastry shop for a caloric breakfast of coffees and cornettos.

Leigh and Will spoke Italian and introduced me to shopowners as we visited the wine shop (priority) and market for groceries. 

The caldera

Dinner is served.