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I love Italy!!!! We lived in Sigonella for almost 4 years, first in Motta and then on base housing. I did not take the 205 nor the far away housing complex. We came back to the states and three years later we left for Naples. I have 2 teenagers, a father in law and no pets. It was great for the kids to live onbase so they walk to school. My husband was attached to NATO in Agnano and I worked for NAVFAC in Capodichino. My husband had to travel the longest and it only took me 15 minutes to get to the base in the morning. We traveled almost every weekend either because of football or soccer games or just to go new places. I took italian classes and it was great (imparare un po di italiano ti poi auidare moltissimo) my spelling is terrible but it does not matter. Living on-base has positives, if you are planning to travel you have no worries. When we lived off base in Sigonella our car was mashed a couple times, we learned, we left the doors open after that... In Naples, we heard horror stories but we also heard great experiences... We worked with lots of local nationals and got to experience many activities. Enjoy your new location and remember, every place is different!!!
Was stationed in Gaeta, Italy; north of Naples. If you get stationed in Naples, then make a trip to Gaeta in the spring and summer months. The beaches were clean and nice when I was there (1994-1996). Most of the locals spoke English well. Climb the mountain to see the best preserved Roman mosoleum of a Roman General. Visit Split Mountain. Shop at the Via Indepenzia (sp?), a narrow alley filled with shops. It was much friendlier and safer than Naples.
Our friends are stationed there and they LOVE it. Lots of touring, its almost like my friend's husband isn't really working (at least it seems like it because they are always gone to germany, or driving the coast or going to greece).....anyhow. they like it. They havebeen there for a few months and yes they got robbed. I believe from their car not their home but yes do believe it is pretty common but they still really enjoy it. Go for it--you really don't get many opportunities like this calling.
I was at AFSOUTH for 3 years..living on the economy limits your travel on weekends or days off, leave etc due to possible breakins.
Living in a gated base community is safer and allows one to travel without fear of break ins.
Be careful where you park your POV. I went to Sicily, Portofino, to Venice and all over Tuscany. What I liked most about Italy was you never know what castle awaits you over that next hill.
Read the Greek and Roman myths, get a good tour book. Enjoy the wine.
Stay in convents!
They're cheap and pleantiful and safe.
Who's going to mess with nuns.
If you email me privately when you get there, I can copy some pages of the book: Bed and Blessings, and send them to you.
Don't miss Florence!
Yes, living on-base in Italy is safer.
CRIME - We never got robbed or broken into - we were careful and locked our car and house ALL the time - no problems. Be aware - like in ANY city, Italy or US.
PEOPLE - We loved the people and they were very good to us!
TRAVEL - Don't be afraid to venture out and explore! Try new foods, try to communicate with the local people!
BASE - You have everything you would find on a US base.
GO FOR IT!
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