My best friend in Sicily was Bill Eckes, a Navy journalist. We had some wonderful times together, including an adventure-filled trip to watch the 1965 Targa Florio, a major Italian road race. Bill tried unsuccessfully to transfer to Viet Nam. I think he wanted to do that whole Hemingway thing. Finally, he enlisted the aid of his state senator and got the duty assignment he wanted. Within a year, he was killed on active duty. What a loss.

Here's a view of my villetta, looking from the South. If the photo (and the atmosphere) were clearer, you would be able to see Mt. Etna in the distant background. You can see how near the front gate is to the water. The shot on the right is looking directly at the entrance, toward the West.

Antonio Barrone (right) and two friends. This shot was taken in front of my villa in Marzamemi. Marzamemi is a fishing village on the southeastern coast of Sicily, in the province of Pachino. Its name comes from the arabic word for "little port." My villa was only 15 meters from the beach, and when we got a Nor'easterly (vento grecale), the sea would often come into my garden and up to my doorstep. Fortunately, I was never flooded out during the two years I lived there.

Here I am on board the Sigonella DC3 preparing to leave for Athens, Greece. One of the many benefits of my duty in the US Navy was the chance to travel. While in Athens, I was able to spend time with Peter and Joan Throckmorton in their marvelous old castle in Piraeus. Much to my surprise, Laina Wilde (now Laina Swiny) was staying with them, and we had a wonderful visit. (I met Laina in Sicily during the excavation of the Pantano Longarini shipwreck, which was directed by Peter.)