We were stationed there from 1973 to 1976. Most Americans lived off-base as there was very limited on-base housing. They were spread out in a variety of communities, Brindisi, San Vito, Ostuni, Specchiolla, etc. San Vito had an apartment complex where quite a few Americans lived, also one in Brindisi. We only had AFN radio, no AFN television. Every town had their market on a different day so it would be fun to go to the different markets. The best place to buy fruits, vegetables, cheeses, shoes, and household items. There were no large supermarkets or department stores in the area. The commissary was a godsend for buying canned goods, toilet paper, aluminum foil and items you couldn't find on the economy or were more expensive. Yes, we had the "elephant cage" and a nine hole golf course which didn't make sense as it was usually dried up - but, I guess, was something the base commander wanted. We loved living on the economy and mixing with the Italians, a warm and gracious people. Of course there were different customs, habits and driving - but that was what made it fun! Before the Boomerang it was called Nuovas and was located in a different location in Brindisi. When we went back there in the 80's we had one heck of a hard time finding out what had happened to Nuovas as no one remembered the name. After enough questions we found the Boomerang and it was just as delicious as it was in the seventies. I would fly to Italy just to go there. Nothing like a ham, cheese, pickled mushroom fertilli (calzone) and tomato bread (focaccia).its like dying and going to heaven! We called the road going from San Vito to the base, the S curve because of the rise and curve in the road. Many great memories!
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We were stationed there from 1973 to 1976. Most Americans lived off-base as there was very limited on-base housing. They were spread out in a variety of communities, Brindisi, San Vito, Ostuni, Specchiolla, etc. San Vito had an apartment complex where quite a few Americans lived, also one in Brindisi. We only had AFN radio, no AFN television. Every town had their market on a different day so it would be fun to go to the different markets. The best place to buy fruits, vegetables, cheeses, shoes, and household items. There were no large supermarkets or department stores in the area. The commissary was a godsend for buying canned goods, toilet paper, aluminum foil and items you couldn't find on the economy or were more expensive. Yes, we had the "elephant cage" and a nine hole golf course which didn't make sense as it was usually dried up - but, I guess, was something the base commander wanted. We loved living on the economy and mixing with the Italians, a warm and gracious people. Of course there were different customs, habits and driving - but that was what made it fun! Before the Boomerang it was called Nuovas and was located in a different location in Brindisi. When we went back there in the 80's we had one heck of a hard time finding out what had happened to Nuovas as no one remembered the name. After enough questions we found the Boomerang and it was just as delicious as it was in the seventies. I would fly to Italy just to go there. Nothing like a ham, cheese, pickled mushroom fertilli (calzone) and tomato bread (focaccia).its like dying and going to heaven! We called the road going from San Vito to the base, the S curve because of the rise and curve in the road. Many great memories!