I'm so glad I purchased this little private villa. My dear friend Spurius, who owns the villa next door, actually encouraged me to buy it. It's built on a terrace with a breathtaking view, looking down over orange groves, gardens and the magnificent villas of the rich and famous to the glittering sea of the Bay itself.

Although jaunting round the Empire in my lord's entourage or living it up at the Imperial villa is very rewarding in many ways, it's such a relief to escape from the public eye sometimes. As long as its not for too long and I find myself waning in favour of course...

But Baiae isn't exactly out of the public eye anyway, since the place is simply thronging with wealthy hedonists and their hangers-on, all desperate to be seen and gossip about each other, vying for who can throw the most extravagant parties and produce the most exotic entertainments for their jaded guests. I wonder how many party invitations I will recieve?

In the meantime, maybe I will ask Spurius if he would like to visit the spa with me tomorrow - I'm told the thermal springs are very relaxing, and its a good place for people watching ;)