The Bay of Naples, Italy
Experience, memory and time frame our lives. We exist together and are shaped by them but are unable to catch hold of any one of them … we’re like flotsam on a storm sea.
I look back at my life and know its chapters have changed me, that each has altered the book of me they belong to. Now there’s a new chapter to add – Naples.
View over the city of Naples, Italy
We moved into temporary accommodation on the outskirts of Naples in August 2014. A month later we had moved again into our new home.
Since then I have had the luxury of being suspended from the normal work routine. I have had time to dedicate to three new passions – the city of Naples and its history; the Italian language; and the craft of writing. I do not claim to have mastered any of these but I have explored all three and, on good days, there are some signs of progress.
In the centro storico of Naples, Italy
To mark the end of our time here I plan to repost each of the blogs that relate to Naples in the order that I wrote them. I hope they will read as a tribute to a city that is so much itself there is no other to compare it to. Its spirit is shadowed by dark and light. It’s gracious and challenging; beautiful and loved … and yet in parts utterly abandoned.
I hope that my blogs capture some of this, and that they are helpful to those who would like to visit, and of interest to those who may not be lucky enough to do so.
The Bay of Naples, Italy
As always thank you for your company.
Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2018
The Phraser 
Keep on writing please…xx looking forward to having you back in blighty…xx
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Thanks Aggie. En route through France right now. A prestoxx
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Wonderful Georgie. What a lovely nod to Napoli and all its complexities, layers, contradictions and downright uniqueness. After 4 years and our new life further North your sentiments echo a similar testament to Napoli. I have and will continue to enjoy re-reading your blogs. Thank you for pursuing your three skills as the writing has articulated what I know so many other people experience and feel.
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Thank you Glynis! Makes the tussles with all those words very worthwhile 😀
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Such a shame, Georgie, seems like you just arrived here, but thanks for sharing your wonder and joy at discovering this unique spot in the Universe. You confirm what we all know — whether brief or for a lifetime, the Naples experience is intense, and lasts forever.
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I can’t believe our time here is coming to an end Tricia. I think your phrase “the Naples experience is intense, and lasts forever” is perfect. We are richer (in the right way, the human way) because of it.
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I’m looking forward to reading those past posts. Thank you for taking the time to make it easy for us to access them.
It’s only 190 days until I’ll be in that city, I don’t know why I waited so long to venture down there.
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Pleasure Yvonne – I’ve enjoyed rediscovering my first impressions. They will be reblogged exactly as first written (with the exception of tiny, tiny, minor changes such as typos).
Great that you are visiting next year. It’s such an experience. It is a city with character – a city that has not become a bland commercial blob. Naples is all about people, its people, and Neapolitans know who they are. Their city is tough and it’s tired, but it’s also beautiful …. and right now it’s in bloom. Happy travels!
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Hi Georgie, are you leaving Naples? How absolutely fabulous to have spent 2 years in Italy and especially Naples. You do write beautifully, most definitely from the heart. So, where are you off to. Lyn
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Hi Lyn – so lucky to have had two years in Naples. Looks like we’re headed back to the UK. Thanks for your company – always much appreciated Georgie
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It has been a pleasure. Will you continue with your blog? Lyn
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I think for a few more months as I run through the reblogs and add a few final posts … after that not sure. I might have to look for a proper job 😕
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Dear Phraser, I have read this with much sadness. I too have experienced the darkness and light of Naples although for a much briefer time. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts with their thoughtful and respectful interpretation of aspects of your temporary home. And more than anything I have loved having you there, a window into the mystifying. I will really miss your intelligent and interesting posts. Not many are out there like you. Keep writing wherever you go, it will be in your blood now. In bocca al lupo.
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Thank you so much … your note has given me such a lift. I am so grateful for your company and your encouragement – both wonderful to have. Grazie 🙂
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