Sea cats around the Bay of Naples, Italy

I published this post on The Phraser at the end of February 2016. February is a grand time to be on the Bay of Naples. The sun might not always be there, and it might be chilly, but there’s always coffee and plenty to explore … plus, of course, you’re bound to bump into a cat.

The Phraser

By the old fishing harbour in Pozzuoli, near Naples, Italy By the old fishing harbour in Pozzuoli, near Naples, Italy

Last week a bonny, blond portrait painter came to stay.  We took her to see the sights: old fishing harbours; castles; artworks; views; and we fended off the men … but it was the cats that caught her eye.

I looked where she looked – this is for her.

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A day in the sky on the island of Capri

The island of Capri viewed from Castel Sant'Elmo in Naples, Italy

The island of Capri viewed from Castel Sant’Elmo in Naples, Italy

Two years of knowing and not-knowing; two years of a one-sided fascination – it may never have become anything else if it hadn’t been for a friend.

Her invitation to spend the weekend with her at home on the island of Capri was a gift … but we had a problem.

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Ferry trip from Pozzuoli to Ischia and back

A look back (first published 24 July 2015): the Bay of Naples is so crammed with history and legend it’s hard to know where to start – this is an attempt.

The Phraser

Ferry to Ischia with Procida in the foreground Ferry to Ischia with Procida in the foreground

Islands are impossible to resist.   Sit for just one pizza on the seafront in the Bay of Naples and you’ll feel the pull. Capri is the big magnet but swing your eyes to the other side, away from the Sorrentine Peninsular to the opposite end of the bay, and you see Ischia with little Procida tucked between it and the mainland.

Our trip was to Ischia by ferry – a brief journey to join an afternoon sail.

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