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.
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.
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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Royal hideaway in Portici, near Naples
It was a warm day and we were on an old road in a corner of what used to be a royal park. It is now university grounds but still has that swish of palaces, intrigue and celebrity at play.
In front of us a smallish red building curved its face to catch views of Vesuvius and the sea. This, we were told, was where the king entertained his mistresses. Instantly the Italian guide had our attention.
The Phraser 