Island life

I’ve been wanting to go to the islands off the coast at Napoli for a long time.  More well-known are Capri and Ischia. Since we only had a couple of days, I picked Procida and made it a mystery-trip-delayed-birthday-celebration for Ric. It should have been beautiful weather. This was also our last getaway before retirement.  All I can say is that at least it wasn’t as cold as Tuscany in February.

We were able, as usual, to make the most of it despite the weather. When it was not inclement we headed outdoors. When it rained, we luxuriated in long hours of reading in our very pleasant room over-looking a marina. The food was terrific: fish and shellfish galore, crisp white wine from Ischia, and decent pizza. (See Our Weekly Pizza.)  Much like when we used to go to Cannon Beach, Oregon, in winter, it was a relaxing break from the everyday. It is nice to get out of the city.

There were many people traveling to-and-from Procida and Ischia, many clearly bound for homes of family and friends. The ferry out on Saturday was packed as many Italians travel at Easter. There were not so many tourists, but we were far from alone. Clearly others expected Mediterranean Spring as well.

If one is in Italy for a few weeks of intense travel and sightseeing, Procida would make a nice break, a “vacation from your vacation” as Rick Steves says.  Herewith a slideshow to give you a feel for Procida. Click on any picture to start the show.

Nice view over the marina from our room.

Lovely collection of boats in the marina.

Procida is a famous movie location, the site of Il Postino, The Incredible Mr. Ripley, and many Italian films.

I love these masts sticking up out of a screen of trees. They are in dry dock.

There are several types of ferries that take you to/from the islands and Napoli.

Quaint alleyways…just like every other cute Italian town.

Easter morning was quite nice. The storm moved in about 11:00.

I greeted the waiter here with “Buona Pasqua” to which he replied “Happy Birthday!” We exchanged language tips.

Outside the main Tabbachio at the port, a giant Lindt bunny greets us on Easter morning.

Nothing says Easter like a chocolate rabbit.

We could not get close to this church, but it is apparently where items from a Good Friday procession were left after it was over.

More figures from the procession.

Some of the props from the Good Friday Procession.

JaneGray’s doppelganger lives on Procida.

I love how from this vantage point one can look across the narrow island and see the sea on the other side.

From the same location, Ischia looms in the distance.

The storm moves in over Ischia headed our way. We scrambled to find a bar before it hit.

Found a table in a cute bar where we had lovely chocolate-topped cappucini.

We weren’t the only ones seeking shelter from the storm. Church let out just as the rain came.

The church where we sought refuge from Easter morning rain.

One of the many decked-out-for-Easter churches.

I think this is supposed to represent Jesus’ empty tomb. Quite creative.

There is a small network of tiny buses criss-crossing the island serving residents and visitors alike.

The names says it all. One of the less-impressive boats we saw.

This relief map of the island is posted outside a neighborhood at the top of the island.

On a sunny weekend this outdoor space at out hotel would be a lovely spot for breakfast.

Great restaurant and happy to find it in bad weather.

Why don’t we have such cute portals to our homes in the U.S?

Tags: Easter, holidays, Ischia, Procida