Ischia

Ischia is also in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is almost entirely mountainous, the highest peak being Mount Epomeo at 788 m.
The main industry is tourism, centering on thermal spas that cater mostly to European and Asian tourists eager to enjoy the fruits of the island's natural volcanic activity, its thermal hot springs, and its volcanic mud. 
We were here for one night, so didn't get to see much. This was our stop over to Sardegna!

Colourful Island

Castello Arognese

The 88m Maltese Falcon passed us. 

One of the largest privately-owned sailing yachts in the world.

Capri

Our first Two Week charter. I literally was dreading this day would come. Not because of the work, but spending 2 weeks with these demanding russians on a boat was rather exhausting, especially with the kids on board.  It was the boss' wife's birthday and he wanted to spend it in Capri. So we did a 7 hour crossing to the beautiful Capri.
I was so sea sick, I struggled to serve them breakfast on the first day. Even the poor wife was sick on her own birthday!

Capri is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea on the south side of the Gulf of Naples.  The main town on the island shares the name. 

Features of the island are the Marina Piccola (the little harbour), the Belvedere of Tragara (a high panoramic promenade lined with villas), the limestone crags called sea stacks that project above the sea, the town of Anacapri, the Blue Grotto, and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas. 

I tried to incorporate every island, town or country's traditional food into my menu wherever we went. On this island I discovered what real tomatoes taste like as well as the peaches. The local produce is incredible. We were here during August so it was very hot and fresh fish, sweet watermelons, Caprese Salads and limoncello was the way to go. 

We stayed here for 4 days. The boss rented a whole restaurant out for the family for his wife's birthday celebration. There was also a fire work display worth 25 000 euros. The crew watched it from the yacht at 12 o'clock!! 

The Port

We would drop anchor here during the day.  I sent my mom this picture, and she replied immediately saying this is where she lost the diamond necklace my dad gave her, which was worth 3 months of his army salary.

The Blue Grotto
 Diving here is a must! So beautiful!

Every morning I would get fresh fish at the market. They had such a wide selection of seafood. On the second last day the fish monger (young guy with eyes as blue as the water) asked me out on a date! I quickly explained to him that we were leaving that day and I wouldn't be able to. His English was as good as my Italian "picollo"!!!

Just my luck I ran out of seafood and needed for the next days lunch. I couldn't go back to the market because then Roberto would know I lied to him.  Fortunately that night I saw a fishing boat come into port and asked if they had any fresh fish. I hopped onto the smelly tank and  experienced the true fisherman lifestyle. They ate the raw prawns to explain to me how good they are. I got 2kg of langostines and declined the raw eating experience as I am allergic to crustaceans and eating a raw prawn would not end my day very well!!

Capri was amazing and I was very sad to leave. I still have to go back to find my mom's diamond necklace!!!

We didn't have any free time here so I couldn't take many photographs.

 Next stop the Island of Ischia.

Ti amo Roma

We had one day off before the owner's arrived and made the most of it in the capital city of Italy, Rome. Truly one if the most remarkable cities I have been to. I was fortunate enough to see the Pope too.

 Pope Benedict XVI

 Lunch with the most amazing view

Colosseum

 The Roman warrior

 Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II

  

St. Peter's Square in Vatican City

Inside the Vatican

Coloumn of Marcus Aurelius

Trevi Fountain

 Bridge of Angels

Ended the day with a Pizza and a big glass of red wine. Perfect.

Island of Elba

Located in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Livorno, the island of Elba is the third largest Italian island. It is located just 10 kilometers off the Tuscan coast.

Elba hosted Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile in 1814. As an emperor, Napoleon used his time as an exile to undertake important economic and cultural initiatives for the island.

 Crossing from San Remo to Elba

 Beautiful sunset

 Elba night market

Got stung by a jellyfish whilst snorkeling

Pigna

In the southern most district of North West Italy, where the mountains meet the sea, in a region called Liguria, can be found the valley Nervia. The valley moves up from the sea roughly north and as it rises, you go on a journey through history, taking in the many villages dotted along the river as it runs down to the shore, one of the most important of which, not least for its historical past and a wealth of artistic treasures, is Pigna, named for the coniferous forests that once surrounded the village in abundance.

The ancient village clings to the slopes of the valley mimicking the shape of the pine cones that give it its name. Situated beneath the Little Dolomites, it rests under the watchful eye of Monte Torraggio 1973 meters above sea level.

After 10 days with guests on board, we were knackered and decided to hit the spa in Pigna.

 Pigna

 Pigna Spa

 After relaxing at the Spa we went to the best pizzeria in the village and waited 2 hours for them to light the wood oven. Worth the wait. This pizza and local white wine was delicious.

Limoncello for dessert

After lunch we went for a walk through the alleyways, known as "chibi".

PARIS

Four months apart - Paris was the perfect place to meet.
Visiting Paris has been my ultimate dream since i can remember and sharing this experience with John was absolutely breath-taking!!!
John Flew from London and I flew from Nice.  I had butterflies in my stomach. I couldn't wait to see him.

We took a taxi from the airport to the hotel. It was 10 pm and the Eiffel Tower was shining bright! Happier I couldn't be! Once booked in, we went to a brasserie down the road. With my favourite phrase: "Je m'excuse, je parle un peu le francais."  I ordered us drinks and a croques monsieur. I wanted J to experience the true beauty of the French.

First night in Paris

Up early, grabbed a croissant and went straight to the Eiffel Tower

 dream come true

Jardin des Tuileries

Musée du Louvre

La Pyramide

The Louvre Museum is extremely large and impossible to see in its entirety in a single day. Visitors are advised to plan a visit based on their particular interests and spread their time over several days if possible. The color-coded maps provided by the museum are excellent for planning, showing the locations and highlights of each department and pointing out exactly where to find the most famous exhibits, such as the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa.

Champagne, baguette and a chocolate macaroon for lunch.

Dinner at Brasserie de la Tour Eiffel

Escargots

Eiffel Tower shining bright at night

Last day - Breakfast, Arc de Triomphe and airport. We didn't want to leave.