One is always wary of any scheme, but when it is called The Ponza Scheme…bells start ringing.  Thankfully they were the bells of the floating palace that is the yacht Exotica, and the concept was sailing from Rome to Naples through Ponza…I signed up straight away.

Any scheme takes a while to build and before leaving Rome’s port – Ostia – we decided on a quick stroll through the ruins of the original Roman port.  Interesting as it was this turned out to be many hours of walking in the heat, but gave us an incentive to get on the water as quickly as possible.

Perhaps my signing up was too quick, as I was soon scrubbing the hull and clearing the inlets under the hull near the propeller of barnacles…this gave me a unique insight into boats!  I was rewarded with delicious food and wine that was first class, and of course the thanks of the two owners.  At least I wasn’t asked to walk the plank, although with the clear and warm water who could complain?

We sailed past many fortresses and gaols, glad that our scheme worked as well as our disguise as sailors…the true pirates in us remained a secret…at least until the rum came out.

Ostia to Anzio then Ponza then Ischia and finally Procida we sailed, holidaying with Italians and the locals…it was sheer indulgence and a wonderful escape, discovering untouched villages on the water with scrumptious fare.  We found a bottle of wine called Fieno di Ponza – Bianco, and after much debate and apprehension was declared to taste like apricots and be one of the finest in the region.

When you want to see what a real European holiday is create your own Ponza Scheme…for, unlike Bernie Madoff, you will be positively rewarded.  Many thanks Julie and Terry for a great experience and teaching me so much.

Time went by in a flash and before too long life had caught up with me and I was to depart…but I needed to first get my pot of gold – the best Pizza in Naples.  After another long, hot walk, then a mad and frustrating taxi ride back to exactly where I started, I found the best pizza is now along the foreshore of Naples…which goes against all the rules of where good food is…but let me assure you it is worth breaking every rule to enjoy.

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