The Island of Ponza is rugged as it juts from the blue Mediterranean Sea. White
and gray cliffs backed by green grasses and trees describe this volcanic island.
We see a few villas scattered on the hilltops as we approach from the north.
There is a lighthouse on the southern tip, high up on the rocks. In spite of
the light winds, we were just able to sail along the eastern shore. It was a
delightful way to take in the scene. Around the tip, on the western side, lies
the port of Ponza. It is a town built on the side of the hill with colorful
buildings in pink, yellow, tan and red. We anchored and took the dinghy to
shore. The town itself is quiet, tourist oriented with rooms for rent and
restaurants along the wall overlooking the harbor. Up the back streets we found
swarms of cats, a few children on the narrow streets, and spectacular views of
the harbor and the sea.
We walked into one sporting goods shop where we met Antonio. He spoke a
little English, and when he learned we were Americans, he spoke a lot more. He
told us he had gone to Brooklyn as a young man, married and had two daughters
there. He had a fishing business and then opened a laundry. Finally he moved
his business to 39th street in New York. Life was good. He worked seven to seven
six days a week and had holidays off. That is when he heard from his father in
Italy. He was dying. Antonio returned to Italy to see his father who, on his
death bed, made him promise to return to Italy. He sold his business and moved
to Ponza. He put his children in Italian schools and set up his sporting goods
store. He carries the best rods and reels and all kinds of fishing gear.
"People come here they want it now. There is no time to order." I
have clothing business here too, all top quality. You need anything while you
are here, you come see Tony." Said Antonio.
We thanked him and left. It was a brief encounter, but in spite of the fact
that he was obviously doing very well, there was a sadness about him. Although
we commented on the beauty of Ponza, he seemed to us to long for his life in
the States.
We bought a couple chocolate filled pastries from a small shop down the way
and returned to the boat where Julie prepared a game hen with risoto for
supper.