Traveler: Anna Pihan – Photographer
What is your most unforgettable Escape?
A heavenly couple of weeks on the island of Ischia, an hours ferry ride from the port of Naples.
What was the purpose of your travel?
Escaping Australian winter, part of a month long trip away.
With how many people did you travel?
On my own.
Where did you stay?
What did you most like about the trip?
The Italian way of life! Having no plan for the day besides daily salty swims off the rocks, laying in the warm summer sun and indulging in the fresh flavours from the island with a glass of wine. Simple pleasures…
Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip?
Unexpectedly spending my birthday there! The generosity and kindness of everyone I had only met a few days prior was heartwarming. We foraged for ‘frutti di mare’ around the seas rocks to make spaghetti for dinner that evening. It felt like I was celebrating with my own little family.
Your most surprising find during the trip?
The most delicious organic limoncello! I’m down to my last bottle.
Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip?
Everything fresh from the island, the produce is abundant from the rich volcanic soils. But it’s hard to beat a the organic mozzarella and tomato salad from Antica Fattoria Greca Chiarito whilst looking down at the glistening waters of Baia di Sorgeto.
What are the must tries of the city?
Mineral-rich hot springs! The volcanic island is dotted with thermal pools, nearly every hotel has at least a few pools at different temperatures. One of my favourite spots can be found by zigzagging down hundreds of steps towards a small rocky beach in a beautifully pristine cove. Slipping into naturally heated rock pools and then swimming out into the bay to cool off.
Any hidden gems you could whisper to us?
Giardini Poseidon Terme — a thermal spring oasis with pools, sunbeds and umbrellas that takes you to the era of Slim Aarons.
Would you go back?
Longing to go back as soon as I can.
Could you list a few of your favorite finds you came back with?
Many beautiful photographs that hold personal memories of my time there, and are now printed and framed in my house in Sydney. I wanted to share these memories with others and so have put together a small collection of limited edition prints that are available online.
Any tips that might be useful to know before going there?
Book your room with half-board which includes breakfast and dinner. It’s always fresh and delicious with many courses.
Next stop you would like to visit?
I would love to go to Canary Islands and the landscapes of Algeria excites me. I would also like to spend a while living on a lesser known Island in the Greek archipelago.
What does traveling mean to you?
Traveling fills me with life, creativity, new ideas and a fresh perspective. Feasting on new sights with camera in hand, always observing, learning about a place and about myself.
Anna Pihan
Photographer
