Sir Noël Coward (1899-1973)

'Today we are leaving with regret. Portofino has been by far the nicest part of our holiday. We have swum and sunbathed and painted pictures. We have eaten delicious dinners at Pitsforo's on the Port. We have gossiped with Truman Capote and have been entertained on a hideous Edwardian yacht by Henry Luces and Maggie Case. We have laughed a great deal with Rex and Lilli and revelled in talking our own language again. In fact it has been lovely and I most firmly intend to come again' - Noël Coward