We're off to Sicily to explore this ancient island, that appears as though it is being kicked into the Tyrrhenian Sea by the toe of Italy. Our guide book tells us Sicily is rich in history from ancient Greece to Arab and Norman invasions, and latterly to the Mafia.
After a short one hour flight south from Rome, we pick up our rental car in Reggio di Calabria. With Angela at the wheel, we head to the ports and a ferry to Messina. There are 2 ferry companies at the port, and as luck would have it, we pick the older one. We sit on the ferry for an extra hour waiting for a free berth on the other side, but then we're under way for the short 30 minute crossing.
We're off to Taormina, perched high on cliffs above the sea. The road up looks like something from a water-slide park, with half-pipes canter-levered out over the cliffs. Angela turns into "Maria Andretti" and manoeuvers the standard-gear car straight up. I don't know how cars in this town have any side mirrors left.
 |
| Wisps of smoke from Mt Etna looming over Taormina |
 |
| Relaxing on our hotel balcony |
We settle into beautiful Taormina with it's beaches, azure sea, and Greek ruins. We hike up to the peaks and down to the beach. Looming over the town is Mt Etna, Europe's largest and still ACTIVE volcano. It reminds us of Mt Fuji. We hope it stays calm while we are here.
Everyday ends with a fabulous fresh, seafood dinner that leaves us smiling all the way back to the hotel.
 |
| Up and up to the Saracen castle perched above |
 |
| Very hot and sweaty but definitely worth the view |
Not to neglect our history, we clamour over the ruins of the Greek amphitheatre, which is from the 6th century BC, and is still used for outdoor, summer concerts. Those clever Greeks! Angela, with her damaged ankle, does amazingly well, especially after she buys some nice, Sicilian leather boots.
Bob and I decide we'd like to come back again in May with Lynda for another "Sicily con Sorella" adventure.
 |
| Le due sorelle |
 |
| Great boots, sis |
No comments:
Post a Comment