Sicily

pics by Jud & Trish

We landed in Catania on beautiful Sicily and traveled the 50km to Taormina.  Here is a view from the Hotel Villa Diodoro where we stayed.  It was only a short couple of minutes walk to the center plaza where locals and tourists mingle among the bustling and colorful shops, cafes, and outdoor markets.  One afternoon we unexpectedly became mixed in with the celebrating guests as a local wedding party spilled out from the church in the main square.  The area filled with tuxedo dressed Sicilian men and elegantly dressed women.  There were flowers, rice, and confetti being thrown, congratulatory shouts in the local dialect, cameras going off, and music being played.  I felt like an extra on a movie set, unfortunately I didn't have my camera!

This cafe is a great place for a cappuccino and the morning paper. Tennessee Williams, who lived in Toarmina for some time, is reported to have written one of his famous plays while sitting at one of these tables.  Taormina has always been a favorite tourist spot even going back to the Roman Empire's glory days.  During the middle ages Richard the Lionhearted and Eleanor of Aquitaine spent time here.   We also heard that Liz Taylor and Richard Burton honeymooned "where the mountains meet the sea" in Taormina, Sicily.

This peaceful park, full of greenery abutted our Hotel. We walked through it often on the way up to the main plaza. It was always filled with song birds, wild chickens and geese, and even the occasional strutting peacock. The lush plantings and interesting sculpture added to the Utopian feel.

There were so many places in Toarmina to sit, relax, and just enjoy the quiet, unhurried ambiance of the Mediterranean coast.  The fruit and vegetables were remarkable, the lemons as big as grapefruits; the orange groves a true "scentsation".











 
The Tiracrina symbol is everywhere on the island and called the "lady with 3 legs" by most tourists. It's said to be one of the oldest known symbols, found carved in the caves of northern Italy and on ancient Greek vases and coins.  The focal point of the Sicilian version is the head of Medusa. The grain adorning her is supposed to represent the fertility of the island and the three legs the extreme points of Sicily (Capo Pallor in the province of Messina, Capo Passer near Siracusa and Capo Lille west of Marsala in Trapani).

To the right are three pictures of the
Greco-Roman Amphitheatre ruins. Built right into the hillside by the Greeks it was later expanded by the Romans.  We walked among these 3rd century BC buildings in awe.  From the top we had spectacular views of Taormina stretching down to the sea and Mount Etna in the distance.  It is where the famous Taomina Film Festival has been held, which this year was to feature the late Soprano's actor, James Gandolfini. (his death in Italy was just days before his scheduled appearance)

Yes!  Mt Etna just erupted again Jan 5, 2012
and again March 24, 2012 !

                 
Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily, is one of the most active volcanos in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity.  It is the highest mountain in Italy, south of the Alps.  It last erupted in April 2011.  A 45 minute drive from our hotel got us to the rim.   We visited in Oct of 2009 when at that time the previous eruption had been 2 years prior. Hiking its perimeter was a surreal experience.  Seen from the peak you get a better sense of its expanse.  The area below the mountain is known for its ability to grow a superior quality pistachio nut (because of the enriched soil).  They are incredibly delicious!  We also enjoyed the pistachio jellies and honey.  These colorful green delicacies made great gifts for family on our return.

         


We visited a medieval mountaintop village called Castelmola one late afternoon. Even with the low cloud cover, there were breathtaking panoramic views. It was a harrowing trek up, following the narrow road that snaked its way to the top. The almond wine at Bar Turrisi (with its unique artifacts) draws many a tourist.  The cobblestone "balcony" offers interesting photo ops in every direction.
 


  







 







We traveled to Siracusa, a spectacular city along the southeastern coast that has the largest concentration of Greek ruins outside of Greece.  We marveled at the ancient stone amphitheater and colosseum, which date back to the 5th century BC.   The day we were here they were setting up for a modern day concert as they continue to use this area for such each summer because of the still impressive acoustics.

 

 









We also visited the Church of the Weeping Madonna in Siracusa, learning of the interesting history of a (miracles of healing) statue once owned by a local farmer and his wife.

This is only a small sampling of our wonderful visit to an isle that offers incredibly beautiful vistas in every direction. The Sicilian people continue to embrace the warm tradition of welcoming visitors as in centuries past.  We hope to return soon and grab a spot at one of these tables near the town square.     Ciao!

tiara worn by Queen Maria of Naples and Sicily 1830