Homeward Bound

Yesterday was one of the best days in Sicily. Our tour guide Sarah entertained us with the meaning of Sicilian hand gestures, expressions and local customs. She explained that many Sicilian  men are called Mamma's boys because they don't want to get married because Mamma will care for them better than a wife and give them money. So Sicilian  women don't want to be a nurse and a purse. So don't come to Sicily looking for a husband. 

We left our beautiful villa in the morning and climbed 750 meters to a beautiful mountain top village called Erice. We wandered though the village on stone streets and climbed to the highest point with a castle overlooking the sea below. Then on our last town we stopped at the salt marshes and learned how they harvest sea salt. There were windmills and a grid work of cells. Each cell was moved as it evaporated till the final area is harvested with salt. Along the side were pyramids of the salt ready to be packaged. The salt water was pink and our guide said at sunset it casts off rainbows. From there we went to the Pellegrino Winery and learned about the process of making this famous wine. It is much better than the cooking wine sold in the states. After our tasting and shopping, we went to the last hotel in the charming city of Marsala. This city was alive with locals filling the piazzas and a wedding was taking place in the church at the central piazza. 

Our final dinner was fantastic with fresh pasta, wonderful wine and Arlene and friends. Back to the hotel for our last night's sleep in Sicily. On the bus ride to the airport we saw the sunrise over the mountains. 

Arrivedreci Sicily you will have a fond place in my heart. 

Argigentro

Yesterday we wandered through the ruins of Agrigento. They were built 500 years BC. It is awes inspiring to see the size of the columns and stones used to create these temples on a mountain top. From there we went to the Sunday beach on the Mediterranean Sea. We found lots of sea glass

And I have sand from the Ioian Seashore, the Mediterranean Seashore and volcanic ashes from Mount Etna to add to my sand collection if I can get it out of the country. Last night we had dinner in a little restaurant with an outside terrace overlooking the temples lit at night. Our hotel is a beautiful villa set on another hill with a beautiful view of Agrigento and the temples. 

Today we are off to Marsala and a winery. It is our last day in Sicily. The sun is shining and it should be another wonderful day. Andiamo Ciao

Taromina

What a beautiful city. It is set in the mountains with beautiful piazzas and ancient architecture.it overlooks the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna looms over it's shoulder. Today Mount Etna was billowing smoke from it's peak. So cool to see but I think it would be disconcerting to see that and wonder when it would blow it's top again. We had a little trouble with the public bus system. Our ride up was fine even though very crowded with standing room only. Coming home was a different story. When we got to the bus station the bus was filled so we waited a half an hour for the next bus. Never sure which bus was going to our town and when it would leave. When a bus opened it's doors everyone in the parking lot converged on the door and we were left in the parking lot a second time. Luckily we were with another couple and we shared a cab back to the hotel or we may still be waiting at the bus station. We had a wonderful lunch of pizza and salad. We laughed when we saw the pizza named the Americano as it was topped with frankfurters and French fries. Tomorrow we head to Argientro. 

Ciao

. Ciao

Mount Etna

We took a two hour ride to Mount Etna yesterday. The amazing thing is that even though it still erupts regularly people still live and work on it's slopes. Also most of the mountain is covered with green trees and many plants, flowers, and hoards of ladybugs. I will be adding volcanic ash to my sand collection. Today we are heading to Taromina for shopping and lunch. 

Sicily by the Sea

We left Palermo two days ago and as soon as we traveled along the coast the vistas changed and Sicily showed it's softer gentler side. It really is true that everything is better by the beach. We are staying in Giardini Naxos in a place called the Holiday Club. It had it's heyday in the 70's and is a little worn around the edges but we have a two story apartment and we have front patios. So we all meet for wine and other local treats after touring in the morning and swimming in the Ionian Sea and the pool in the afternoon.

After leaving Palermo we stopped in Messina which is at the closest point to mainland Italy. The distance across the water is only 3 km. Yesterday we took a morning tour of Catania and the local fish and farm market. It was a feast for the eyes, ears and nose. The afternoon swim was gentle in the warm and calm waters but the rocky shore was rough on the feet. 

Our morning runs have been spectacular. We run along the harbor and see the fishing boats heading out for the day. The towns are lit like sparkling jewels and the panorama is breathtaking. Today we are off to Mt Etna. 

Palermo day 2

We started the day in the rain for our walking tour of two churches, a farmers market and the Parliament building. Palermo is devoid of color and many buildings lack any architectural design. However the farmer and fish market was a blaze of color and design. Today was a day to experiment with food. We had rice balls, chick pea and olive appetizers. But the best was the pasta made with squid ink. After eating my napkin was covered in what was on my teeth and lips. Tomorrow we head to the beach resort town of Naxos. 

Day 1

Day 1

Well it was a fairly smooth flight and our bags arrived with us, so far all is well. We boarded the bus from the airport and drove though an ugly area of the Island but then I think about travelers landing in Newark and they are greeted with the turnpike and refineries. Our guide then told us that Sicily is in the middle of a garbage strike, but not to worry we will be awed by what we are going to see. The scenery on the ride to the hotel improved somewhat as we drove through new Palermo to Old Palermo. Next we came to our hotel. Check in was smooth but as soon as we walked into the hotel room all the lights went out. We finally figured out that we had to put our key in a slot to keep the lights on. On the plus side the bed is big and the bathroom modern and sleek. Ron was thrilled to find a TV and English speaking channel. I looked across the room to see a balcony. I thought how nice till I saw the scaffolding immediately adjacent to our balcony. Not to despair we are heading to a small restaurant known for local cuisine. 

JFK

ISo we have been sitting at Gate 4 for about 3 hours. We left early anticipating traffic delays and our van driver said in 30 years of driving he has never made the trip so quickly. However he did drop us off at the wrong terminal. Not to worry we had plenty of time to take the Air Train and get to the right terminal. Ron just told me we are in the last row on the plane so the gentle rhythms of flushing toilets will lull us to sleep or keep us awake. I will report back when we land.

Getting Ready

The countdown begins today. We are 4 days from launch. The packing has begun. Checked the weather in Sicily and so far it seems like mid 80's during the day and low 70's at night. It looks like mostly sunny days and mild nights. I'll take that! It is getting colder in Spring Lake so Ron and I are ready for a vacation with friends then a weekend in Longport and finally a trip home to SSI. 

One Month till Sicily

I was just reading over my blog from our trip to Italy in 2011. It was such a great way to keep the trip fresh in our minds. Now we are heading to Sicily on September 10th and I am going to chronicle our adventures and misadventures. I hope you will enjoy our journey and have a few laughs along with us. Ciao