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.