Sicilia

JG: Quick flight from Malta and we began our whirlwind trip around Sicily, beginning in Catania on the east coast. Used the city as a bridge to Siracusa, where we spent a few days touring Ortygia (historical center), and the archaeological park another day. The latter contained Greek and Roman amphitheaters dating back to 5th century BC and caves doubling as prisons pre-Roman Empire. Even a Roman gladiator arena - good stuff.  My tour of local delicacies continued with a stop for a horse meat sandwich, which was coincidentally delicious. This is also where my pizza binge began, but I'll elaborate more on that in a later post. 

Westward to Agrigento from there, where we visited an enormous archaeological park and saw some surprisingly resilient Greek temples from ~2,500 years ago. Also of note was a beach site called Scala dei Turchi - picturesque and as unique as the pictures seem.

Up north to Palermo, which was a little more urban and bustling. The few days there were occupied mainly by city touring on foot, and an evening out with the owner of the guest house where we stayed (Alberto!). Sandy also got her fix of dead people when we visited a famous catacomb containing thousands of Palermo natives spanning a 300-year stretch in the 17th-19th centuries. 

Bus ride back east to prepare for mainland Italy, and stopped in Taormina for an afternoon. This seaside town was high class but worth a day trip for the cliff views alone.

And then, to Naples. 

SS: The land of the Great Mafia. I was looking forward to chatting with gangsters over delicious Italian cappuccino, but I guess our guide books  left out the best places to meet & greet them. Shoot, maybe next time. 

Sicily has a lot to offer, hidden nooks of coastline that are stunning, diverse history, roman ruins, perfectly kept old towns, an active volcano, and let's not forget the food. 

We started our journey in Syracuse, who's old town is a small island connected to main land, full of charming restaurants, shops and many residents, it is Sicily's most visited city. We checked out the grand Roman and Greek amphitheaters and and awed by a cathedral built in the 5th century BC. 

Agrigento was an interesting city bustling with tourists mainly visiting the Valley of Temples. Greek built beauties that could be in the running with temples in Athens. Stunning sights. Although our main reason for the visit was due to a pretty postcard I had found in Syracuse was Scala De Turchi (English - the Turkish Stairs). History of the name comes from when the Turks invaded Sicily and used this natural staircase to gain access to the hill top. It was a pure white mountain with natural curves/steps made of a somewhat soft mineral that clung to the cliff over the Mediterranean. Simply stunning. A tough sight to reach, 45 min bus ride and then walk 3km each way in the crazy heat, but completely worth the effort. 

Palermo has many things to visit but the Catacombe dei Cappuccini are among the most famous. I may have a slight infatuation of the various ways other countries and religions have 'discarded' their loved ones in the afterlife but I have never seen anything like this! 8000 mummified bodies that 'hung' on display still dressed in their finest wear. Sections divided for professionals, religious figures, men, woman, and even a children's area. Seriously fascinating stuff. 

We took a day wondering the amazing cliff side city of Taormina, that was jammed packed with tourist, but the views were spectacular. 

Oh, and of course, we climbed another volcano. I swear we said no more after last two! This time there was a chair lift and massive trucks to take one to the top but we opted to climb it. Due to curiousity? Maybe the experience? Possibly the challenge? Or maybe just the pocket book. 

Welcome to Italy....

The food. The coffee. The pastries. The tiramisu. And let's not forget... The pizza. This is not a fat free country. Oh dear...