Sicily

Sicily, the home of the American mafia. Things were very quiet here today.  Just three miles and the Strait of Messina separates the island of Sicily from the mainland.  Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and its geographical location made the island vulnerable to foreign invasion.  As a result, each civilization for the past 6,000 years has left its mark on the culture.  In more recent times, the Romans and Saracens left their mark as grand cities flourished, and the hills became dotted with citrus and date palms. The Normans followed and built palaces and elaborate churches.  Then came the Spaniards bringing art with them. In 1860, Sicily became Italian. 

In 1693, there was a huge earthquake that destroyed almost everything, so much of what we saw has been rebuilt since then. On my tour today, we drove through small villages driving on narrow roads lined with homes that had their foundations made from lava rock.  Colorful flowers adorned the wrought iron balconies.  

Houses were in shades of red, pink, yellow and gray making for a very scenic drive.  As we ascended the winding road, we saw fences and walls made from volcanic rocks that are used to terrace the hills to prevent erosion.  Picturesque orchards and lemon trees abound.  Sicily is famous for it limoncello. 

Sicily is also home to the 11,000 foot high Mt. Etna. It is the largest active volcano in Europe. It has four active craters and last erupted in 2001-2002.  This was my destination today; the Silvestri Crater at 6,200 feet elevation.  One could see recent evidence of lava flows.  It is erie how a forest stands right next to the scarred earth. 

You can tell how long ago a lava flow occurred by the type and amount of vegetation growing in the area. Lava comes in different colors; it depends on how fast the lava cools.  If you recall, I got altitude sickness when driving over the Rockies on the way to Colorado.  So being prudent, I decided to sit out climbing to the crater.  Occasionally, I use good judgment. 

    Mt. Etna

On the way back to the ship, we stopped at Parco dei Principi, a 19th century villa situated in the middle of a century old park.  We had refreshments of blood orange juice (much more favorable than regular orange juice) or coffee, and a selection of sweets made using lemons -- lemon bars, lemon cake, lemon filled puffs. The use lemons in just about everything!

Michael led an excursion to the medieval village of Castelmola, and then on to the very charming town of Taormina.  Castelmola is home to only 400 people and hasn't changed much in hundreds of years.  

Taormina, on the other hand is all about the tourist.  Shopping, shopping, shopping!  He had lunch, and raved about it, at La Baronessa Taormina.  

Everything was good, but the desert, a cannola (see picture) was heavenly.