Sicily 2005

Hi everyone

Tonight I'll tell you about the trip I've just taken in Sicily, covering the whole of the north-east-south coast. By ship we left from Genoa and arrived in Palermo — what chaos; luckily we only passed through it briefly to head to the southernmost tip of Sicily, Donna Lucata.

Donna Lucata is a little fishing harbour not yet touched by civilisation; everything remains as it once was. Few inhabitants live from fishing and farming the land. There are immense, completely free beaches where you can take long walks along the shore or in the water without ever touching the bottom; several metres from the shore the water still comes up to your stomach — a paradise for the little ones and their mothers, who can relax while the children play in the water. The sunsets at Donna Lucata are beautiful, in all colours from blood red to pastel purple...!!! Particularly lovely is the fish market early in the morning, where you can find the fish just caught by the fishermen and above all buy the veraci clams that my boyfriend loves so much; you find them still alive — not like back home — still spitting water onto you from the shell, that fresh!!!

That same evening we also went to dinner at the Masseria; there are many in those parts, a sort of farm where you can taste the products they make themselves..!!! from meat to cheese, like freshly made ricotta, warm with whey, yum yum!!! all at a very low price — just think, with 20 euros we ate as four!!!!

The next day we went to Syracuse, a fascinating little town built on a peninsula facing the sea, entirely in Baroque style, like all of Sicily for that matter.... the most fun thing was the horse-drawn carriage ride with an exceptional local guide who told us all the secrets and anecdotes; it's crazy how many houses should be restored and nobody does it — only the inhabitants can buy them!!!! In the evening we took a lovely drive around Ragusa Ibla; it's truly magical, a pity I couldn't take photos....

The first outing we did further afield was to Porto Palo di Capo Passero, right at the old tuna fishery what a splendid place; once they fished tuna there, now there's a private diving club with an adjacent restaurant with all the local fish specialities, freshly caught!!!! After a lovely swim in the blue waters, a fine feast of fish and plenty of sun!!

Second outing: we went as far as Taormina, first visiting the monumental upper part with the very famous Greek theatre where the most important performances are always held, a wander around the little town and then a lovely swim at Isola Bella, which you reach by cable car that takes you from the upper part down to the sea!!

Unfortunately the holiday has come to an end again what a shame — see you next time!!!

meme