An early start to catch the train to the airport in Rome. Unfortunately the flight was delayed. When we finally boarded, an hour late, the pilot apologised, blaming a fire at the airport was causing delays, except the fire happened a month ago! Italian efficiency! We had the pleasure of watching the ground crew slamming every piece of luggage as he threw it on the conveyor belt. Kristin had big concerns about her bottle of Bombay Gin. When everyone and everything was loaded on the plane, the pilot announced then we had to wait for re-fueling! Add another 20 minutes on the tarmac waiting for clearance and Andy decided it was time for a nap and to manage to wake for the descent into Catania,Sicily.
We arrived at our accommodation, The Casa Sul Mare, a B & B, on the waters edge about 4 km North of the centre of Catania. Our apartment is on the top floor and on one side has 180 degree uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea and on the other side ( our balcony surrounds the room) is Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe ( last erupted in May this year).
It wasn't long before we were in the water and sunning ourselves on the sun-chairs.
Our B&B ordered us some pizza and cazzone for dinner which we ate on our balcony overlooking the sea. With the obligatory drink or two of course!
After our meal, an evening stroll took us around to Ognina, about halfway back to Catania. Here the coastal road was blocked to traffic and it seemed like all the locals were out drinking/eating/strolling/cgatting/etc.. We wondered if this this only happens on Sundays or Summer or...? We will find out.
Back from the walk where the temp. was still in the mid 20s we finished the day with a nightcap on the balcony. Very pleasant.
Monday (13th July)
The morning view.
After breakfast, we caught a taxi to the bus station in Catania to go to Syracuse. The driver pointed us in the direction of the buses, when we got there, we were told we had to get tickets at the office across two streets and around the corner. The bus was leaving in 15 minutes! After locating the ticket offices (note plural), each office selling their own tickets to their own bus-lines but not much singage as to which is which, anyhow we got our tickets and got back to the bus depot (a stony paddock with a high fence) with a few minutes to spare! More Italian efficiency.
Syracuse is an ancient town that dates back to Greek and Roman times. Our visit was mainly to the old town, Isola di Ortigia, we walked all around the coast, which provided spectacular views and many photo opportunities.
After a few hours and a lunch break, we caught the bus back to Catania.
We spent the rest of the afternoon in the water and relaxing in the sun, back at the accommodation.
We went around to the local supermarket for supplies and bought some treats to have dinner on the balcony back at our apartment. Of course washed down with a few drinks! 😊
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| Interesting looking tomatoes |
A & K.
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