When I last posted I forgot to say I had tried bergamot icecream, but in future I think I will stick with Earl Grey tea for my bergamot fix! Another variety of Icecream is called Zuppa Inglesi, literally "English Soup" which means trifle.
On our last day in Calabria we stopped in Reggio di Calabria before catching the ferry across the Straits of Messina to Sicily. Reggio di Calabria and Messina were both destroyed by a huge earthquake in 1908.
The main reason to go to Reggio is to see i Bronzi de Riaci. No photographs allowed, but you can see pictures in Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riace_bronzes). At present they are being restored and are lying down. They are 2 metres tall figures of naked warriors and very well sculpted and perfectly proportioned to show the muscles etc.They were cast in about 460 to 430 B.C
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On Wednesday we had an excursion to the Aeolian islands. The hydrofoil called at Vulcano and we could smell the sulphur and see the gentle plume of steam rising. Stromboli is another of the Aeolian Islands, but we went to Lipari, the largest of the group with a population of about 10,000. It has been inhabited since the stone age when the obsidian was highly valued.as it was the sharpest material then available.
On Thursday we walked around Acireale, a town on the Cyclops coast. This part of Sicily was in Magna Graecia and many of the places in Greek myths are around here. We also spent time in Taormina and climbed up to the Graeco Roman theatre.
Friday's excursion was to Syracuse, once a colony of Corinth, a Greek city state. One of its famous citizens was Archimedes. The cathedral site has been a place of worship continuously since Greek times.The present cathedral was built in Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake, but is quite extraordinary in the way some of the original Greek columns are incorporated.
Today, Saturday we explored Catania and then ventured half way up Mt Etna.
Napoleon decreed that cemeteries must be outside the town and this is a typical Italian one.
Typical coastal scene in Calabria.
The main square in Regio Calabria showing the fine buildings in Liberty style (Art Noveau/Art Deco).
One of the sculptures along the waterfront in Reggio Calabria.
Everywhere there are smart fashions in the shops.
Of course freqent coffee fixes are necessary.
Fishermen checking their nets in Milazzo.
Wildflowers on Lipari.
Coastline on Lipari.
No shortage of good vegetables for sale in Acireale.
I like the advertising!
Tiled bell towers on the cathedral in Acireale.
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Not sure which Trinity this miniskirted trio in Acireale cathedral represent.
Parking is anywhere you can find a space!
The symbol for Sicily 3 legs with Medusa's head in the centre.
Orechio di Dioniso or Dionysius's Ear, an ancient limestone quarry also used as a prison - near Syracuse.
The Roman amphitheatre at Syracuse.
The chapel dedicated to Santa Lucia, the patron saint of Syracuse. The huge 1628 silver statue takes 48 men to carry in procession. This week she was away from home, just like her bones which were acquired by the Venetians some centuries ago. So far they have only returned one finger
Men playing cards in the park just outside the railway viaduct of Catania.
Huge supplies of well priced fresh fish in the daily market in Catania.
Saturday is popular for weddings - here there is green grass rather than a red carpet on the steps.
The Baroque churches make a grand setting for a wedding.
Typical over the top Baroque facade of one of the innumerable churches in Catania
The elegant cloisters of the Catania University quadrangle.
A modest lemon stall in Catania market.
The start of recolonisation of a Mt Etna lava flow
Chairlift (if you look closely) on Mt Etna.
Fishing boats on the beach below our hotel.
Sunset over Mt Etna from our hotel room balcony.
The volcanos are fascinating - love to go up to the summit and look over the edge....
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