Saturday, December 29, 2012

Touring ... Taormina and Piazza Amerina

The past two days have been spent sightseeing. Yesterday, Taormina, a seaside resort city with splendid views and picturesque streets and alleys serving the tourist trade. (See previous post for pics). Today Piazza Amerina and the nearby "Villa del Casale ... a supreme example of a luxury Roman villa. The mosaics that decorate it are exceptional for their artistic quality and invention as well as their extent."
After days of unseasonably warm weather, it turned chilly today. An evening out to see the city streets of Caltanisetta and back to pack for the next leg.... Catania for a night on the way to Rome. The girls have spotted an 'outlet' centre on the highway http://siciliaoutletvillage.it/, so that may be a stop along the way. It has a unique position. ... The backdrop being Mt Etna.
During our stay in Sicily, we have felt that we have seen how the Sicilans live, unlike visiting big cities of Rome and Paris, we are mingling with the locals and it has been a wonderful taste of Italian culture.. the local guides ... Our relatives have been very generous and caring.
We have one more day with the car and I think Serge will not be sad to hand over the driving duties .. It has been interesting but challenging.










5 comments:

  1. Finally able to leave a comment- for some reason safari and iPad wouldn't let me. Enjoying your journey, love the pics ... But Celia you need to get in at least one photo or we will think you are not there. Margo

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    1. Margo,
      I am sure you can imagine me behind the scenes :)
      Thanks for your comments, it is fun to share the journey and along the way collect a diary of our journey.
      Celia

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  2. Here,here! Waiting to see you and Serge sharing a romantic coffee in one of those beautiful sidewalk cafes! The scenery is so gorgeous, beautifully juxtaposed with the ancient stonework! Looking forward to Roma now! Remember the Leonardo Express takes you from the airport, through the backyards of the 'burbs to Termini where the fun begins! Looking forward to the photos. Know what you mean though about the personal experience of being with the locals/family...seeing life through the non-tourist prism!

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    1. I much prefer scenery shots ..... You can be assuredI am behind the camera

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  3. What an experience to really get in the thick of things. I expect life will be a little different in Rome, but also lots of fun. Happy shopping.

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