After a very long day of travel we slept in our own beds last night! It felt great to have space again!
Flying to Barcelona and spending the night there cut the travel day shorter and who would have missed our take out supper from Aldis!!!
All in all it was a nice trip. We had our bumps and glitches but adventures too! Nice memories!!!
What will be next????
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Days in Acireale
On our way to Acireale we stopped in Siracusa and spent the day wandering. We split up and Menzs toured more ruins while we hired a boat, a guide ,a pilot and lunch! The ride around Oretiga while munching on local specialties listening to Manuela was wonderful!!! We learned a lot while enjoying the water as well.
After meeting up at a gelato shop we drive in to Acireale. Working the parking meter was a real challenge!!!!! Dennis prevailed.
This b&b Corte Dei Limione has been a lovely place to stay. Today Giuseppe made me scrambled eggs with strong cheese just as I like them. No other place has done that ever!
Our first day was spent wandering the town and enjoying local food in an outdoor cafe. We find that the restaurants all have similar menu item though one night prepare it better than another. Bruchetta is a favorite and if course caprice salad. There is another pasta dish made with an unusual shaped spiral like pasta, tomato, eggplant and salty ricotta cheese, called Busiate a la normal that we all like and have had several times. Pizza of course!!! Swordfish is served several ways too.
Tuesday we set out for Taromino. Winding up the parking ramp was a real challenge with the size car we had. Good thing it was an automatic shift!
After finding g our way to the bus terminal we boarded the HoHo bus for a trip around. Isola Bella was our destination to see the beach. It was all stones but it didn't deter the many sun bathers enjoying the day there. To actually get to Isola Bella required wading so George and I decided to have a beer while Dennis and Dale waded over. They were quickly back as tickets were required and they failed to purchase them. So, back to HoHo for a ride around the harbour where we had a nice lunch.
We took the tram up to the town again and enjoyed the view from the air looking back to the Mediterranean sea. George mistakenly bought round trip tickets so we gifted all four of them to a couple who were pleased to receive them for a free ride!!
Walking the streets of Taeomina was delightful but full of tourists and sweaty hot. There were brides, bands, a fashion shoot and lots of trinkets. Drinks again at the top to cool us down then we were ready for the trip "home"!
Dinner was across the street and simple.
For our last day here we drive to Mt. Etna through the window song roads up and up. Landscapes became rugged with volcanic rock and sparce trees.
Not taking the tram, we continued over to the eastern side through forests struggling to survive eruptions. The clouds rolled in and the storms began making driving difficult along the still winding roads. Deciding to cut the day short we stopped and had a very nice lunch in a pretty restaurant which requires one to ring the bell to enter the locked door.
Back in our BnB a game of hand and foot was a good way to pass the rest of the rainy afternoon until supper once again across the street at Times.
Tomorrow we fly out from Catania to Barcelona where we'll spend the night then on to Zurich and Chicago. It will be good to be home again. All of us miss our family and comfy beds!!!
After meeting up at a gelato shop we drive in to Acireale. Working the parking meter was a real challenge!!!!! Dennis prevailed.
This b&b Corte Dei Limione has been a lovely place to stay. Today Giuseppe made me scrambled eggs with strong cheese just as I like them. No other place has done that ever!
Our first day was spent wandering the town and enjoying local food in an outdoor cafe. We find that the restaurants all have similar menu item though one night prepare it better than another. Bruchetta is a favorite and if course caprice salad. There is another pasta dish made with an unusual shaped spiral like pasta, tomato, eggplant and salty ricotta cheese, called Busiate a la normal that we all like and have had several times. Pizza of course!!! Swordfish is served several ways too.
Tuesday we set out for Taromino. Winding up the parking ramp was a real challenge with the size car we had. Good thing it was an automatic shift!
After finding g our way to the bus terminal we boarded the HoHo bus for a trip around. Isola Bella was our destination to see the beach. It was all stones but it didn't deter the many sun bathers enjoying the day there. To actually get to Isola Bella required wading so George and I decided to have a beer while Dennis and Dale waded over. They were quickly back as tickets were required and they failed to purchase them. So, back to HoHo for a ride around the harbour where we had a nice lunch.
We took the tram up to the town again and enjoyed the view from the air looking back to the Mediterranean sea. George mistakenly bought round trip tickets so we gifted all four of them to a couple who were pleased to receive them for a free ride!!
Walking the streets of Taeomina was delightful but full of tourists and sweaty hot. There were brides, bands, a fashion shoot and lots of trinkets. Drinks again at the top to cool us down then we were ready for the trip "home"!
Dinner was across the street and simple.
For our last day here we drive to Mt. Etna through the window song roads up and up. Landscapes became rugged with volcanic rock and sparce trees.
Not taking the tram, we continued over to the eastern side through forests struggling to survive eruptions. The clouds rolled in and the storms began making driving difficult along the still winding roads. Deciding to cut the day short we stopped and had a very nice lunch in a pretty restaurant which requires one to ring the bell to enter the locked door.
Back in our BnB a game of hand and foot was a good way to pass the rest of the rainy afternoon until supper once again across the street at Times.
Tomorrow we fly out from Catania to Barcelona where we'll spend the night then on to Zurich and Chicago. It will be good to be home again. All of us miss our family and comfy beds!!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Monday, September 17, 2018
View from my bed tonight!
There are only about 7 suites with a breakfast room and nice courtyard. Our rooms are up the iron spiral stairs, each slightly different. This one has stone arches incorporated into the walls. One is over the bed one between the spaces and another in the bathroom wall.
We walked a bit then ate in the square. Tomorrow we will visit Taromina. I hope the sun shines for the adventure.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Traveling...
From Agrigento and the valley of the temples we drive a very winding trail to Not o for the night. The terrain changed from desert dry to verdant during the journey. Romans had cut down the trees to grow wheat and it is still being grown today.
taking a small road north to the highway we found ourselves looking for lunch in a small hilltop town of Raguda. No sandwiches were available so pastries and prosecco was consumed! Delicious and we met the baker who spoke no English but liked that we enjoyed her baking!
we w found out way to the BnB very close to the ancient core. The building is narrow and very old but has been finished new. We have a small room, but bigger than the San Vito room, with a modern bath. The ceiling is wood with beans with looks old. A deep hole in the floor, covered with heavy glass, lights up to show the many layers beneath.
Not o had an earthquake and rebuilt in Baroque style so I imagine this tunnel is a glimpse of the past.
breakfast at 8:30 then we move to Syracuse for the day and on to Aicreale for our last three nights. Storms are brewing but hopefully we can still see Aetna and Taromina.
taking a small road north to the highway we found ourselves looking for lunch in a small hilltop town of Raguda. No sandwiches were available so pastries and prosecco was consumed! Delicious and we met the baker who spoke no English but liked that we enjoyed her baking!
we w found out way to the BnB very close to the ancient core. The building is narrow and very old but has been finished new. We have a small room, but bigger than the San Vito room, with a modern bath. The ceiling is wood with beans with looks old. A deep hole in the floor, covered with heavy glass, lights up to show the many layers beneath.
Not o had an earthquake and rebuilt in Baroque style so I imagine this tunnel is a glimpse of the past.
breakfast at 8:30 then we move to Syracuse for the day and on to Aicreale for our last three nights. Storms are brewing but hopefully we can still see Aetna and Taromina.
Friday, September 14, 2018
On to Agrigento
Today we are driving on to our next venue, the valley of temples in Agrigento where we'll spend the night as well. Not sad to leave here at all. It was ok but certainly not too comfortable! Hopefully the next places will have softer beds!!!
Wine tasting in Marsala was fun and tasty too. We have a couple bottles to enjoy along the way. A boat tour of the island of Mozia was relaxing. Not much info on salt process but we saw the flats and windmills. Pizza for supper beside the beach and gelato of course!
Check Facebook for some photos.
Wine tasting in Marsala was fun and tasty too. We have a couple bottles to enjoy along the way. A boat tour of the island of Mozia was relaxing. Not much info on salt process but we saw the flats and windmills. Pizza for supper beside the beach and gelato of course!
Check Facebook for some photos.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
A day on the water.....
After a slow morning for a bit of house keeping and shopping we boarded a catamaran for the trip up the coast along the preserve. The preserve is a first in Sicily and is in the area of old tuna fisheries. Very rugged terrains and the heat made us happy we we not hiking it!
Everyone was Italian except us so it was an interesting time when the guide told what we were seeing. He kept up a continuous patter then a short English sentence. After a couple spots to swim and snorkel we were served tapas of tuna and some wine.
We checked out a fast food restaurant ranked #2 here to plan supper. George was hungry for a burger and we had wraps and salads...all delicious and freshly made. Oh, and prosecco to drink!!!
We arise at an early hour so are tired early as well. While the other groups are dancing and listening to music in the square, we are in pjs! In another life I'll be there I guess. A bit sad to miss it, maybe tonight?!
G will send photos later.
Everyone was Italian except us so it was an interesting time when the guide told what we were seeing. He kept up a continuous patter then a short English sentence. After a couple spots to swim and snorkel we were served tapas of tuna and some wine.
We checked out a fast food restaurant ranked #2 here to plan supper. George was hungry for a burger and we had wraps and salads...all delicious and freshly made. Oh, and prosecco to drink!!!
We arise at an early hour so are tired early as well. While the other groups are dancing and listening to music in the square, we are in pjs! In another life I'll be there I guess. A bit sad to miss it, maybe tonight?!
G will send photos later.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Erice and Palermo
Yesterday we drove toward Trapani planning to take the tram up to Erice high up the mountain. It was closed until 1pm so driving up was our choice. Following the Gps we drove to find ourselves curving up a narrow road going up the mountainside. I watched as it became narrower and rougher each meter until finally ending in a really narrow path continuing upward. A goat path for sure! So back down we went, hoping not to meet any car coming up.
Reviewing the route showed us a better one up the mountain, still winding, but wide enough for the cars and busses ascending to Erice. The quaint town is from medieval times with cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. We enjoyed a pastry at the famous shop and took many photos as we wandered. Our last stop was a lovely hotel overlooking Trapani below where a glass of wine toasted the day.
Back in San Vito we found a restaurant adjacent the beach that opened a bit early for us. We had some typical dishes of the area and are learning to love the Sicilian bruchetta and swordfish. There is also a local pasta that is an unusual shape and holds sauces so wonderfully. I am bringing a package home!
Today we drove to Palermo to meet a guide for a city tour. She was wonderful and so full of knowledge that we could have spent many hours with her. At 3 hours we were pretty tired of walking around so ended the tour at at bar with her helping us to sample Arice.. This is a ball of seasoned rice with a filling of cheese and other things, spinich, ham, eggplant. It is breaded and fried then sold as street food. I also had a Aprol spritzer with prosecco which I enjoyed before in Rome. The cathedral was very beautiful as was the capella palatina. Very ornate with mosiacs and unique for the combination of Arabic and Norman designs. The market was interesting with it's various foods and interesting people.
We rode the free bus with the guide and were squashed in the asiles. It was an experience on such a hot day with many bodies. Phew!
Back home we are relaxing with tapas again. The late dinners are difficult for us and rising early each day makes for early to bed. We haven't played cards yet!!!
Tomorrow the plan is to take a catamaran down the coast along the preserve to a fishing village. It should be nice if it all works out! A relaxing day would be nice.
Reviewing the route showed us a better one up the mountain, still winding, but wide enough for the cars and busses ascending to Erice. The quaint town is from medieval times with cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. We enjoyed a pastry at the famous shop and took many photos as we wandered. Our last stop was a lovely hotel overlooking Trapani below where a glass of wine toasted the day.
Back in San Vito we found a restaurant adjacent the beach that opened a bit early for us. We had some typical dishes of the area and are learning to love the Sicilian bruchetta and swordfish. There is also a local pasta that is an unusual shape and holds sauces so wonderfully. I am bringing a package home!
Today we drove to Palermo to meet a guide for a city tour. She was wonderful and so full of knowledge that we could have spent many hours with her. At 3 hours we were pretty tired of walking around so ended the tour at at bar with her helping us to sample Arice.. This is a ball of seasoned rice with a filling of cheese and other things, spinich, ham, eggplant. It is breaded and fried then sold as street food. I also had a Aprol spritzer with prosecco which I enjoyed before in Rome. The cathedral was very beautiful as was the capella palatina. Very ornate with mosiacs and unique for the combination of Arabic and Norman designs. The market was interesting with it's various foods and interesting people.
We rode the free bus with the guide and were squashed in the asiles. It was an experience on such a hot day with many bodies. Phew!
Back home we are relaxing with tapas again. The late dinners are difficult for us and rising early each day makes for early to bed. We haven't played cards yet!!!
Tomorrow the plan is to take a catamaran down the coast along the preserve to a fishing village. It should be nice if it all works out! A relaxing day would be nice.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Erice
After the slow day yesterday it was time for some sightseeing! We went off to see Trapani and Erice, not too far from here.
Oh, boy...following the GPS and a couple maps we drove up a very winding and steep road we thought went to Erice. This was after finding out that the cable car was down until 1 pm...not very good research on our part. But oh ,Well. We'll just drive up. It ended in a goat track not the town and was very scary for the last few kilos!!!! Only one vehicle could fit on the road.
We did turn around and find the real road up to the top. The quaint walled town was interesting as well as scenic. Stone streets and buildings with few flowers were the usual. We find it odd that most of the structures are beige, square-ish, with little vegetation and no people to be seen!!!. The landscape is desert with barren mountains.
We did walk the town and saw the castle and great views from the heights. Ending with a wine overlooking the view was perfect. Chatting with other tourists is fun. They are so adventuresome and widely traveled.
After a quick stop at the supermarket for a few things we are relaxing before dinner somewhere here in San Vito. Tomorrow is another adventure to Palermo and a guided tour of the city center.
Sunday, September 9, 2018
San Vito lo Capo
We arrived here yesterday after visiting Segesta and the temple site. The drive wasn't too long but very winding up and down the high hills. The GPS was helpful but maps and lots of attention to signpost was necessary.
After a phone call or two we met up with Nick and Vince and found out apartment near theirs. The basic living areas 2b2b and a small kitchen. Our room is very small with less than a foot between the wall and bed.Not much space for things but we are making the best of it. I am sitting on the hot terrace waiting for the very slow washer to finish so I can hang the clothes outside here. A power failure interrupted the cycle to make it even longer.
We've been to a market and cooked a bit as best we can, like cottage life! Tonight everyone is going to dinner together and it should be fun....at least no cooking.! The beach here is very crowded and hot. We walked along it this morning although it was very and very windy. Now the sun is out to bake the bathers!
Tomorrow we'll venture to Trapani and Erica.
Dennis is sending some of his beautiful photos each day.
After a phone call or two we met up with Nick and Vince and found out apartment near theirs. The basic living areas 2b2b and a small kitchen. Our room is very small with less than a foot between the wall and bed.Not much space for things but we are making the best of it. I am sitting on the hot terrace waiting for the very slow washer to finish so I can hang the clothes outside here. A power failure interrupted the cycle to make it even longer.
We've been to a market and cooked a bit as best we can, like cottage life! Tonight everyone is going to dinner together and it should be fun....at least no cooking.! The beach here is very crowded and hot. We walked along it this morning although it was very and very windy. Now the sun is out to bake the bathers!
Tomorrow we'll venture to Trapani and Erica.
Dennis is sending some of his beautiful photos each day.
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Friday, September 7, 2018
Monreale!!!
Finally found the hotel, it's lovely it street is about 8 feet wide!!!!
About 1.5 hour of driving around and around!!!
About 1.5 hour of driving around and around!!!
Beautiful Barcelona!
Our time in the city is over now as we fly to Palermo today and spend the night in Monreal. We've ridden throughout the area, visited cathedrals and parks and eaten in lovely cafes. Tapas,gelato,paellea and wine....all pretty much delicious!!!
Yesterday we talked to Sagrada for a morning tour. Our guides heavy accent required close attention to hear the descriptions she gave. Such an interesting construction with a long history. It is still not finished and a lot was wrapped for protection from building projects. The sun shine into the have through magnificent stained glass windows. Many were taking their photos lit by the colored rays....me included.
From there we walked to the bus stop, many blocks, stopping for coffee and breakfast along the way. It was disappointing not to be able to walk around the roof of the cathedral and down the spiral stairs but at least we had seen the city from the roof of the Barcelona cathedral our first day.
Aboard the bus we rode through the city to stop at Mint Juic again for some beautiful views of Barcelona from the mountain. Oh, and about her cafe overlooking it all. The Mediterranean sparkles in the distance as the sun shines down.
Continuing our travel we separated for
A beach walk, a stop at the hotel and for a visit to a bead store for Dale and I. It took quite a while to check out all the thousands of findings they displayed and choose!
The plan had been to have tapas but time was running short so we all met up again and hurried to the bus stop needed for Parc Guel. The clouds were gathering and getting more foreboding as we rode then climbed the hill. Just as we got to the gate the rain started!!!! Where were our umbrellas and rain gear??...back in our hotel room of course!
More later!
Lu
Yesterday we talked to Sagrada for a morning tour. Our guides heavy accent required close attention to hear the descriptions she gave. Such an interesting construction with a long history. It is still not finished and a lot was wrapped for protection from building projects. The sun shine into the have through magnificent stained glass windows. Many were taking their photos lit by the colored rays....me included.
From there we walked to the bus stop, many blocks, stopping for coffee and breakfast along the way. It was disappointing not to be able to walk around the roof of the cathedral and down the spiral stairs but at least we had seen the city from the roof of the Barcelona cathedral our first day.
Aboard the bus we rode through the city to stop at Mint Juic again for some beautiful views of Barcelona from the mountain. Oh, and about her cafe overlooking it all. The Mediterranean sparkles in the distance as the sun shines down.
Continuing our travel we separated for
A beach walk, a stop at the hotel and for a visit to a bead store for Dale and I. It took quite a while to check out all the thousands of findings they displayed and choose!
The plan had been to have tapas but time was running short so we all met up again and hurried to the bus stop needed for Parc Guel. The clouds were gathering and getting more foreboding as we rode then climbed the hill. Just as we got to the gate the rain started!!!! Where were our umbrellas and rain gear??...back in our hotel room of course!
More later!
Lu
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
La Sagrata Familia
Sent from my iPhone
Enjoying Barcelona
A short note as tablet won't connect yet. After a very long day of missed connections due to storms we arrived here yesterday. Hotel is very close to las Ramblas and the picturesque Gothic area. We enjoyed tapas and wine and wandered the streets until bed called to us.
A good nights sleep and shoer revived us for todays wandering and riding the tour bus. We covered the whole city! Tomorrow we tour the Sagrada and Park Guell with sights in between. Dennis has posted photos to FB aVit I will when I get set up in San Vito.
Though rain was forecast was a brautiful day. Hope tomorrow is the same!
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Testing the system! before we fly......
Just paired up the keyboard and it seems to be working...yea! We are doing the last packing, except George who hasn't done suitcase at all, and checking our lists.
Monday we fly to Barcelona for three days then on to Sicily. As yet we don't have the exact place we are staying in San Vito but Alphonso says "don't worry". I am trying!! The town is small so hopefully we' ll find everyone eventually!
It will be hot and sunny so light clothes were easy to pack. A swimsuit or two, sketching equipment and we're ready to go!! Keep posted for our adventures.
Monday we fly to Barcelona for three days then on to Sicily. As yet we don't have the exact place we are staying in San Vito but Alphonso says "don't worry". I am trying!! The town is small so hopefully we' ll find everyone eventually!
It will be hot and sunny so light clothes were easy to pack. A swimsuit or two, sketching equipment and we're ready to go!! Keep posted for our adventures.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Counting down....
Soon we will be off on another adventure to Spain and Sicily along with the Menz's and meeting up with the Guitar clan as well. We have been planning a year for this along with Alaska and are looking forward to beautiful sights, sounds and FOOD.
Meanwhile, I am doing a tiny bit of art...muse is on vacation too I think, and enjoying the family as they pop in and out. Summer is hot and the lake breeze is cool for now. Barcelona has had 103 temps and I'm hoping it cools down before we arrive!!!
Meanwhile, I am doing a tiny bit of art...muse is on vacation too I think, and enjoying the family as they pop in and out. Summer is hot and the lake breeze is cool for now. Barcelona has had 103 temps and I'm hoping it cools down before we arrive!!!
GG's minus two
We had a great weekend with the G's eating, talking and making a bit of art. There were naps and glasses of wine and laughing. We all wished that Penny and Joanne had been with us for the festivities. Despite them not being there we were all represented in the collage we made, or are still making. Using shapes from an old photo, we created with paper from Dale's huge stash and our own imaginations. Each one is unique and perhaps one day they will all be on display together.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
End of the journey...
We've spent the last two days here in the Banff-Lake Louise area enjoying the beautiful vistas. Traveling down the Icefields Parkway from Jasper were multiple spots to see waterfalls,glaciers and majestic mountains. It was stunning to see the volumes of water racing down the rivers from glacier melts. Farther downstream the power is harnessed and water is diverted to potable form.
At Lake Louise we me the Rees again after their visit to Glacier NP. That lake is stunning and visited by thousands of people from all over the world.
We found the parking at Moraine Lake full so decided to go on to Banff and enjoy a nice dinner and get a full night's sleep. After checking with the concierge we are breakfast at Toololos as soon as it opened. Then off to Moraine Lake again ....not! There had been an accident on the road in to it and hundreds were waiting for the reopening. The lot would be full in a flash so we gave up and drove back to Banff and parked at Bow Falls to see that one and visit the other Fairmont Chateau. It was a beautiful day and soon became too hot to hike much. The stop for a beer and your of the hotel was nice though.
Since we still hadn't had lunch we regrouped and determined Chinese food was up. Wouldn't you know the best restaurant was right back near Bow Falls!!
After a pretty good meal George and I decided that we'd had enough going back and forth to Moraine Lake but the others went back and did manage to hike and see the lake. It looks beautiful in Dennis' s photos. We were happy to do our hike around Banff and visit some galleries.
Now we will enjoy another breakfast then head to a tour around Lake Minewanka then on to Calgary to fly home tomorrow.
It's been a great trip and we've seen some beautiful places but home is where we want to be for a while now.....until the next trip!!! Sicily in September!!!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Lake Louise, Alberta
Beautiful lake with mountains framing the view. Victoria Glacier feeds the lake from high above. Fairmount Chateau is lovely in this setting. And the sun peaked out eventually!
Friday, June 22, 2018
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