Taormina, Sicily, days13 & 14

Our last location of this travel voyage was in the picturesque hill side town of Taormina. In addition to gorgeous views of hillsides, the Mediterranean sea and craggy rock coastlines, this city overlooks Mountain Etna.
We stayed at an elegant hotel Villa Schuler which, also had lovely gardens which were verdant enough to supply the kitchen with oranges and we were treated to the Villa’s own marmalade !

The shops and restaurants in this town were plentiful and all rather high end and sophisticated. Access to the beach is via a gondola ride. Boating, of all sorts, and swimming are favorite pastimes of vacationers here and we were no exception. We managed to get in the sea twice in our short 24 hour stay.

Here our journey ends.
Thank you for watching a glimpse of what has been a Grand Italian Holiday.
Ciao ciao e un abbraccio .
Anahid

Galati Mamertino, Sicily, day 12

Finding this little remote village and being treated to dinner and breakfast by the Mama, Aunts, cousins and extended family of Maleka’s friend Nino was a highlight among many in this journey. Nino’s sister Nancy stopped her weekend plans and spent the evening hosting us.The generous hospitality of these folks, their love for preparing the most delicious food, the way they share this food with gusto and laughter, the instantly fresh ingredients all raised locally and their welcoming warmth…..defines the Italian culture. Fresh porcini mushrooms gathered in the woods around us were sautéed in olive oil and then topped with toasted pistachio nuts…..DELIZIOSO !