OGNINA TO PLEMMIRIO - DAY 8

Our last day of biking began more beautiful than the day before. Weather wise each day seemed to get better and better - we will hate to leave.

Our three guides give us the riding instructions outside again, under s huge umbrella.  Since it was a short morning ride and mostly downhill to the sea, we got an early start again.

We spotted a small harbor as we reached the coast and stopped to see the fishing boats there.  One fisherman was just coming in with his morning catch, and the van and the first of the others bikers caught up with us.

We biked along the rocky coast, until we reached  one of the most popular beaches south of Syracuse.

The van was stopped there with the usual array of snacks  and we continued our walk along the coast to see what we could see.

One of our new friends took this picture of us and in this one we weren't tired.

     

There were always wildflowers to appreciate and photograph this time of the year, and this stop was no exception.

As we rounded a corner with our guide I was mesmerized with this view of Syracuse across the water
with Mt. Etan in the background.  We had signed up for the post trip which began the next day.

We were headed towards our lunch spot on the
property of Guisi, the owner of the Hotel Borgo.
As is always the tradition in Italy our guides has prepared a special picnic lunch for us there

   They were deserving of a well earned rest.

It was a great trip with wonderful people -
who we now consider special friends!!!

THE POST TRIP, SYRACUSE - DAY 9

The next morning, before breakfast we walked around the grounds of our splendid hotel.

The pool, early in the morning was deserted, and serene,

This children's riding horse hanging from a tree in the play area and these whimsical chairs were special.

                        We gathered for the group photo before boarding the bus to Syracuse
.

Our hotel was a 4 star, and I think lived up to its rating.
The room was luxurious with a view of the sea from the
windows, a glass topped sink in the bathroom,  and
comfortable beds.  Couldn't ask for anything better

We left our hotel for a walk through the city, starting along the coast
outside our room, enjoying the view,

and ending at the Fountain dedicated to Diana the Huntress.

 

Along the way to Cathedral Square I spied these figures, the center one, the Trinacria, Medusa, appears on flag of Sicily, adopted in 1282.



,

The Cathedral rises on the highest point of the Island of Ortygia.  In ancient times it was the site of the Temple of Athena, a magnificent example of a Doric structure from the 5th century B.C. On the
Byzantine age, 7th century A.D., the Temple was transformed into a Christian basilica.

We found a nice spot by the water for lunch, and in our wanderings afterwards,

Were fascinated by this bike rental set up.  We never did figure out how to put money in.

We made a short visit to the Puppet Museum.

But there was no show that day.

Just wandering the narrow streets and alleyways was an
adventure in itself. There was always something new to
see and enjoy.

We finished our day at the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which were freed during the thirties and
forties of the 20th century from the medieval structures that covered them. This is considered the
oldest of the peripteral  Doric temples in Sicily ( sixth century B.C.).

TAORAMINA - DAY 10

Six of us hired a driver to take us to the town of Taormina on our first full day in Syracuse.

Mt Etna did us a great favor by erupting with a spout of smoke to entertain us on the way.

The view changed continuously as we drove north along the highway near the eastern coast.

Taromina lies on the slopes of Mt Tauro almost at the border of the province off Catania.  Greek in origin, it grew up in the fourth century B.C, with a beautiful view overlooking the Ionian coast with Mr Etna as a backdrop.

Parking outside the city wall, the fist thing we encountered was a vegetable stand.

Passing through the city walls into the city of Taormina we peeked into this church with lovely purple stone pillars.

Since motorized vehicle were prohibited with the town, we saw the postman's transportation parked momentarily along side of a building.

 I

As I wandered and took pictures, Chuck looked for restaurants for lunch, I knew he would find a good one - he is very experienced,

I, however was fascinated by this little battery operated biker, who as he circled his box caused the battery operated little dog to back as he passed.

I found a courtyard overlooking the water that had this great view of Mt Etna.

While Chuck, almost patiently, waited for me to stop taking photos.

But I couldn't resist the lovely balcony full of flowering plants,

Or this display of fresh lemons and fruit,

Or the bakery window filled with some of the best Sicily has to offer.

 

Later, meeting up again with our friends, we returned to Chuck's pick for lunch, "Romeo & Juliet" spread out at the top of a steep set of steps near the city wall.

We all enjoyed our lunch and the company of Cindy and Peggy.

We finished our time there with a ride to the top of the mountain with our guide,

Where the view down to the Ionian Sea was spectacular,

And the Gelato while sitting in these fur covered seats the best.