Hey Blogsters
Great news - we did not die in a fiery car crash hurling backwards down a shockingly steep hill. Yes Keith was at the wheel - Karen we need a driver! I am gradually getting the hang of driving these narrow mountain roads and dealing with the driving habits of the locals. The constant jockeying for position reminds me of a video game at times. Deb has been very understanding although I see a bunch of new gray hairs popping out after the hill incident - the angels must have been looking out for us, and No wonder, we’re practically practising Catholics now based on all the churches we’ve been in. Today we made it to Enna, a hill town and experienced the visitation of the Virgin Mary celebration. Deb says she didn’t plan this but it's one of those things that happens when you are travelling if you’re lucky. We watched a parade of the faithful carry around the virgin and a few other heavy items, then joined in and made the walk through town with the folks - it was really great. Both our feet are killing us because we waited around until the fireworks show happened which was the best either of us has ever seen - all choreographed to music and stunning. I was making noises of acceptance and awe involuntarily. We started the day with a stop in Aidone to see the archeological museum associated with a site at Morgantina. The museum was professional and set in a beautiful monastery. They made a real point of stating that a number of very important ancient finds had been recently repatriated from the Getty Museum and the Met - way to go Italy. Morgantina was cool too, and then we headed for Enna. This is such a beautiful spot - we had lunch outside high atop the mountain Enna is on, over looking Mt Etna and dozens of other mountains and nearby mountain towns. Mary you will be pleased to know Deb and I actually discussed sfumato. The drive from Palermo to this part of Sicily has been just incredible - full of jaw dropping vistas and about a million mountain switchbacks and hairpin turns. We made it to the Roman mosaics the other day too - it was about an hour before closing and pretty much deserted. This is the most complete Roman mosaic and wall painting site in the world and we were blown away. I can't imagine what it must have been like to start uncovering this massive and shockingly well preserved site - and the protective buildings give a real sense of the original structures without being hokey or intrusive. Sicily is rapidly worming its way into my heart. The gps Deb bought is annoying (like most of them I suspect) and while trying to find our way to Aidone a very kind man took the time to help us get out of the town we were stuck in - with a kind of resigned shrug he seemed to imply that it was his responsibility to help out the pathetic tourists - either that, or to get them out if town and off their roads as quickly as possible. In any case, we have experienced so much of this kind of generosity here, which makes up some of my best memories of this place. Tomorrow we explore Enna a bit more, maybe with a few extra cappuccino breaks thrown in. Ciao and prego - my two new favourite words...
Great news - we did not die in a fiery car crash hurling backwards down a shockingly steep hill. Yes Keith was at the wheel - Karen we need a driver! I am gradually getting the hang of driving these narrow mountain roads and dealing with the driving habits of the locals. The constant jockeying for position reminds me of a video game at times. Deb has been very understanding although I see a bunch of new gray hairs popping out after the hill incident - the angels must have been looking out for us, and No wonder, we’re practically practising Catholics now based on all the churches we’ve been in. Today we made it to Enna, a hill town and experienced the visitation of the Virgin Mary celebration. Deb says she didn’t plan this but it's one of those things that happens when you are travelling if you’re lucky. We watched a parade of the faithful carry around the virgin and a few other heavy items, then joined in and made the walk through town with the folks - it was really great. Both our feet are killing us because we waited around until the fireworks show happened which was the best either of us has ever seen - all choreographed to music and stunning. I was making noises of acceptance and awe involuntarily. We started the day with a stop in Aidone to see the archeological museum associated with a site at Morgantina. The museum was professional and set in a beautiful monastery. They made a real point of stating that a number of very important ancient finds had been recently repatriated from the Getty Museum and the Met - way to go Italy. Morgantina was cool too, and then we headed for Enna. This is such a beautiful spot - we had lunch outside high atop the mountain Enna is on, over looking Mt Etna and dozens of other mountains and nearby mountain towns. Mary you will be pleased to know Deb and I actually discussed sfumato. The drive from Palermo to this part of Sicily has been just incredible - full of jaw dropping vistas and about a million mountain switchbacks and hairpin turns. We made it to the Roman mosaics the other day too - it was about an hour before closing and pretty much deserted. This is the most complete Roman mosaic and wall painting site in the world and we were blown away. I can't imagine what it must have been like to start uncovering this massive and shockingly well preserved site - and the protective buildings give a real sense of the original structures without being hokey or intrusive. Sicily is rapidly worming its way into my heart. The gps Deb bought is annoying (like most of them I suspect) and while trying to find our way to Aidone a very kind man took the time to help us get out of the town we were stuck in - with a kind of resigned shrug he seemed to imply that it was his responsibility to help out the pathetic tourists - either that, or to get them out if town and off their roads as quickly as possible. In any case, we have experienced so much of this kind of generosity here, which makes up some of my best memories of this place. Tomorrow we explore Enna a bit more, maybe with a few extra cappuccino breaks thrown in. Ciao and prego - my two new favourite words...
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