We experienced a growing amazement driving to Erice. From the flat salt marshes and a brief discussion about whether to head to Marsala, we turned around to face Trapani to the near north, looked up to the tiny structures atop a cliff and determined that must be Erice AND we must go there!
Driving right through Trapani and to its outskirts, we drove along beautiful beaches, loaded with throngs of beach lovers drawn to pristine blue water. We continued until the road started to rise. A roadway, typical in Sicily it seems, leading up. Left to right, right to left, up and up and up. We reach an outstanding view of the Egala islands to the west, thinking this is close to the top. We carry on, only slowly realizing that initial view may have been only half way up.
We arrive at a main parking lot just outside the ancient fortress walls, briefly thinking it's as far as we can go with the car. We quickly see a few cars head into the narrow streets and we venture there as well. It gets narrower, more cobbled stones and steeper, but we find an albergo sign and stop close by. Again, we think it's as far as we can go, until we inquire for a room inside and ask about where to leave the car. Our hostess directs us to drive up the narrowest and steepest pathway (ok, slight exaggeration, but honestly, the little car 'just' fit.) I squealed the tires getting up the path, the smell of burnt rubber wafting everywhere. Clearly I have not graduated to true Italian driving.
We decided that this (Edelweiss Hotel) would be a place to hang out easily for a couple days. The car would stay parked in the alleyway and we will wander, enjoy cappuccino's and wine, and enjoy a 'chill' day to write, rest and catch up a little.
We enjoyed Sicilian pizza in the piazza, and wandered the streets to the south of town, looking to enjoy the sunset over the Mediterranean to the west, Trapani down below and neighboring villages along the north coastline. It wasn't long before we grew tired and decided to enjoy wine from our own little balcony.
This morning led us to the north part of town, where the castle is. Just when we thought we'd seen the best views, it only got better. Absolutely astoundingly beautiful! The only thing Deb could come up with was, "I can't stand it anymore"
A little bit of wandering, a cappuccino at a lovely cafe and then we found a spot to sit on a bench with an 'Erice' view to write. First we had to get Deb's Mac, my iPad, some fruit, croissants and wine. Ok, now we are set to do some catching up!!
I'm happy to have completed some writing and will leave Deb to post with photos, while I take a nap, listening to the wind (it is especially strong today. I doubt the cable cars from Trapani up to Erice are running today, it's that strong)
Driving right through Trapani and to its outskirts, we drove along beautiful beaches, loaded with throngs of beach lovers drawn to pristine blue water. We continued until the road started to rise. A roadway, typical in Sicily it seems, leading up. Left to right, right to left, up and up and up. We reach an outstanding view of the Egala islands to the west, thinking this is close to the top. We carry on, only slowly realizing that initial view may have been only half way up.
We arrive at a main parking lot just outside the ancient fortress walls, briefly thinking it's as far as we can go with the car. We quickly see a few cars head into the narrow streets and we venture there as well. It gets narrower, more cobbled stones and steeper, but we find an albergo sign and stop close by. Again, we think it's as far as we can go, until we inquire for a room inside and ask about where to leave the car. Our hostess directs us to drive up the narrowest and steepest pathway (ok, slight exaggeration, but honestly, the little car 'just' fit.) I squealed the tires getting up the path, the smell of burnt rubber wafting everywhere. Clearly I have not graduated to true Italian driving.
We decided that this (Edelweiss Hotel) would be a place to hang out easily for a couple days. The car would stay parked in the alleyway and we will wander, enjoy cappuccino's and wine, and enjoy a 'chill' day to write, rest and catch up a little.
We enjoyed Sicilian pizza in the piazza, and wandered the streets to the south of town, looking to enjoy the sunset over the Mediterranean to the west, Trapani down below and neighboring villages along the north coastline. It wasn't long before we grew tired and decided to enjoy wine from our own little balcony.
This morning led us to the north part of town, where the castle is. Just when we thought we'd seen the best views, it only got better. Absolutely astoundingly beautiful! The only thing Deb could come up with was, "I can't stand it anymore"
A little bit of wandering, a cappuccino at a lovely cafe and then we found a spot to sit on a bench with an 'Erice' view to write. First we had to get Deb's Mac, my iPad, some fruit, croissants and wine. Ok, now we are set to do some catching up!!
I'm happy to have completed some writing and will leave Deb to post with photos, while I take a nap, listening to the wind (it is especially strong today. I doubt the cable cars from Trapani up to Erice are running today, it's that strong)
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