Today we got to sleep a bit late and didn't leave the hotel until 8:30 - I know. We got to eat breakfast in the upstairs dining room again - you sit and overlook the Volcano Edna and the best view of the mountains; it's great!
Then we drove a few miles to the ferry crossing where the entire bus was loaded to cross the Strait Messina to the island of Sicily. We all unloaded for the 20 min boat ride, got a drink, went to the bathroom, and enjoyed crossing the water. I love boat rides. We sat up top, took a few pictures, and enjoyed the moment.
As we drove off the ferry our guide, Nicolas, informed us once again about the stronghold the Mafia has down here and warned us to not really talk about it. The people don't find the conversations endearing. It's kinda sad - the hold they have that keeps this area from thriving. It was also kinda scary that we were informed the Mafia knew our names and identities the minute we checked in yesterday - I mean they value tourism but EEK.
The island though is pretty. We went to this little area called the Taormina Riviera - it was a bit uphill, but Mama stayed with us and we went to see the ancient Greek Theater. She made it to the floor of the theater and had a seat on some rocks overlooking the volcano and city below; it is gorgeous. Jack and I headed on up to the next layer for the ultimate view. It is really amazing the view and the theater itself was cool as well.
After our viewing party, we meandered down to do some souvenir shopping and to eat lunch. It is a bit of a touristy area with shops everywhere, but at the same time, it was nice. I enjoyed myself and it would have been perfect had the temperature just been a couple of degrees lower, but regardless we enjoyed ourselves.
We sat at this cafe and had lunch. I had a Caprese salad, Jack had a panini and Mama had a hamburger. It was great and it was in the shade. I went to the bathroom and had to go down the oddest elevator ever to get there. You got in, pressed the button, and nothing - you think it's stuck. I mean it's absolutely silent. You press the button more and suddenly you are down a floor unaware it ever moved, lol.
Jack and I left Mama at the restaurant while we went down a bit further and got a few pictures of the courtyard and the church.
After leaving the Riviera we made our way to our hotel which is astonishing. It looks like a villa and our room overlooks the pool and the sea - with a balcony. Mama is skipping the excursion tomorrow and will get to stay here and relax; I'm jealous. We had the afternoon free today and I took a nap while Jack read his book on our balcony. We then went down to dinner at a local restaurant and I followed Mama's example from lunch and got a hamburger, it was amazing!
Now we rest - our excursion leaves tomorrow at 8:15. Til then!
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