"Picturesque" can't begin to describe the views we enjoyed. From boats in one of Palermo's many coves...
...to the breath-stealing vista of azure waters at the base of Mount Pellegrino.
Everywhere, majestic cathedrals reached to the heavens...
...while on the streets below the more mundane routine of daily life,
was ever present.
Mosaics adorned doorways, stairways, walkways...in every way imaginable. This one is relatively modern. But there are far, far older mosaics to be seen in Sicily (which I'll share in a future post).
And then...there's the food. Not all meals are squisito (it's true, you get what you pay for). But if you're willing to part with a few extra euro, you can easily enjoy a spectacular meal for less than you might in America.
For dessert, there's gelato of course, and canoli. But if you're a fan of marzipan, you won't find any prettier than the almondy sweets offered in Sicily.
My favourite thing to do on the island was to explore the Greek and Roman ruins. They are, literally, everywhere. Here, hundreds of years BC, ancient Greeks watched tragedies performed in the shadow of Mount Etna. Who needs a set designer when you have a natural backdrop like that?
There are more pictures to come. We took over 1200 (I won't subject you to them all, I promise!) But it's been too long since I posted and I wanted to give you at least a glimpse of the wonders Sicily has to offer. Bella isola! Such a magical place!
10 comments:
Gorgeous pics. Such vivid clear colors. Can't wait to see more mosaic ones. Wow... what an adventure you had!
Oh how beautiful, I felt like I was transported to Sicily for a moment or two, your photo essay is wonderful, great photography and subject matter.
Amy, the best is yet to come. Those early Sicilians had it going on. :) And, yes, it was an extraordinary adventure. I'm still savoring the peace & beauty of it all.
Linda, nothing I can post here will ever convey the pure magic of the island. It simply enchants. The pottery there mesmerizes, as does the history from so many cultures!
Wonderful post and pictures! I love the scene of the clotheslines. Glad to hear it was so enjoyable.
i am so envious... my grandfather came to the u.s. through ellis island in 1912 from palermo, where he grew up. i've always wanted to visit but for years, i was dissuaded by stories of the mob, etc. i'd heard that all that is pretty much over. the pics tug at my wanderlust.
It should be a requirement of Clayworks potters to do a show and tell from such a glorious vacation as the pictures show. Great shots.
Jer - Those clotheslines are as much a staple of Sicily as the lemon & olive trees. Very picturesque & sometimes very amusing.
Max - A show & tell like that would take an entire class cycle. ;)
Jim - Welcome & thanks for commenting here. I can't imagine how joyful it would be to live in Sicily. Palermo is an amazing city though I would probably choose to live in the country within view of Etna. I hope you'll heed the tug and let your wanderlust take you "home" one day soon. While I understand that the mob is still present, Sicilians are working hard to clean that up.
You have a fine blog by the way. I'll visit often.
Hi Becky, didn't know how else to contact you. Check out info on this blog on barrel and pit firings, I want to try some of his techniques.
http://www.claymonk.com/blog/?cat=3
Che bellisime foto di Sicilia. Voglio visitare.
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