Day 52

Day 52. Friday 21st May.
Proper Tourists.

A brand new fresh day to enjoy. Sunny-cloudy start, were off to explore the Nebrodi Mountains. A leisurely drive to cheer the spirits after our confinement. Gorge ourselves on the lush, verdant scenery of the north facing slopes. Molly had a jolly trot through feathery ferns in a beech wood half way up. Reached the small town of Novera di sicilia for a spot of lunch and high praise for Andy’s language skills. In the local pharmacy he rejected their first lot of antihistamines as they were too expensive, all the customers started patting him on the back and saying how marvellous his Italian was. Onwards and upwards through mossy lushness and floriferous wildness till we reached the top. Stunning views of the snow topped, brooding Mount Etna greet us and we descended the less lush, but no less beautiful, south facing slopes. The last eruption was only in 2007. Gulp. Explored an abandoned village and spooked ourselves speculating why everyone left.
Our destination for the day is the tourist town of Taormina. Itself on the side of a mountain dangerously close to the last lava flow from Etna. Wonderful winding medieval streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants. Very smart and very civilised and full of all kinds of gorgeousness. Including a shop that hand filled Canoli (a heavenly pastry filled with ricotta) while you wait. Stunning views of the Volcano and along the coast of sparkling turquoise sea.
We feel like proper tourists.