Our week in Siracusa has come to an end, we leave tomorrow but we have been busy.

We have enjoyed staying in our Air BnB. It has been in a great location, an easy walk to everywhere, very comfortable and our hosts have been excellent with many recommendations for us.

We discovered that in the 5th Century Siracusa was the most dominant military and economic power in the Greek world, outside of Athens.

So therefore there are many ruins (piles of rocks according to Greg) throughout the city and surrounds.

We visited the Neapolis Archaeological Park which included both Greek and Roman ruins.

The Greek Theatre dates from 500BC and in its hey day seated 15,000 people. We would have preferred to see it without all the “modernization ” of the wooden seats and theatre props.

The Roman Amphitheatre dates from 1bc and was used for horse races and gladiator and blood sports!

The Ear of Dionysius is named after the city’s ancient dictator, and it is said that he would sit on the top of the cave and use its acoustics to eavesdrop on the slaves below!

We spent a day travelling around some hill top villages close to Siracusa.

First stop was Sortino to check out the birthplace of our friend Tina. Hope you enjoyed the photos Tina!

On route to our next village, we commented that Greg has become more and more like a Sicilian driver , by driving up a one way street the wrong way! We think the locals must be used to it as they all stopped and waved us through.

We arrived in Vizzini and shock horror it was raining! We parked Tony and we were searching for the direction to Centro, when a local lady accosted us and took us on a private tour of the Museum Giovanni Verga, a famous (apparently) Italian author , musician and photographer. She spoke no English, we speak no Italian , but we got the gist of everything, she demanded Greg take photos , and then gave us a brochure in English which included a map of the village! It was quite amusing. We found our way to the Mother Church of Gregorio the Great and it is dedicated to Saint Gregory! Quite apt.

The next stop was Monterosso Almo , another hill top village! We went inside the Church of San Giovanni Battista , one of the few buildings that survived a massive earthquake in 1693.It was quite lovely inside.

We have found a few good spots for coffee and cake! The holiday starting weight is now being challenged!

We spent another morning wandering around Ortigia. We kept well off the tourist routes and found the local market and some gorgeous quiet little piazzas in the old Fishermans Quarter.

By 12 noon we needed to hydrate , so found a lovely little bar to sit and sip! We ordered a GnT and an aperol spritz and were asked if we wanted an “ordinary” aperol or a Sicilian aperol. Well, when in Sicily…It was quite delicious and very refreshing!

We went back home to rest up Gregs knees before we walked back for dinner that night. We went to a restaurant recommended by our host and it was delicious. Rhonda had ….yep…spigola and Greg had the first of the many Spaghetti Vongoles that he will have on this trip , and also a nice bottle of red to wash it all down.

We wandered around to take some night photos. It was pretty quiet as all the people were back on their cruise ships!!

By the time we had returned home , we had walked 14kms, so it was no wonder Gregs knees were aching. It was a good day and no rain.

Today we explored the Maddalena Peninsular around the coast from Siracusa. It was a very rocky coastline in places but also had some nice beaches but a little too cold for a swim, although Greg did paddle!

Tomorrow, we go to Agrigento for 2 nights where there is apparently, much to Gregs annoyance, more piles of rocks!

So its that time again

Ciao ciao

Greg and Rhonda.