Two Girls From Texas in a Car: SICILY - HIKING ACROSS THIS ITALIAN ISLAND

SYRACUSA

We began our journey in Syracusa. Located close to the south eastern corner of Sicily, on the Ionian Coast (we have now been to 3 seas that border Italy - the Tyrrhenian, the Adriatic, and now the Ionian).

Syracuse is built on an Ancient Greek settlement founded by the Corinthians in 735 BC.

Today the city of Syracusa is a maze of jumbled, narrow streets with picturesque balconies and plants of all descriptions.

Tuna fishing here dates back to prehistoric times, and was later refined by the Arabs. Tuna fishing continues today.

VENDICARI NATURE RESERVE

As one of the coast's largest wetlands, this narrow strip of marshy coastland provides a habitat for rare species of migratory birds.

The reserve stretches about 3,700 acres with 7 miles of coastline. The beaches offer crystal-clear water and white sand.

Within the reserve are various archeological sites of interest, some dating back as far as the Hellenistic Age. Stone quarries used to construct temples and monuments date back to the 5th century BC.

Okay, we got through the first day!! Bring on the wine.

NOTO

Part of the province of Syracuse, is considered by many to be one of he most beautiul towns on the island of Sicily. Thought to be inhabited since the Bronze Age, the proximity to the coast and the elevation meant this side was of great interest for many groups over the centuries.

The buildings were built in the late 17th century after the original town of Noto was destroyed in the earthquake of 1693.

Earthquake of 1693 left many of Eastern Sicily's cities destroyed. The earthquake was a 7.4 (largest ever in Italian history) which effected 4,000 square miles of land. From the rubble many of the present towns of this area were built using the fallen stone of destroyed buildings and the artistic style that was prevelent at the time - Baroque.

This began a rebirth of Sicilian Baroque, like most of European Baroque, reflects a theatrical style with ornate sculptures. Masks,balconies,external staircases and the use of volcanic lava stone defines this type of "Sicilain Baroque".

The Concetto's fixed us a fabulous lunch. (He looks like a young Tom Cruise)

The Hyblean countryside surrounding Noto is blanketd in almond groves. Some of Europe's most south after almonds are found here to be trnasformed into delicious pastries,candies,dessers as well as savoury dishes.

See how easy it is to make almond milk...who tried this at home???

Three types of almonds - Romana - irregular triangular form with a hard wrinkly shell. It is used in granitas and almond milk.

La Pizzuta d'Avola flowers in the middle of winter. It has an oval regular form with a smooth and hard shell making it the first choice by confectioners.

La Fascianella has an oval form as well with a dark and robust shell. This is also a top pick for pastry chefs.

Making it through another day......

MARC CHAGALL - OTTAVIO MISSONI

Exibition comparing the artist with the designer. Chagall's fairy-tale reality in a dream-like state,figurative memories that break down into colorful worlds communicating an optimistic dimension of life.

The same can be said of Ottavio Missoni, where his tapestries are made up of colored knit cutouts illustrating his own memories.

TESTA DEL ACQUA

Okay Thilo...enough chatter, let's have lunch.....

ANAPO VALLEY

This nature reserve stretches between the surrounding towns of Sortina,Ferla and Cassaro.

Are we going to have to jump across? or can we swim?

The site is located on a plateau surrounded by caves formed over thousands of years by the flow of two rivers, the Anapo and Calcinara, which determine the present canyon shape of the area.

And then there was food......

and then there was music.....

MOUNT ETNA

At 2,000 feet above sea level, it's the highest Mediterrrnean Island mountain and one of the most active stratovolcano in the world.

Its eruptive history dates back to 500,000 years with roughly 2,700 years of activitiy documented.

In 2013 the top of Mount Etna (roughly 47,000 acres) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List recognized as one of the world's longest documented records of volcanic activity.

We're lathering up for the climb.....

There are several live craters on the summit and old craters and subsidiary cones dot the flanks. Summit activity is the most frequent and can last serveral years while side eruptions only last a few days.

As the most prominent landmark on Eastern Sicily, locals have incredible respect for the volcano. Its explosions have saved nearby regions from an invasion in the past (39BC Carthinigians).

Its fertile soils have created ample gastronomy - strawberries, pistachio,mushrooms,apples,sausage,honey,olive oil and the famed wines from the Northern side.

Of course there is a place for lunch at the top of our climb...

This is a rough climb around the crater....

But, we made it.....

At the same time, locals' lives are negatively affected by the volcano as it controls the weather, with clouds often hugging around its peaks. When activity is strong gray skies and ash in the air can cancel flights at the nearby Catania airport.

GRACI WINERY

Family run winery in the Passopisciaro area creating two Etna Bianco, on Rosato, and the Quota Mille Barbabecchi. They cultivate only the local grapes which are identified by the contrada, or terroir, in which the vines are planted.

SALVATORE INCORPORA

He was a painter,sculptor,poet and writer who spent much of his life in Linguaglossa. (1920 - 2010) His work is incredibly influenced by his connection to the sea as well as his 3 years in a concentration camp during WWII.

OUR LAST SUPPER AT A MICHLIN STAR RESTAURANT- SHALAI