Sep 3, 2009 - 3 sept 09

We were all ready to go, the minivan had arrived to take us up the winding tortuous route to the top of Mt Etna.We were all ready to go, the minivan had arrived to take us up the winding tortuous route to the top of Mt Etna....

May 3, 2009 - Messina, Sicily

Today "Ernie's Terrific Tours" is heading to Sicily. More specifically, we arrived in Messina this morning and headed out at 8 am for Mt. ... Etna and the town of Taormina.Today "Ernie's Terrific Tours" is heading to Sicily. More specifically, we arrived in Messina this morning and headed out at 8 am for Mt. ... Etna and the town of Taormina....

May 2, 2009 - I see dead people....

I am in the crypt of the Capuchin monks, on the outskirts of Palermo (yes, the same monks after whom the cappuccino was named, but I digress). ... We both wondered if breathing in the air would give us all sorts of terrible diseases! Palermo is poor, obviously so. ... On the other side of the square is a completely dilapidated mansion, run down, vandalised and unoccupied - this seems to symbolise Palermo, beauty amidst backwardness. ... While a lot of work is going to repair the many potentially beautiful historic buildings, Palermo still has an air of decay about it. ... Oh, and yes I had a good coffee in Palermo. ...

Apr 29, 2009 - Into the Mists....in Sicily

Into the mists and up to the Castle go the intrepid Australian explorer and his trusty American companion. We are in Enna, in central Sicily, a hilltop town that apparently has fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and a very impressive medieval castle. ... Not terribly intrepid I know, but hey! Sicily is a fantastic place to visit - the Greek and Roman ruins are superb and located in visually stunning locations, the small towns (perhaps like Enna) are picturesque, and there is so much history here. ... I am fascinated by the Muslim influence.Into the mists and up to the Castle go the intrepid Australian explorer and his trusty American companion. We are in Enna, in central Sicily, a hilltop town that apparently has fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and a very impressive medieval castle. ... Not terribly intrepid I know, but hey! Sicily is a fantastic place to visit - the Greek and Roman ruins are superb and located in visually stunning locations, the small towns (perhaps like Enna) are picturesque, and there is so much history here. ... I am fascinated by the Muslim influence....

Mar 25, 2009 - Across the centre of Sicily

Tuesday.Tuesday....

Mar 25, 2009 - Change of mind

Monday 23rd March. We were making our way to Palermo to see the museums and palaces but having spent 45 minutes making our way in with out seeing a single empty parking space we gave up and took a truly fabulous drive through the mountains to the interior town of Piazza Armerina. ... As we hit the piazza Garribaldi looking for a B&B Giovanni leapt in front of us and told us all our dreams had come true or words to that effect in Sicilian Italian!!! His B&B was superb with a huge bed, good bathroom and plenty of exercise to reach the fourth floor.Monday 23rd March. We were making our way to Palermo to see the museums and palaces but having spent 45 minutes making our way in with out seeing a single empty parking space we gave up and took a truly fabulous drive through the mountains to the interior town of Piazza Armerina. ... As we hit the piazza Garribaldi looking for a B&B Giovanni leapt in front of us and told us all our dreams had come true or words to that effect in Sicilian Italian!!! His B&B was superb with a huge bed, good bathroom and plenty of exercise to reach the fourth floor....

Mar 21, 2009 - Stormy weather

Friday 20th March. We then continued on to Marsala and a great deal in the hotel President. ...

Mar 20, 2009 - High lights!

Thursday 19th March. Today we pressed on towards Sciacca but by way of a change via mountain roads with recommended good views. ... On now to Sciacca a large seaside town that no one without a map and local guide should try to drive through. ... Even Norah got lost in the one way systems and dead ends.Thursday 19th March. Today we pressed on towards Sciacca but by way of a change via mountain roads with recommended good views. ... On now to Sciacca a large seaside town that no one without a map and local guide should try to drive through. ... Even Norah got lost in the one way systems and dead ends....

Mar 19, 2009 - Catania

Today was spent in a city called Catania. ... Catania is a major city and wasnt as nice as taormina. ... the city was interesting, the architecture was interesting and it had an interesting story.Today was spent in a city called Catania. ... Catania is a major city and wasnt as nice as taormina. ... the city was interesting, the architecture was interesting and it had an interesting story....

Mar 19, 2009 - On the way to Agrigenta

NB Some of the photos go with tomorrow? Tuesday 17th March.NB Some of the photos go with tomorrow? Tuesday 17th March....

Mar 19, 2009 - Classical Delights

Wednesday 18th March. Early start going to Agrigento ten miles away along the coast road. ... Approaching the town shimmering gold in the morning sun we were stunned by the sight of a Greek temple silhouetted against the cloudless blue sky and we were worried that we were not sure where we were going! The valley of the Temples was the most amazing place.Wednesday 18th March. Early start going to Agrigento ten miles away along the coast road. ... Approaching the town shimmering gold in the morning sun we were stunned by the sight of a Greek temple silhouetted against the cloudless blue sky and we were worried that we were not sure where we were going! The valley of the Temples was the most amazing place....

Mar 19, 2009 - Mt. Etna

Today we went up mt.Today we went up mt....