SICILY

Sicily.  The land of ancient ruins and conquering heroes.  Traversing the land under a brilliant blue sky, 

up and over the craggy cliffs, passing landscapes resembling quilts of green, brown and yellow with

brilliant red poppies dotting the roadside.  Witnessing scenes such as an occasional shepherd with his

flock perched precariously on the mountainside and the long tumbled down stone remains where once 

stood a modest farmhouse.  Where have they gone?  Now only the bougainvillea thrives in wild 

abandon and the expertly terraced fields of olive trees stand testament that the land is still viable even

 though the inhabitants are gone.  In the distance, the shimmering azure sea beckoning toes to dip and

 bodies to bronze.  Up, up the mountain again to quaint villages where prolific lemon trees stand proudly

 in every yard and potted geraniums grace the shuttered windows while the fluttering laundry dries on the balconies.  Sitting at a local vineyard in the shadow of Etna enjoying the fruits of her ashen soil while

sampling olives and the accompanying oil on freshly made rustic bread is truly time well spent.

Olive orchard, Linguaglosso

Red Alfalfa fields at Castlellana Sicula

Potted geraniums everywhere!

Gates leading from the Antico Storico in Caslebuonno

Tyrhenian Sea as viewed from atop Tindaris

After spending one month immersed in its culture, this is the Sicily I will choose to remember. Should you be seeking antiquities, from Greek temples to Roman ruins, then the mosaics at
Piazza Armenia together with the ancient ruins of Siracusa and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento will not disappoint. If it's souvenir shops and cozy cafes then the crowded sites of Taormina and Cefalu with busloads of tourists on day trips are certainly worth your time.

On the road to Enna

However, if given the opportunity, take a drive through the challenging interior.
The rewards will remain with you for a lifetime.