This is the second leg of our Europe trip visiting Heidleburg, Southern Italy/Sicily and Malta.
Our first leg to Heidelberg, Germany can be found here.Our third and final leg to Malta can be found here.
On this leg of our holiday, we leave Germany to fly into Naples in Southern Italy, to drive 2500 km crossing to the east, then returning to the west coast of Italy and down to the southern tip, before crossing by ferry to tour Sicily.
Before starting our drive of Southern Italy, we spend two days visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius , then on to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento.
After we pick up our rental car on our first morning in Italy, we waste no time and head straight for the ruins of Pompeii. Yes it’s a massive tourist trap but a must see if you’re visiting the area.
So we join our group and head around to a different entry to the side of the complex in an attempt to avoid the hoards of tourists at the front main gates.
The place is very large and you can easily spend an entire day here but it all starts to look the same after a while.
Then we round the corner to see Mt Vesuvius standing in the distance and still looking ominous. As you can tell it’s quite the distance away but close enough to destroy the city.
The guys listening attentively to the talk given by our guide.
And then on to this old outdoor theatre. It seems to have escaped the force of the volcano.
The streets of Pompei are all an assembly of large rocks, fitting together to form a seemingly indestructible surface. You’ll notice the lack of pot holes. Those raised rocks were used for pedestrians to cross and the horse carts simply passed through them.
Much of the city’s homes were just like this one, well what’s left of it anyway.
This would once have been some sort of store and the produce sold would once have filled those large bowls.
A row of homes down a residential street.
Clearly, this would once have been a bakery, judging by the large oven. “One family size Napoletana please”
Oh look, a horde of tourists heading our way. Yaaaay!
Obviously a water trough for horses to drink from.
The more well to do families had larger homes and collected their own water in troughs such as this one.
The walls of this building were decorated with carvings. It housed a kind of spa that was separated for men and women to use.
Once inside, people bathe in a pool just like this.
Or this.
Both male and female change rooms had decorative ceilings, still visible today.
And you would leave your clothing and belongings, such as mobile phones, in these “lockers”.
I wonder if foundations like these would pass council approval these days?
So apparently, brothels were big business back in the day and these images of penises were found throughout the city. They pointed in the direction of the nearest brothel believe it or not.
Another row of homes with a narrower side street.
Another fancy home with tiled floors and their own water catchment.
This large plaza is in the city centre.
This statue still stood quite proudly in the plaza.
But I have no idea why this blokes head was near the horses arse.
And Vesuvius clearly visible in the background, almost threatening to destroy the area at any time.
Off to the side there was a display of various artefacts , including many terracotta vases and petrified bodies of those poor souls taken by the eruption.
How this wooden wagon made it, is anyone’s guess.
This poor dog looks like it died an agonising death while trying to lick its testicles.
Then this poor soul.
And finally, this poor baby.
Eventually we found a brothel, thanks to Cathy busily searching for penises. The upper walls had various paintings that depicted different positions that patrons may want to try.
And such lovely, comfortable beds I might add.
On our way out of Pompei, we exit through this building that managed to hang on to many of its artwork.
And two more poor souls.
After visiting Pompei, we made our way to the volcano itself. Vesuvius.Unfortunately, this was one of the worst tourist traps we’ve ever experienced. They block the road far from the parking area near the top, so that you need to pay a taxi to take you to a second place where you are again required to pay for the privilege of climbing to the crater in the hot sun. Or you could pay even more to be taken up there. We opted to stay just down in the main area below the crater as we had parted with enough of our money for the day, to the southern Italians.
The view was quite spectacular from near the top. It’s a wonder we weren’t charged for the privilege.
More money.
Returning to Naples, after a day of lots of walking, we take a look around our neighbourhood for the first time in daylight as we had arrived late the night previous.
This, believe it or not, is the entrance to our unit block. Rough looking but quite pleasant inside actually.
Late in the afternoon, we ventured into the marketplace to pick up some deli supplies for an authentic Italian experience.
This delicatessen was excellent and Anna was right at home with the language, which made life so much easier for us all.
So much tasty, perfect Italian food.
Cathy didn’t think it was bad either.
This lovely old lady sold us the tastiest tomatoes you could ever imagine. And all for €1:00 per kilo.
So much choice, so little time.
More beautiful, fresh produce.
And lastly, something to drink. Anna looks like she’s on the hard stuff.
The result was four happy campers with full bellies.
Our second day in Naples, saw us drive the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento to. A stunning part of Southern Italy.
Imagine living in a home hanging off the edge of a cliff, such as this one.
Spectacular scenery which trailed the entire west coast.
These little Apes made great vendors carts.
This area is famous for its lemons and the drink, Lemoncello.
Gary and Anna taking it all in.
A seemingly perfect marina just below us.One of many along the coast.
This island, just off the coast.
While we were travelling, we found that mozzarella cheese made from buffalo milk was a big deal over here. As we were driving the coast road out of Sorrento, we spotted this vendor who sold it.
We asked for a bag of it for us to enjoy, but this wonderful man didn’t stop there. He brought out a table for us, soon followed by some other cheeses, salamis and fresh bread. Before we knew it, we’d had lunch at no expense other than the cost of the mozzarella and our drinks.
We met some great characters throughout our trip, but this guy was one f the most memorable.
Thankfully, along the Amalfi, we found several places where we could get out of the line of cars and appreciate the wonder that it is.
There were several of these vendors along the way and all different from the next.
And another in the distance.
We better go check it out, in case we miss out on something.
Yet another across the road.
And, by the way, it was shopping with a view.
Our problem was, we couldn’t take some of the items on sale, home.
The Amalfi Coast is definitely a must see, but in reality traffic such as this , is very real and common.
Yes we had a pool but it was empty.
No shortage of aerials here.
Or satellite TV.
Our first stop of interest was the village of Potenza. It was intended to also be a lunch stop while exploring the place. We had some difficulty finding the old city in amongst the urban growth but we stumbled across this little fella, Pasquale. Anna and Cathy found him quietly having a coffee and asked him for directions. Not only did he help us with that, he accompanied us and gave us a private tour which lasted almost 3 hours. We joked that he made Anna look like a tall Amazon Woman but in fact, he was retired from working in the local government ,and very well known, not to mention, very well informed of his beloved city.
Pasquale was 80 years old but climbed hundreds of these steps with ease.
This round about , also a monument celebrating the city's history.
He was very interesting to listen to and certainly knew his home town.
This old town was very well kept. The people were obviously proud of their home.
Umbrellas were hung above the streets to signal points of interest during festivals.
By now, Pasquale was getting quite chummy with Anna, making Gary quite concerned he was losing Anna to this Italian Stallion. You can imagine our horror when Anna followed Pasquale in to the church and the organ began to play loudly. We all thought that Good old Pasquale was claiming Anna as his new bride! Fortunately for Gary, it was just a young girl practising her craft.
I wonder how many other women Pasquale had claimed and held captive up in the church tower :)
Anyway, back to the tour. By now Gary was watching over Anna very carefully, while appreciating the narrow streets of the old city.
Pasquale pointed this old home out to us a one of the oldest.
These vendors were very common throughout Southern Italy and indeed throughout Europe itself. In Australia, they're labelled fancy names like "organic" and sell at twice the price, whereas in Italy it's the same price or even cheaper than the stores.
This little Vespa is right at home in the narrow streets of the city.
One of the old entrances through the city walls.
Gary will tell you that the Ferramentas were Italian relations of his and owned businesses all over Italy. I think he's dreaming.
More colourful umbrellas.
A watch tower forms part of the outer wall, overlooking the valley below.
Anna is showing way too much interest in Pasquale by this time.
The Italian and European Union flags, outside a government building.
A pizzeria in Italy, wonders will never cease.
More bloody steps, and thousands more to come over the course of our trip.
We then get to see the town cathedral.
They love towers and steps in this part of the world.
Da bell da bell.
The door had such perfect carvings on it's outer face.
So simple yet so lovely to see.
Finally our tour with Pasquale, came to an end. He was another memorable character we met along the way. We got to see and experience things tourists don't and as the locals see it and at our own pace.
Pasquale leads us to his favourite cafe where we offer him lunch but he settles for a simple coffee and explains that he has lunch at home ready for 1:00 pm.
This cafe was converted from an old bakery. You can see what was the old oven to the rear.
Leaving Potenza, we move on to where we spend the evening, in the lovely old mountain village of Matera. On the outer edge of this amazing old city is this beautiful church.
So simple yet so beautiful inside.
Walking through an old gateway, the old city appears before us in all it's historical glory.
So many homes,and many of them abandoned after the war, crammed together along the side of a mountain.
An absolute amazing site to see.
No cars here, all walking paths and thousands of those bloody steps.
So, so many steps.
Gary and Anna find a nice photo opportunity.
As it happened, the latest James Bond Movie was being filmed and these drones were being used to capture some of the scenes. In this case it was a motorcycle stunt.
Meanwhile, we continued exploring the old town. Note the lack of safety rails.
So much work in these old cobblestone paths.
We also noted the terracotta down pipes used in the day.
These little three wheelers are all over Italy. This one modified to cart tourists around.
Leaving the city walls, we venture out side to see even more marvellous architecture.
Including lovely fountains such as this one.
Here you can see the even older city underneath the current ground level.
Why don't we have any of these at home?
The grape vines and lime stone walls, make this so Italian.
Before dinner, we take a look around an old castle nearby.
It almost has a Norman look about it, unlike most in Italy.
I wonder if the Italians kept their wine in those huge towers.
After a good night's rest, the next morning we make our way to lovely Alberobello. Home of the famous yet odd looking Trullo houses.
These weird looking shelters were mainly used as temporary shelters or storage rooms on farms. This fine original example was outside the main tourist area.
A great area to travel with seemingly no one around.
Another fine original Trulli, on our way in to town.
And another more ornate one.
Note the one on the left has steps leading on top of the roof.
We finally arrived in to town and were met with hundreds of these stuctures all have been white washed and clearly used as homes and BnB's.
Once again, luck was on our side and we were invited to take a look inside one of the BnB's, by the owners who lived next door actually.
Yes it was little snug inside but renovated perfectly.
Cathy inspecting the sleeping quarters upstairs.
Looking up at the pointy top from inside.
While the living area and bathroom is on ground level.
A closer look at the roof shows how the stones are laid in such a way as to support themselves.
We start our walk through the village.
These were all done up so beautifully.
Along the tourist trail of the village there were vendors like this showing their craft.
Then this lady invited us in also to see inside her home.
And wow!
Her pussy looked quite comfortable on the lounge.
A few were left in original state.
A basket weaver.
From a higher vantage point we had a better view of the roof tops.
I began to prefer the original looking ones, in there natural state and not painted to impress the tourists.
Time for a break.
This bar in a converted Trulli, was the perfect choice.
And what a view!
We also took a look around inside.
Time for a little shopping.
Anna leads the way.
I became curious as to the strange markings on some of the rooftops. It turns out that each marking represented the religion of the family living within.
Leaving Alberobello, we visit the coastal town of Monopoli
The crystal clear water of the Adriatic Sea, slapped us in the face.
When in Italy?
The first person we saw fishing, believe it or not.
A lovely seaside town as you can see.
Let’s not forget the essential city wall.
Gelato time ........... again.
Choices choices.
Apart from being on the water, this town also held many historical secrets, and well worth a visit in it’s own right.
These colourful window planters reminded me of Malta, where you can find similarly dressed balconies.
You never know what you’re going to find when exploring places on your own. This church held an incredible secret.
The decorations above the door should have given it away.
The church of purgatory houses several mummified priests. Enough to give you the creeps.
But, still, the fella on the left looks happy enough, unlike the bloke on the right looking shocked.
This gentleman, quietly minding his own business, peeling his nuts. Yes he offered me some and yes they were tasty. So in fact, he has tasty nuts.
Gary takes a photo of Anna insisting on a photo throwing the confetti. I think old mate Pasquale still had an effect on her.
There you go Anna.
Meanwhile, inside.
Stunning gold leaf adorn the walls.
Finally we arrive in another perfect historical town for the night, Ostuni.
We were pleasantly surprised to see how beautiful our BnB was for the night.
The bottom was a converted horse stable.
This is one of the feeders, still hanging from the wall.
The staircase winding up to another bedroom up stairs in the loft.
I’m assuming this was the old hay loft.
The village square was just a few steps outside.
And this place also comes with its own city wall and mopeds.
The plaza in Ostuni was abuzz with life, particularly as evening approached.
The view from the high walls were spectacular.
Lookout, Anna has her camera out. God forbid anyone get in her way.
Smile Cath.
The city’s old alleys were lovely to see.
But spectacular at night.
Ostuni, like most European cities, comes to life at night.
Leaving Ostuni the next morning , we drop by unplanned, to another village called Valsinni high on top a hill.
And with its own castle, Castello di Isabella Morra.
The story goes, that a lady poet and intellect hid herself away in the castle, to study her poetry as she was way ahead of her time and didn’t fit in to her then society. Now remember this place was not part of our itinerary, but a nice place to take a break from driving, and look at what we stumbled upon.
It always amazes me to see how these structures are built in to the bedrock they sit on. It’s no surprise they still stand today.
And of course, Cathy had beaten us all up to the top.
And Anna takes in the fantastic view from the top.
Inside the lower level of the castle, we find a mini museum with artefacts of the period.
This castle is privately owned and has been restored by a wealthy family who reside on the upper level of the castle while holidaying here.
Here, they are still discovering more history beneath the castle.
This sun dial decorated with the signs of the zodiac.
The view below from another side.
It’s lovely gardens taken care of by a paid caretaker on site.
Down the path and into the village we find numerous vacant old homes.
Such a shame that many of these homes lay unloved and unused.
Meanwhile this sweat old lady picked some sweet figs from the tree and offered them to us.
It’s these little experiences that make a good holiday.
This police officer didn’t have much to do.
Continuing on to Maratea for the night, we take another break, to explore a small chapel way on top of a mountain with extraordinary panoramic views.
At the car park, is this statue of Pope John Paul.
More walking, more climbing.
But so worth our effort to see the view from so high.
It was quite surreal actually, and we were the only people there, which made it even better.
It made me wonder if many people attended church here as it was such an effort to get there.
The views from the church staircase.
It’s strange being up amongst the clouds.
The view facing west, shows we were quite close to the coast.
Just down the road a little, we find a little grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Anna became quite infatuated by grottoes so we began to point them out every time we saw one.
Yes Gary, more steps.
It’s been around for quite a while.
I get the feeling that these seats don’t get used often.
So, we came from Potenza and Matera , and approaching Maratea. Google maps worked a treat however it was good to see the signs confirming we were on track.
These cattle were casually walking along the road from one paddock to another. Can’t rush these things you know.
I wasn’t game to tell this big fella to mooooove.
After finding our BnB, we walked into town.
We were staying quite high above the town so that meant, MORE BLOODY STAIRS.
And passing through narrow alleys that squeezed between the homes.
On our way down, we met with this young fella. His name was Antony Lowery and happened to be an Assistant Director in the new James Bond movie we saw filming in Matera just days earlier. What are the chances?
But the town was gorgeous.
Maratea was so well kept and spotlessly clean.
We didn’t take long to find a bar.
This touristy stuff is thirsty work. Luckily, Italy has beer.
We find a church so that Gary can confess his many many sins, actually he may have been praying for less stairs.
After freshening up, we walked back into town for dinner and more looking around.
This fountain in the plaza.
So Italian.
The atmosphere was so calm and peaceful.
I love how social yet simple European communities can be.
Finally we choose our restaurant. A pizzeria funnily enough.
Hmmmm shall we have pizza, pizza or the pizza?
You guessed it, we had the pizza and while it was being prepared, I walked off to capture the sunset.
Beautiful to say the least.
Then as darkness fell, Maratea changed identity.
The weather was so mild and such a peaceful, calm atmosphere.
Those lanterns really set the mood.
The next morning, we set off to drive to the top of the mountain to check out the statue.
This lookout was worth checking out first, overlooking the west coast of Southern Italy.
The road heading up the mountain had several hairpin turns as you can see.
With more spectacular views.
Looking down on our BnB. Ours is with the small white awning, to the left of the home with the blue one. We enjoyed a few drinks in the evening sitting out back, even coffee in the morning.
Closer.
That one.
Then, facing the church, was the statue.
This is what's left of the original village of Maratea. All we could think of is the amount of climbing and up and down the mountain, the original inhabitants needed to endure.
This lovely lady took the time to give us an informative talk about the area.
As we walked closer, it was apparent how huge this thing was.
I wasn't aware that Jesus had "tuck shop lady" arms.
Another great experience ticked off the list.
You wouldn't have guessed it, but there was a bar up there too, and they sold cold beer. What are the chances? We felt like we on top of the world here as the views were breathtaking.
Looking down, we decided to next visit the marina.
No we didn't walk all the way down
And Jesus was still looking from high above.
There wasn't much going on but still worth a quick look.
This coastline just didn't give up.
The water was so clear and inviting.
We enjoyed stopping at little, out of the way cafes and restaurants such as this as they offered a much more authentic experience.
There was a walk down to the water just below the restaurant, that Anna and Cathy did, while Gary and I checked out the beer.
More crazy views.
Our next leg of the trip, saw us head down the coast to Tropea then on to Villa San Giovanni for the night, before crossing the ferry to Sicily the next morning.
As you can see, the coastline was spectacular and even better, no tourists, which made for a much calmer driving experience.
Along the way, we were met with several towns but this one stood out due to it's colourful homes.
We stopped for our morning break at this restaurant.
This lady was hard at work at the wood fired oven.
Then she pulls out these freshly baked focaccia.
I was drooling over these. They smelled so good, straight out of the oven. She must've pitied me and gave us two for free to try. Yes, they were the best.
Another young family came in and ordered pizza.
Further down the road, we stopped for a look at another small seaside town.
And again, so picturesque and no tourists.
Soon it was early afternoon and we were looking for a lunch stop, when we came across this little village just off the main road.
A little touristy but not too bad.
Once again, Gary and Anna enjoying those views from the wall surrounding the village.
And it had it's own castle, little as it was.
Walking through the plaza, we decide to take a look at the church.
After a short walk around the place, we agreed on this pizzeria for lunch.
The main plaza was very colourful.
After our lunch stop, we head on down to Tropea.
With it's marina.
These three wheelers always amused us.
The way these homes are perched at the cliff's edge amazed us all.
Such a pretty place. That's a church way on top of that rock.
I think if you make the effort to walk up there, all your sins should be forgiven.
The beach looked one of the best we'd seen on our trip.
Walking through this rock, takes you to another hidden gem.
By this time, Gary's looking for a cold beer.
Leaving Tropea, we head down to our final destination of Southern mainland Italy, Villa San Giovanni, for the night and spend the afternoon, finding our way to the ferry to Sicily in preperation for the next morning, before having dinner and calling it a day.
By now, you're thinking we had nothing but pizza, but you'd be wrong. These restaurants had alot more choice than simply pizza.
After a well earned rest we head down to the ferry early the next day.
Lovely Anna, organising our boarding pass.
Just €36 for the car and four adults.
Quite a line up but it was very well organised.
And here comes the ferry.
All the pedestrians disembarking, then the vehicles.
Then it was our turn.
Time for another experience, crossing the straight of Messina to Sicily.
Approaching the port of Messina.
Our first visit was to Taormina. We find this religious grotto up high above the village.
Another great view point.
Looking over the amphitheatre of Taormina.
Taormina is a tourist trap but still good to see.
A lot of cats in Italy but more for controlling mice rather than pets.
Another beautiful Italian village.
And those views along the east coast of Sicily and the Mediterranean.
Mount Etna volcano lurking in the distance.
Love these mopeds, and so practical in the narrow roads.
Quite a lot to see in Taormina, including this regal home surrounded by gardens.
The main square in the town was quite busy.
These buskers sang all the typical songs.
On the way to the Amphitheatre.
We gave the entry cost a miss as we were going to Agrigento, later on our trip, where we would have an ancient Greek architecture overload.
So we had Gelato instead.
Leaving Taormina, we headed on to Mt Etna, which had recently erupted.
You can take a hike up to one of it's smaller craters, but it's hard dusty work.
You know your up high, when you can breath in clouds.
Leaving Etna, we head to the village of Randazzo for the first night in Sicily.
Not a tourist destination, just the way we like it.
Such a quiet authentic village.
This old convent area was now home to a restaurant.
Checking it out for dinner tonight.
It's story.
This was the doorway to our BnB for the night, which opened up to a couple of units inside.
Saying goodbye to Randazzo the next morning.
The things you see on roads less travelled.
We asked them how they were, not baaaaaad they replied.
Making our way to the North coast, we visit Cefalu.
A very pretty spot.
We decide to have lunch, before taking a look around. Cathy and I have been here four years earlier and ate at the same restaurant.
After lunch, it was time to walk the food off.
These stairs led us down to ancient Roman baths.
The way they harvested the flowing water, was ingenious.
And still flowing today.
Another hidden gem nearby.
I love the old timber boats.
We eventually arrive in Monreale where we stay two nights to also take in the city of Palermo. Monreale sits high above the city of Palermo, and we take advantage of the views.
The cathedral is heritage listed. Again, we have seen it before, but Cathy takes Anna for a visit.
The mosaics on it's outer walls are incredible.
And inside was just as spectacular.
I just so happened there was a street food festival on for the weekend, what timing!
The next morning, we caught the bus in to Palermo for the day.
I wasted no time taking our friends to the market Cathy and I had visited.
Sicily is well known for it's seafood.
So much choice.
And more fish.
Then we spotted freshly cooked octopus.
We just had to try it.
Choices choices.
And then there's the fresh produce.
We’ve never tasted such rich tasting tomatoes as the ones in Italy. Simply perfect.
And the cheese.
Oh my God, the cheese. If you’re thinking that travel is all about food for us, you’d be right.
This gentleman was making fresh ricotta.
There’s those three wheelers again.
Oh, and more fish.
The butcher also had a stall for those who wanted something other than fish.
Even the dogs have their siesta after lunch.
We bought a few bottles of anchovies to take back home, yum.
Eventually we tore ourselves away from the food and went for a walk through the city.
So much history throughout Europe.
There’s a large crossroad in the city and each corner is decorated with its own facade.
Such ornate stone carvings.
Gary and Anna , taking it all in.
I wonder if Italian dogs have Italian names, fetch Fangio!
With the same family running it.
So we replicated a photo we took four years earlier.
Eventually we find a nice plaza to enjoy a drink and night to eat.
The next morning, we leave Monreale, to head for Marsala.
So many beautiful places to see along the way.
Overlooking the Mediterranean.
This old fella doesn’t like his photo taken, so I took a sly zoom shot.
We saw some great places along the way, which we’re grateful for, because when we arrived in our destination, we discovered that our accomodation was non existent, so we spent way too long organising another.
This resort looked rather extravagant, however it seemed deserted.
One last stop in Trapani, before reaching Marsala.
Another popular seaside destination.
Leaving Marsala, the next morning we head for Agrigento, to visit the Valley of the Temples. A full day of Ancient Greek temples.
Ongoing care funded by the important tourism dollar.
Time for a break from the hot sun.
Then in the distance, yet another old structure.
An old road previously use by horse and cart, through an old gateway.
Part of an old wall that once surrounded the area.
The fruit of the prickly pear. I later indulged in a few of these in Malta.
This olive tree has been around for a very long time.
The state of its trunk shows its age.
Hard work being a doggy.
A little further on, we found some fresh excavation happening.
Two bodies laying side by side. Interesting to say the least, watching how it’s all done.
Tools of the trade.
In such good shape and standing strong.
So what’s going on here.
Hang on, what?
Now what could be so interesting?
A horny goat.
And then some old burial sites.
And the remains of yet another temple.
Looking out to Agrigento.
More yummy prickly pear.
After exploring the temple park, we find our BnB and head for a walk into town. Easier said than done. This place had a ridiculous amount of staircases that went on for ever.
But lovely to see.
The next day we left Agrigento for Syracuse, visiting the Valley of the tombs.
Parking the car, we begin our walk down in to the valley.
Soon many ancient tombs come in to sight along the cliff walls.
Steps carved in to the bedrock saw our way down. 
Hello, Anna's found another grotto.
Before long, the most pure, crystal clear stream comes in to view at the bottom of the valley. A section we did not get to see on our previous visit to Sicily.
Check out the clarity of the water, and it was ice cold.
On the way back up we pause to take a look at this make shift little church carved in to the rock wall.
Inside, we could just make out a painting of the Holy Mary.
That afternoon, we made our way to our final destination in Sicily, the town of Syracuse. After unpacking the car, we walked out to see what this place had to offer.
Syracuse was clearly a seaside fishing village in it's time and still hangs on to many of it's traditional timber boats. Good to see.
This one getting a clean and paint job.
Then these men, fishing with not so much luck.
This fella was doing well and trying to keep it a secret from the others.
But all the cats were giving him away.
He must do well fishing, cats aren't stupid.
Then we spot this huge church in the distance.
That's some engineering.
Inside, just as spectacular.
The last morning in Sicily, saw us looking around Syracuse some more.
More lovely traditional boats.
Such large nets in such small boats.
And, of course, the local markets are a must see.
You have to love Italy for it's excellent food and produce.
Amazing that liquers can be sold on the street stalls.
Nuts and dried fruit.
The freshest vegetables.
And herbs of course.
But the fish is what Sicily is famous for and there was no shortage of it.
Cathy buys me one of these huge oysters.
Gary and Anna thought it a good idea too.
A huge oyster and cup of really nice white wine for €3.
The smell of fresh seafood was incredible.
Lots of shell fish.
And those perfect Italian tomatoes.
This gentleman carving the perfect swordfish steak.
I would have loved to try some of these sea urchin but they were way too expensive.
Walking out toward the coast, we cross a bridge on to the tiny island, medieval walled city of Ortigia.
So unexpected for this place, but there it was.
The rock wall harbouring the city.
So much to see, everywhere we looked.
Such ornate stone masonry.
Such a sweet patient dog, waiting while his owner earns a dollar.
The main plaza of the old town.
And so ends our 2500km drive through Sicily and Southern Italy. So much we saw, ate and drank, along with the special people we met along the way that made our trip so memorable. Tonight we left for beautiful perfect Malta.
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