Piazza Armerina ( Romana del Casale)

The day started sadly as Cathy was not well and decided to stay at home, so the three of us set out for Armerina.   The Villa is now a UNESCO site covering more than 3,500 sq m, the largest group anywhere in the Roman world. It dates from the late third century AD and the mosaics are the best we have seen in both the amount and condition. Much work is going on and it seems a shame that the authorities seem to be disagreeing as to the way the work should progress. Lots of areas are closed off and people are being allowed to walk on many of the mosaics, whilst scaffolding is standing on a lot more with little or no protection. Get you act together Guys. You have here possibly the most important site in the country, including the mainland Italy. Make the most of it. To bring tourists in you need it to be approachable and available whilst at the same time safe from damage.
It would be a shame if you lost any of these remarkable rooms which took so long to create in the first place and have remained undamaged for so many years.

Sciacca and beach walk

 Starting with a visit to the town of Sciacca famous for its ceramics. Some nice if slightly jaded buildings, but a welcoming from the local produce shop which ended in a purchase of about six bottles of Marsala and other sweet wines after a tasting session. Sunday dinner out of doors as the weather was so good, and finally a walk along the beach with more birds of prey than we have seen in the last six months in as many countries. The one in the picture had caught a snake about a meter long and was eating it as we watched. Don't know what the bird was but I am sure Matt will put us right, when we see him. It was slightly bigger than a Buzzard and slimmer.

Cliffs of Eraclea Minoa and Scala di Turchi

Trying a new idea with a video for this latest visit to some amazing cliffs and rock formations. Better viewed on small screen as it loses quality on full screen, you also need sound on. 

Gerry will love these.

Return to Selinunte

It was good to visit Selinunte again at a different time of the year, more flowers, and we found places that we missed last time.

Secca Grande

We returned to the south coast and a new site at Secca Grande.
Cathy and Graham joined us three days later.
The beach walk was more of a scramble with Cathy leading the way at a fast pace.
I managed to spill coffee over Sarah so she had to go in the sea to wash it off.  Many splendid rock formations for Gerry later in the year.

Palermo

 We started our trip to Palermo by train from Cefalu. Our first visit was to the Catacombs dei Cappuccini. These house the bodies of over 8,000 mummies from 16th century onwards that are dressed in their clothing and hung in various postures on the walls. Very macabre and a little unnerving. Not for the squeamish. See link for pics as photos not allowed .


We then went to the Cappella Palatina inside the Palazzo dei Normanni. This is the palace of the 12th century Sicilian kings. Another fantastic display of mosaics and opulence.
The city itself is just another city, not our thing really, big cities but worth the visit. The traffic is scary, you just have to cross the road with oblivion and keep walking, no one stops voluntarily at crossings it seems.


We had wonderful sandwiches and coffee in a little back street by the side of the road in the morning and beer and toasties by the harbour in the afternoon.


Another good day out with our pals.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=catacombe+dei+cappuccini&hl=en&rlz=1R2SKPB_enGB346&biw=1366&bih=607&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=iioUT6K1JO7c4QT12a3nAw&sqi=2&ved=0CEEQsAQ

Monreale with Kathy and Graham

 A trip to Monreale with Kathy and Graham, our new pals, proved a great day out. The town is pleasant and the Norman Cathedral built in 1174 by William 11 is spectacular. The mosaics cover almost 8,000 sq m and contain two tons of pure gold and depict scenes from the New testament. The drive back was an event in its self, with Graham deciding to take a “short cut” to miss out Palermo. How he managed to get his truck through some of the back streets i still do not know, sooner him than me. It was nice to get back to a good meal together.

http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Sicily%20&%20S%20Italy/Montages/Sicily/Palermo/Monreale%20Cathedral.htm