Cefalu and area

Our second campsite at Finale near Cefalu and we are exploring the mountains again. Cefalu is a very nice City with a wonderful Duomo or Cathedral, great sandy beach and lots of shops and cafes.

This picture is a modern sculpturs idea of a cloud, we will leave that one to your imagination.

The back streets are narrow and cobbled. Lots to see here including many mountain villages.
The cobbled street in the picture however is at a Greco Roman town in the hills called Halaesa, circa 1st century BC

Sicily

Arrived in Sicily after short ferry crossing. Took a ride up to Etna valley. The Volcano looked very grand. It erupted four days after we were there.
The island is wonderful, mountains and valleys everywhere. It is also much cleaner and friendly than southern Italy. Weather is good and we are staying for the rest of the winter.

Tropea

Moved down to Tropea ready for Lee Han and Lucy to visit. Had a great week with them. Very sad when they had to leave.

Herculaneum

Our last historic site in this area took us to Herculaneum. This was not as badly damaged by the eruption of Vesuvius as Pompei. It had a mud slide and this covered the buildings but caused little damage so much remains intact. More floors and ceilings remain in good condition with some of the original timber and iron work
We move on tomorrow to southern Italy.

Pompei

What can you say. This is a never to be missed place. We were amazed how good it was. Such an insight into the life of people 2000 years ago. I thought it beat Rome in that respect, Sarah is still neutral on that one.

Final day in Rome.

The Villa Borghese gallery proved to be a highlights of our visit with Statues by Michelangelo and Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Titian and many more. The sculptures by Bernini were unbeliveable. The detail was exquisite. Rounded off by a last trip to Piazza Navona with more Bernini's in the fountains. Great day.

Calcata

This little mountain village was very quaint and apparently only gets busy at week ends. We met a nice lady called Gemma in her terraced cafe "La Sala" who served the most delicious cake ever. She was Belgian but has lived here for 29 years.