June 12, 2024
My morning walk took me north in hope of catching a view of Mount Etna but that was not to be because it was cloudy but I did walk though the public gardens and then got a bit wet walking back to the hotel.
We headed out to explore Taormina, home to a Greco-Roman theater that is one of the most highly regarded ancient sites in Sicily. The famous amphitheater during Greek times was for plays and music and during the Roman times for gladiator fights. The current structure is about 1/3 of the height of the original. It provides a commanding view—perched atop a hill, the brick and stone structure offers a view of the building-speckled coastline, the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
During our free time I took the cable car down to the beach so I could look up at the town nestled into the hills and all of the boats that dotted the bay. I am sure that the really big yacht is mine!!!
Back on in town I wandered the narrow streets finding some fun street art and spent a bit of time resting in the public gardens! What a fun town to explore!! Taormina is home to an annual film festival that attracts Hollywood’s elite along with concerts in the amphitheater! With resorts whose rooms are over 2K a night definitely a place you can bump into the rich and famous.
Back in Catania we went to a.tribute to Bellini opera at a church. Incredible acoustics and a spectacular voices made it a very special experience!!! Bellini was the quintessential composer of the Italian bel canto era of the early 19th century. He was born and is buried in Catania.
