On to Rome and our final leg

Said a sad farewell to Sicily today. Hope to visit again. Highly recommend Think Sicily for outstanding selection of villa rentals and great service.



On the road to Rome. Many beautiful landscapes. I was surprised at the magnitude of the mountain ranges in southern Italy. Very beautiful, and throw in a medieval castle or a gorgeous hill town at every turn and it makes for an interesting day.








The GPS did it again took us this crazy back way, which included a tunnel under Villa d'Este gardens to our B&B in Tivoli. It is worth it since the entrance to the villa is right outside our hotel door!!






Watched the sunset over Rome from the main square in Tivoli wher teenagers were strutting and kid's were practicing soccer and learning to ride bike.



This was the most adorable car we'd ever seen. A Fiat the size of a SmartCar but with a perfectly upholstered back seat. Waynw claimed it could fit four. I'm doubtful but it was a gem.





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Location:Via Vincenzo Pacifici,Tivoli,Italy

Something fishy...

Went to the recommended local fish market today to see what the caught last night. We are hanging out at the villa today getting all the clothes washed and relaxing. Tonight's meal is fresh fish and the left over veggies that were in the fridge with lot's of butter cause that needs to be used up too. Tomorrow a long drive back to Rome.









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Location:Sant'agata di Militello, Sicily

Sicily - sorry for taking so long

We've been enjoying our villa and how many pictures of the view do you really want to see anyway?
Here's a few -
Driving on the autostrada along the coast is constant tunnels and bridges. I'm shocked at the amount of infrastructure.






The interior is more open but still very hilly. If you are not on the autostrada, which is mostly elevated to keep it straight, you are on a twisty, turny road. It can take a while to get from point A to B.


This was fun - yes that is prickly pear roofing


Speaking of prickly pear - the fruits were too beautiful after the rain.


The pretty little town below us - Acquedolci


what I was doing while Wayne was busy making pasta


I know, more shoots from the villa but this was a spectacular sunset!


The south slope of Etna on our way to Syracusa


Some of the ancient and less ancient architecture in Syracusa





Today we drove west along the coast to Cefalu. It was a perfect day!















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Location:Strada Statale 289,Acquedolci,Italy

the doors of Gerace

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Location:Gerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy

September 28 - another day exploring.

We explored the area around Aspromonte National Park today and learned that all back roads are not created equal. Especially when ancient hill towns are in the way. I really challenged Wayne's driving skills today! Wish I had pictures of the narrow passage he maneuvered our trusted Alpha Romeo Giulietta through. Up hill through the wall - that 's all I asked - no big deal...


We were taking the back roads to the town of Gerace. It was listed on an Italian website as one of the most picturesque towns in Italy. Here's a view of the road up from above.



Looking down one the lower part of Gerace and the Med beyond.


At least we got a lovely caprese salad after all that stressful driving.



Here's my driving hero, doesn't look too traumatized.



I'll end today's post with a few creative shoots taken along the way.












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Location:Roccella Ionica,Italy

September 27 - more Italy through the back roads.

Another day of beautiful back roads.


Santa Severina - another fabulous hill town.


Olives ready for harvest





La Castella on the Med.


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Location:Driving from San Giovanni in Fiore to Roccella Jonica

September 26 - a day of contrasts

Today we traveled from the heel to the toe and experienced some interesting contrasts.
From almost driving over a girl on her moped in Lecce rush hour traffic to breakfast in sleepy Porto Cesareo.



From the sea to the mountains






From being caught in traffic to being caught in goats






From corridors of apartment blocks to corridors of pines






From urban intensity to mountain village quiet.












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Location:Viale Repubblica,San Giovanni in Fiore,Italy