Off to Sicily

Another early morning. I realize that I have not been posting breakfast pictures. I have included today's for you.

Sicily is 3 km (2 miles) from mainland Italy. Messina was destroyed by a tsunami and earthquake in the early 1900's. It was also heavily bombed in WWII.

Up, up, up we go to Mount Etna. At 6000 ft it is a little cooler here 11C (52 F). There is still snow on the mountains and the leaves in the trees are just coming out. The site we visit is one of the craters that blew out due to the pressure of the eruption. The black volcanic stone looks like a moonscape. You can't see the sea from here as it is a little hazy. It is also pretty windy up. The terrain is lava rock that can make you slip. I have worn my Vessi shoes today. I know I have mentioned them.before but I can't say it enough that they are the best for traction in all sorts of conditions. Apparently in the winter they have enough snow to ski on. There is a restaurant with sandwiches and pastries. They have gluten-free for Laura and the chef there makes her first ever cannoli.

When we leave here we go to a jewelry making factory. It is in a very nice villa and the name is Gival. The villa is over a 100 years old and has been kept in perfect condition. They give us a demonstration of how jewelry is made and then showed us their jewelry. All of it is beautiful. They deal in pretty much everything from pearls to coral to diamonds and emeralds. I picked out a necklace that would match my emerald ring. It was only $4000.00 Cdn. Too rich for my blood. I did pick up a couple of pendants in coral. Laura picked up a 2 rings sand a pendant.

We are heading back to the ship now for some rest and relaxation.

We head down to dinner in rhe Hudson today. I had the French onion soup. I was disappointed with the lack of cheese. Main course was lamb shanks which was delicious. I finished off with snickers pound cake. I'm stuffed.

Tomorrow is Corfu!Read more