Then an early bus up to Castelmola...a village that sits atop a mountain above Taormina. The village is built on a natural terrace surrounding the ruins of a fort dating back to the 9th century.
Well, what a bus trip! It was only 20 minutes, but I think my hair is now a lighter shade of grey! Picture this...a bus, more the size of a coach, climbing a mountain road that's really only two small cars wide...hairpin bends and all! At any point, one side of the bus overlooked the sheer drop down the mountain, while the other cleared the houses and stone walls by a couple of inches. Midway up, we met a bus coming down! Hooley, dooley...I almost asked to get off! We had to reverse down the mountain road for a short way, both buses manoeuvred inch by inch to ease past each other, and meanwhile cars were banking up, scooters were making their way through...you can ask me any question about the fabric on the seat in front of me, because that's where my eyes were focused!
Anyway, we arrived safely...
Castelmola fort is just ruins, but we really enjoyed it. Gorgeous views, shady spots to sit and take in the countryside. Back in the village we stopped for a fruit cocktail at Bar-Turrisi, a Castelmola institution since 1947. The bar is quite intimate, with 3 levels you can access via a metal staircase. What's interesting (or maybe not!) is that the decor is an abundance of phallus-shaped items...from the menu to the floor tiles to the door handles to the furniture. Now, they say the phallus is a sign of good omen and abundance from Hellenic tradition...but I'm not convinced...
We wandered through the village, loving its cobblestoned steps and alleys, and breathtaking views just when you least expected them. There was the most incredible soccer pitch - where we saw people playing tennis - that looked like it was suspended on the mountain side.
Finished with lunch at a lovely restaurant in Piazza Duomo. You can see my prince-like lunch partner in one of the photos below. (oh, and Brent was there too!)
PS - the bus trip down was without drama...but there will be wine tonight!
1 comment:
Hooley dooley describes the bus journey to Castelmola perfectly. What an experience - never to be repeated, hopefully. The 'photos are great, the views from such a height look fantastic. Wine well deserved.
Lils
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