5-31 Sunday: The White Cliffs of Sicily, Sicilian Gelato, Roman Ruins and Farm Dinner

We began with a relaxing morning for breakfast and a little time to sit by the pool. Great break! Then: afternoon on the bus to see the white cliffs of Sicily. Known as Scala dei Turchi: Stairs of the Turks. It occurs in 4 different areas of Sicily, this being the largest. This special stone, in the area of Realmonte, is Marle stone… not limestone, but just as soft and prone to erosion and damage.) Great spot for a photo!

Next stop: Gelato. This specifically Sicilian way to eat it is scooped into a brioche bun. Enough to eat to become lunch!

Next: the Greek and Roman Ruins in the Valley of the Temples. A UNESCO site as you can well imagine, These temples were built on the highest ridge and were used over the years by first the Greeks and then the Romans. The amount of preservation is amazing on one of these. Often the ancient structures were dismantled to provide building materials for the growth of the town. However one of these, The Concordia Temple, was originally dedicated to the astrological twins: Gemini. Later the building became a church and was dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. (easy transition). We also viewed many tombs (Lower, larger ones for nobility. Up higher on the rock face for lesser folk). We finished our tour, and hit the road for the farm of Annalisa.

Annalisa and her partner own a house and farm they are renovating. Their plan is a lemon orchard. They also have olive trees and grow their vegetables. Annalissa is a chef who teaches cooking (GoSicily Cooking Experience). She made a wonderful dinner for us, gave us a tour of her home and her farm, and sent us on our way with full tummies!