One of the world’s great
views is afforded to the residents and visitors of the elevated Sicilian town
of Taormina. Below is the rugged and yet beautiful Ionian Sea. In the distance
is the mainland of Italy. Inland is the ferocious and tempestuous Mt Etna, a
live volcano, towering more than 3000 metres above the town. We accept the
wonder of this view by faith because today a cloud has literally descended on
the town and the only sight we have is of a rather moody mist.
Even by faith Taormina is an
interesting place. A surprisingly busy old town is bustling with locals and
tourists. One of the largest Greek theatres in the world is still in use (in
the summer).While some streets do
house the sort of tourist kitsch to be avoided at all costs, there are also many
shops exhibiting local, traditional and hand made treasures. The city is busy
with locals and families going about their business. Richard enjoys kicking a
soccer ball in the Piazza with some local kids, while their mother worries that
the ball might end up in a restaurant. As we wonder through the back streets on
a leisurely afternoon walk we watch in amazement as a local man drops his
daughter off for her dance class. The father accelerates down a steep, narrow,
one-way street for about 400 meters …backwards… displaying incredible precision
and speed.
Our accommodation is the
only hostel in town. We have our own trendy little studio apartment- complete with
an ensuite and kitchen. We meet a group of middle aged English tourists who are
shocked that we are staying in a hostel, but at $75 AUD a night and with the manager
Francesco giving us great advice about things to do and the best places to buy
our food we are convinced by sight and not just faith that Taormina and its
hostel are great options.
One of the world’s great
views is afforded to the residents and visitors of the elevated Sicilian town
of Taormina. Below is the rugged and yet beautiful Ionian Sea. In the distance
is the mainland of Italy. Inland is the ferocious and tempestuous Mt Etna, a
live volcano, towering more than 3000 metres above the town. We accept the
wonder of this view by faith because today a cloud has literally descended on
the town and the only sight we have is of a rather moody mist. 
Even by faith Taormina is an
interesting place. A surprisingly busy old town is bustling with locals and
tourists. One of the largest Greek theatres in the world is still in use (in
the summer). While some streets do
house the sort of tourist kitsch to be avoided at all costs, there are also many
shops exhibiting local, traditional and hand made treasures. The city is busy
with locals and families going about their business. Richard enjoys kicking a
soccer ball in the Piazza with some local kids, while their mother worries that
the ball might end up in a restaurant. As we wonder through the back streets on
a leisurely afternoon walk we watch in amazement as a local man drops his
daughter off for her dance class. The father accelerates down a steep, narrow,
one-way street for about 400 meters …backwards… displaying incredible precision
and speed. 
Our accommodation is the
only hostel in town. We have our own trendy little studio apartment- complete with
an ensuite and kitchen. We meet a group of middle aged English tourists who are
shocked that we are staying in a hostel, but at $75 AUD a night and with the manager
Francesco giving us great advice about things to do and the best places to buy
our food we are convinced by sight and not just faith that Taormina and its
hostel are great options. 
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