One doesn't typically say Spring Break or Italy and think snow... but that's part of what it looked like for us! With Spring Break knocking on our door we decided that it was a great opportunity to meet up with the extended family from Sweden and Denmark and to see a new place... Sicily!
Well, it turns out that Sicily can be quite chilly in April, despite several hosts apologizing for the "not normal" weather. The chill followed us for a bit, then went away, and then we went to it! Our travels found us flying into Catania and roaming the east coast around Syracuse (a city daddy had wanted to visit ever since he was in ninth grade ancient history class) and then heading to Agrigento on the southern coast. There we discovered the most beautiful Vally of the Gods; an archaological part flanked by the present city of Agrigento on the mountainside behind it. Looking from above it was nothing but coast and the Mediterranean beyond it. Looking down the walkway one was wowed by the temples and ruins that formed a reminder of Greece's ancient presence in Magna Grecia! It was a pleasant and eye-opening surprise. Once we got our fill of that it was back up the east coast to the foot of Mount Etna to see that snow covered peeks and enjoy a meal after dealing with the wicked cold winds coming down its northeastern slope.
Between culture and spring time beauty, and the vestiges of the past and the remnants of winter it was quite the wonderful holiday! We were so fortunate to have had the chance to visit and, more than anything, to see our family (Pappou and Moca as well as Aleko and company!)
A true gift to share our present within the presence of such past!
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