Bienvienito Messina Sicily

We may have been to Sicily but we really haven’t been to Sicily. This island off the boot is the largest region in the country of Italy. The one opportunity to wonder was spent in the picturesque town of Taorimina. Its ancient amphitheatre/forum which was originally conceived by the Greeks and later revamped by the Romans was extremely intriguing. In Greek times it played host to actors entertaining the crowds with Greek tragedy but in Roman times, gladiators did battle with lions and tigers. Human lives were dispensable but the exotic animals were spared due to their rarity.

I’m not a shopper but I could have spent all day wondering the narrow, terraced, cobble stone streets.  The unlimited number of street cafés and wine bars will just have to wait till another day. Except for the limitless number of tourists on the prowl this was truly a jewel to be found. It was a shame to have to say “Arrivederci, Chio Bella”.