Our last full day in Taormina and we woke up to beautiful sunshine! Good thing too, cause if it wasn't sunny I was going to be looking like that cat in the photo. We hung out on our luxurious outdoor terrace and pool. Relaxing and reading, with the odd dip to cool off. The pool water isn't heated, so it is what you call "refreshing". Love this Mediterranean climate. We've eaten all locally grown food, from green beans, peaches and pears, tomatoes, etc. All the food is sourced from Sicily, the pesto, the sauces, seafood whatever. It's a little more expensive though, as this town is more touristy. But we still found a nice bottle of Sicilian red wine (Nero d'avola) for under 5 Euro.

After lunch we decided to enjoy the scenery by heading up into the hills. We saw on the map that there's a church called Madonna della Rocca part way up a big hill. There's also a castle at the top but weren't sure if we were feeling that call. With our trusty tourist map in hand (which are usually pretty crappy and show more shopping highlights than road names) off we went. On the narrow paved roads you really have to always be aware of the cars and scooters suddenly zippy by around the next corner. Sidewalks, if there are any, are maybe 1' - 2' wide. We saw the entrance to the stairs and gratefully left the busy road. However we then were facing a long stairway climbing straight up. OK, let's do it! And were glad we did, the views of Taormina below were great. I'll post some pics but they never seem to do it justice. The local folks use these stairs for the processional during Easter, where they take turns lugging a cross up the hill to the church. Every so often there was a stop with a small statue indicating one of the stations. I can't imagine what it must be like to carry a cross up there, my water bottle alone was feeling heavy!

Finally we were at the top and were rewarded with even better views. Also popped into the church, which was carved into the rock. I noticed a nicely painted door inside with a date inscribed above - 1796. It's probably called the new door. After resting up we headed back down the other side. We followed a zig-zaggy road for a bit and then discovered stairs going down between the houses. Our treat for doing the walk was going to be a lemon granita (like a slushy). Entering in the main gate of the town we saw a gelateria, and no it wasn't a mirage! It was really there I tell you. Hot and sweaty we slurped the granita and walked along with the meticulously dressed rich tourists shopping in the high end shops that line the main street.

After a little siesta we decided to head out for dinner for our last evening here. The weather was really pleasant and there are many outdoor restaurants to choose from. Found a nice little one with a chatty owner, very nice guy, who was nicely patient with my Italian mumbling. They always seem a little surprised that this Canadian guy understands a little of the local lingo. Anyway he told us about some specials they had, and Beth and I went for it. She had linguine with scampi (a little like mini lobsters) and I had a local white fish called Ricciola (like a lighter halibut flavour) with clams and mussels. Washed down with some Chardonnay alla Siciliana. Afterwords we found our gelato spot and I returned to the classic - Pistachio!

Tomorrow we pack up to fly to Rome, our last stop. Ciao