Days 38, 39 & 40 – When will the novelty wear off? . . .

Visiting new places with fresh eyes, is the reason why tourism will never die. We constantly search for the new, or the different. Our travel rewards. We go here, or there. Like modern day explorers. Discovering the already discovered. In reality we go hither and thither – a couple of butterflies with no real plan – other than to enjoy what comes our way.

We’re on our way to Camping Mokambo for a three nighter. North of Catania, south of Taormina. Our last stop in Sicily. Not yet full circle. Today’s journey, like so many have, takes us through an endless parade of towns and narrow high streets. By now, the familiar. But always different.

Same old, same old? Or brand new, brand new . . .

Our food-shop stop off is different too. Conad food store is integral to a massive complex. Barely parked, a security car approaches. The Italian for “Don’t park MOHO here – come, follow me” is understood. We obey. Given a special, bar blues and twos, escort to the other side.

Food shop completed, we go browse Decathlon. I spot some bathers I like. Starkers and inside the cubicle an alarm sounds. The call to “Evacuate, evacuate” goes out. My door handle gets rattled. As do I. Decide against doing a streak and causing more alarm. It’s not on my bucket list. Instead quickly, but calmly, redress. Maintain my Englishman’s poise – as one does, don’t you know, especially when abroad and mingling with the natives. Now that’s novel.

Camping Mokambo is set in the lower foothills of Mount Etna – on arrival she puts on a bit of a show for us.
Following morning, the view from our pitch is new and different.

It’s hard to believe that fifty-eight years have passed since my last appearance in Taormina. As a second year schoolboy, newly introduced to Greek history and the Roman Empire, the two week £40 trip was probably intended to add some meat to the bare bones of learning, that have remained bare ever since!

The archeological site with it’s hugely impressive Teatro Antico at the heart, was then, and still is, the main attraction. Although during Easter 1964 it wasn’t being prepped for its annual FilmFest. With a combined backdrop of Mount Etna and blue coastal bays, it surely remains one of the world’s most spectacular locations.

The ‘Ancients’ certainly knew where to build.
Built to accommodate over five thousand spectators for Greek dramas, but put to use for gladiatorial battles, after the Romans invaded.
We put it to different use.
A couple of swells – sweltering and sheltering, within the town’s amazing public gardens. Designed by a Geordie – Lady Florence Trevelyan.
Our lunchtime view – unbeatable?

Today, is big Scoot day. We head Scoot up higher than he’s been before. Hope to catch a better view. See what Mount Etna is up to, near to hand. Us, and the hordes of other bikers (not that we can be called bikers), all with the same idea.

An out of site mini-eruption shows itself. A dark plume of ash cloud squirts, squid-like. A gentle Stingray reminder that “anything can happen in the next half-hour” . . . Back at base camp, every surface is covered in grey microscopic particles.

Our 69K Etna loop, doesn’t end without a bit of fun. We come down to size, like a couple of extras in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

2 thoughts on “Days 38, 39 & 40 – When will the novelty wear off? . . .”

  1. Wonderful pictures of Teatro Antico and of both of you.
    58 years since your last visit and £40…just incredible.
    Glad you are both continuing to have such a fabulous time 😀

    1. Everyday conjures up something expected or not, some better than others, but always a joy. (The following year I twisted dad’s arm again and got a 10 day skiing holiday in Austria for £30 all in. Fred Ryland was on that trip – remember him? Our phantom ‘Castles of North Wales cyclist’!)

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