Outside Montalbano’s casa

Woke to sunny skies and went straight across the road for a swim. Cooler today with quite a wind blowing. Got in and did a swim with Steve but once again was put off by the waves! Bit fussy? Perhaps!
Packed and had breakfast . Never really very exciting at these place. Always light on the fruit and heavy on the breakfast cakes. Can’t be healthy can it?

Set off for my hero, Inspector Montalbano’s Casa at Punta Secca. It was just like in the TV show and there were a few other tourists having photos along with me. It’s set in a very small village and sits at the end of a small bay – where Montalbano swims each morning. I was sorry we hadn’t stayed here. Though the village was little it might have been lovely to be right at my hero’s house!

I was hoping to see him but Steve reminded me that it’s just on TV. I think he is so popular now that many Italian men are copying his bald head and calling it sexy! Which reminds me , the sexy Italian red pants for men are sadly not being worn his year! Is it too hot? Or have they had their day! Hope not as I rather like them.

Did not swim in Montalbano’s bay as it was far too windy so we just kept on towards Agrigento and wanted to stop at the Scala de Turchi – a beach where the white rocks run all the way down to the beach. We found it and had it been a still day may have swum but decided on a walk instead.

Steve was rather intrigued by the lifesaver so i’ll let him describe the scene a little later in the post.

Scala de Turchi

By 2pm we had arrived at our lovely B&B “Camera con vista” and what a vista – view, it has of the temples. The B&B is not in a village. It’s on its own down a road but the view to the park is wonderful   We are right on the Valley of the Temple. A good choice instead of staying in a crowded Agrigento . Our lovely host ( wearing the latest in glasses frames) told us the best way to “do” the Valley and we took his advice.

He suggested we get a taxi to the top entrance to the park and then walk down through the park ending at the bottom gate. Rom her it was a short walk back to the B&B. This was a perfect way to visit these amazing temples.  We had a great walk through these amazing temples and are now sitting on our private terrace , outside our huge room, having a refreshing beer and looking at the temples as we toast our luck in securing this place.

We decided we didn’t want to drive anywhere for dinner so arranged  Pizza tonight from a little local place. Haven’t had one yet!
So we got take away with take away vino rosso and we were set . We sat on our terrace and soaked up the view. see the view below –  romantic!

night view from our terrace

Sent from my iPad

Our lovely time in Ortygia – the island near Siracusa has come to an end. It was a lovely place for a few days and Hotel Roma was right in the centre of things.
Had breakfast outside the hotel and watched the small city of Ortygia come to life. Saw a little girl about 7 with a little pink dress and swinging ponytail running with her cheeky puppy. She ran up and down the piazza giggling and having fun. Dad stood nearby smoking and watching and offering encouraging words…. “Piano piano” slow slow!
Steve went off to collect the Avis car and I checked the luggage had been brought down and then we headed off.

Quite easy to navigate out of Siracusa and our first stop – for fruit and water was at a lovely holiday beach called Fontana Bianchi. It was fairly slow for a Monday with only a few swimmers. It looked really lovely and we nearly stopped for a swim. But we moved on- passing Noto where we had stayed the first night in Sicily. We arrived in Modica alto and even found parking but sadly the Cathedral was closed . We’d just missed it. It was standing high on a hill over looking the town which is divided into Modica Alto and Modica Basso. It’s Baroque in style and would have been lovely to see inside but – you miss one occasionally!

In the love seat in Ragusa

We continued on through rather nice countryside on a more minor road and came to Ragusa. It’s a really lovely place and we wandered the streets and even bought a book on Inspector Montalbano , one of my favourite TV shows and characters. It was all filmed around here and I almost choose to stay in his house which is really a B&B but decided on the slightly larger Marine dei Ragusa. I regretted this a little as it was quite a charming small village.

Fruit van outside the hotel

We arrived at a 4 star hotel! Well in their own mind it may have been,  but according to me ……. But it was opposite the water so we went straight down for a swim. Steve  did quite a marathon across the bay. I was a little more timid because there were WAVES . I thought the Mediterean was always still. Better be next week . Yes the swim begins next week .

I sat on our little terrace and watched the world go by and this little fruit van arrived and did a lot of calling out which attracted customers. He did a brisk trade.

Fun in the piazza at Marine dei Ragusa

We spent aperitif hour in the rather nice, though more modern piazza where the locals and the holiday makers all mixed together and everyone seemed to be having fun. We choose a restaurant with a view of the sea and finished as usual with a limoncello. Ahhhh and so to sleep.

Definitely had a slower start today. We’re staying at the Hotel Roma on Via Roma but in Ortygia ! And last night was party night in the town.

On the evening before we enjoyed a wonderful drink watching the street theatre / passing parade. We saw 3 nuns with v. comfy sandals. Three brides posing for photos, a man selling balloons, a girl on roller skates, a young boy fighting imaginary dragons with his sword, an African lady braiding hair and Micky Mouse!
All while drinking my evening Aperol spritz!

Piazza on a Sunday

For dinner we found a little “out of the way” Taverna recommended by the hotel. It was on a little piazza and setting up near by were part of the evening”show” in this case a lights and music festa. Lights were to be reflected into the wall of one of the ancient buildings. Took them ages and as usual the set up was more entertaining than the final show when it started an hour and a half later.
We enjoyed lovely food and shared a bottle of chilled white as the weather was so hot. We got to bed late after a great night.

So that’s why we were late starting today! Then it was coffee and a walk along the waterfront looking for the Avis car rental for tomorrow.
We decided to get the bus to the Parco Archelogico and see the Greek and Roman ruins. We had a long wait which gave us time to observe the locals. Interesting bunch!

The park was large and set up for the theatre that is presently on. If it had been opera we would have bought tickets as the setting in the Greek anfiteatro would be wonderful. But a Greek play! Not in the mood.The park was large and generally unkept and had absolutely no tourist friendly signs! Incredible. No maps, signs, nothing to help guide you around. We had our own guide book with a small section on the park but that was it.

Walked back through Siracusa crossed the bridge and had a drink at the first bar we saw in Ortygia . It is definitely the best place to stay. Loads of atmosphere.
Did a little shopping in the evening – Steve won the shopping for the day – 3 pairs of shoes!
Italian speaking going ok. Getting better each day.
Rest time now and then out for afternoon passeggiata and my Aperol spritz and Steve’s fav Campari.