Taormina

Our lovely place of residence is quaint - strewn over the mountains of the northeast coast and criss-crossed with alleys and cobblestone streets. The observant visitor will notice that this quaintness is a mask as Taormina is also worldly with its bartering shopowners and array of touristica. It can be likened to our very own New York City because of the variety of languages we hear when we walk the streets. While one can find any modern amnenity desired in Taormina, the city is ancient as well. The stone arches bordering the north and south sides of the main street, aptly named Porta Messina and Porta Catania for the cities north and south of here respectively, actually date to the medieval period when the entire city was walled for protection. In the midst of hotels and gelaterias, one finds the entrance to the Teatro Greco used during both the Greek and Roman occupations. The Romans actually added to the Greek theater as they used it for a different purpose: gladiators! While sitting on the carved stone seats, one gets the impression that the Greeks were experts in finding the perfect places to build. The deep blue Mediterranean can be viewed on one side while the monstrous size of Mt. Etna looms on the other. A discussion of Taormina must include the view of the sea. We have some of our classes in Padri Maristi which is actually a grammar school. Close to this structure is an overlook and steps leading down to the beach. The trip down the side of the mountain takes at least fifteen minutes but one glance from overhead motivates the viewer to run down those steps! It is the breathtaking Isola Bella, a small island connected by the smallest strip of stony beach. The variety of sea colors are visible from hundreds of feet above. The furthest the eye can reach can be described as midnight and as one scans the area inward, the colors alter from emerald to aqua. Taormina is definitely a Sicilian slice of paradise.