QUOTE

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way-things I had no words for." ~ Georgia O'Keeffe


Monday, February 28, 2011

Sicily

Last week I was away in Sicily. Sadly we took the weather with us, however we had a great time. Here are some photos for you to enjoy.
Below are the wall paintings in the ballroom of the hotel and it also had a 20 foot gorgeous chandalier. Unfortunately all the lights were switched off. We just sneaked in to take some pictures hence the pictures are not bright enough.



 The churches are all beautifully decorated
 Inspite of the weather the scenary was stunning!

 A local food and veg market.


 The Greek temples were imposing and beautiful.

 Some of the mountains had still snow on them.

 Toarmina was a beautiful place and this is the Greek theatre. It was absolutely stunning. If you ever go there don't miss it.
 There were lots of cactuses and one of them was in full bloom.

 We had planned to go up Mt Etna. We drove half way up but were defeated by the weather.  As you can see there was a lot of snow on the mountain and the fog was coming down thick and fast so we decided to return back and not risk going up further. It was rather disappointing as I wanted to see the crater but I guess this time of the year was not the right time to visit it anyway.
 Packed snow on the roadside. Look at the bluish glow. That is the first time I have seen that .
 There were evidences of the lava flow everywhere. It looked like such a desolate place. Yet there are villages on the foot hills of the mountain and on the southern slopes as the ground is so fertile. I don't know how people live there with the constant threat of the mountain errupting. The most recent erruption was in 2009
 On our way back we saw some beautiful sunset.
 This was on the way up to Erice which is a small medivel town on top of a mountain. The view down below from half way up.
 We did not spend much  time here as it was foggy cold and started sleeting heavily. Walking down to our car was a nightmare as it became like an ice rink when it started sleeting and snowing. On a warm summer's day it must be a delightful place to walk around and explore the narrow streets.
 Someone's  delightful courtyard from outside. I could have taken a shot of the inner garden but did not want to intrude


13 comments:

  1. Oh, this definitely goes on my "someday" list! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maybe you can go back in better weather! Do you go for Jay's work or just because?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, how lovely, thanks for sharing these Shashi. Sounds as if you had an amazing time despite the weather.x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for sharing your pictures. I hope to visit there on day, but you share the dream.
    Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shashi!!!! OMGosh...these pictures are inspiring!! they make me feel like creating something old world and vintage....ugh!!! I LOVE what you brought us back from your trip! Thank you...I"m sure you are filled with new ideas for your beautiful work! We'll see what you come up with!!!~!! Love Colleen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, my...you are just the ever travelling jetsetter....

    sitting in the snowbank for a photo...hahhaha.... cute.... and was your butt getting cold? ....

    looks like it would be a lovely place to visit again...in warm weather.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an extraordinary place to visit! But you've been to a lot of extraordinary places, haven't you? Too bad the weather wasn't better, but you got some great photos anyway! Brave girl..sitting in that snowbank!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your travels that your share are the best Shashi! But I love your dolls the best.....

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow Shashi, you are ALWAYS on the Go! Love all the photos. Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us in Blogland! :)

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the photos and fun seeing your in the snow bank. Do you travel for fun or business cause I sure envy you!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautiful photos, I hope to visit Italy one day soon, my parents and my hubby,(he lived 1 hr away from Mt Etna), are from Sicily, my daughter has been there but sadly I never have, glad you got to go.....
    Cheers, Michelle

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog and for your support. Your comments are much appreciated.