Sicily 6

Last day here. We played our round of golf early so we had time to finish packing and get back to the airport.  A few spots of rain but nothing that would get us wet.  An easy run back to the airport followed by the usual challenge of getting petrol and finding the car rental return!  All well now checked in and waiting for the late arriving EasyJet flight.

Sicily 5

More golf this morning.  The threat of rain and thunder and lightning meant we kept an eye out, but we were lucky to get away with a few spots here and there.  After golf we went to Porto Ragusa so that some could have ice cream - or the local 'delicacy' of ice cream in a brioche!  Then a walk along to the marina to look at the expensive yachts.  This brought into sight the gathering storm clouds and a couple of rumbles of thunder so we were quickly back to the car and to the hotel where we spent a relaxing late afternoon playing cards.

Sicily 4

Wednesday was our non-golfing day and we decided to go to the Valley of Temples - a world heritage site.  Although it was a two hour drive away, it was well worth the journey.  The former city walls of Agrigento have a line of temples along the top of an escarpment that must have been visible for many miles.  These were built over a number of centuries and fell into disrepair or were abandoned over time.  There are also Christian burial sites amongst the ruins.  We were all fascinated by the sites and the history related to them.  The walk that links all of the Temples was in part shade by olive trees (perhaps just as well).

After this, we drove to the coast to have a look at the Turkish Steps - a geological formation created in white limestone by erosion by the sea and the wind.

Then a return trip and a test for the driver against Italian roads, Italian vagaries in speed limits and the Italian drivers (no order of testing intended).

Sicily 3

Tuesday saw us take on the Gary Player designed course here.  It was a good challenge on a hot, humid morning.  The afternoon intention was to go to see the baroque duomo and churches in Ragusa.  We drove there after lunch to arrive, find parking in the narrow streets, get to the cathedral no discover that this was closed!  No matter, plenty of churches down the hill - one on the street of the steps was well advertised so we went there.  Again, no joy, the doors were firmly closed. No matter, a walk back up the hill to find the car and a run into the other half of the city (divided after an earthquake and by a large ravine, would let us see the main church on that side.  So we set off, took the hairpin turns, found our way into Ragusa Ible and its main square to discover that Sicily was once again shut to us.

We decided then to cutback to visit Donnafugata Castle as we knew this would be open. It was well worth the visit, with an interesting exhibition and English on most of the information boards.  After this we did manage to find a shop that was open and stock up twitch some liquids.  Then back to the hotel for an evening of cards and wine.

Sicily 2

We had our first round of golf is morning.  It was a pleasant warm morning when we set off on the Links course here at the hotel - not that it is really very Links like being 7 or 8 miles from the sea.  The morning soon warmed up and we got to the upper twenties in temperature.  Ensuring that enough water was taken on board was key.  The course was quite long and had bunkers that were very difficult to get out of.  After golf we decided that we would go to see Donnafugata Castle and check out a restaurant that had been recommended to us.  The castle was closed (only open on Tuesday and Friday afternoons); everything around it was closed too and to cap it all, there was no sign of the restaurant!

We aborted that idea and set off for a seaside village/fishing port called Scottigli - that was closed too, with many of the cafes and hotels looking as if they were shuttered up for the winter.  We were left with a walk on the beach before returning to the hotel.

Pete developed a headache that would not budge, so it was dinner for three and and early night with a paracetamol for one!

Well at least we saw the outside!

Sicily 1

Our flight from Gatwick to Catania was uneventful and afforded some views of MountEtna on the approach to landing in Sicily.  After completing the 'find the rental car desk' challenge, we loaded our gear into the car and set off cross country to Donnafugata.  The roads were better than advertised so we made reasonable time and arrived just after sunset.  The hotel looked to be well set up and our rooms were very nicely appointed.  A visit to the bar and a meal in the 19th suggest that we shall have an enjoyable stay here.

Thursday 11 Feb

Last day in Morocco today.  The morning was grey and mizzle; a stark contrast to the past three days. Got was at a Jack Niklaus course called Samanah.  A lovely course and very nicely set up - built from scratch from desert!  Ingrid and I were split up today as there were an odd number of players.  I got the shorter straw in that one of my team was not the most proficient golfer but it was still a good game - especially when the sun burned through and things warmed up.

Tonight we will have dinner with the other competitors - a Moroccan meal in the sister hotel.

Tomorrow we will be off to the airport at 0900 for a noon flight and back home to something a lot cooler and damper we fear.

Wednesday 10 Feb

We played at The Montgomerie Club today - a new course designed by Colin Montgomerie.  As it is new, the trees and shrubs are not developed so it seems a bit open in spite of there being apartments and villas overlooking many of the holes.  The time of year also means that there is little rough so as long as you are reasonably straight it is not too hard a course to play.  Another beautifully sunny day, perfect for golfing.

We shall dine at a local restaurant tonight - one that we have been to before and enjoyed.  Last night's choice, recommended to us, was nice but quite expensive for what it was.

Tuesday 9 Feb

Today we played a course that we had been to last October - Assoufid - it was in great condition and the whole group enjoyed the course.  Again, the weather was perfect - not too hot, but plenty warm enough for those escaping the UK.  Having seen pictures of Sundridge Park flooded by Sunday night's rain, we realise that we are very lucky to be playing in the sun.

This course is a little outside Marrakech and you get the feel of the local landscape, with the areas alongside lush, watered grass being made up of olive and date palm trees and cacti in bare earth.  Also, had the chance to get close to some local wildlife (which we declined) in that we were warned by the group ahead of a 'big' snake in a bush near one of the bunkers.  Fortunately, none of us were near enough to be forced to visit the area and none of us were going voluntarily!

Monday 8 Feb

It has been a lovely day in Marrakech, with temperatures getting up to the high 70's and the sun shining in a cloudless sky.  We played golf at Royal Golf Marrakech today.  One of our group was feeling ill this morning and did not feel that she could play, her husband stayed at the hotel will her.  There was a re-jig to who was playing with whom.  We played with a couple from Ireland who were very nice and, after an indifferent start, ended up with a reasonable score.  Spent the afternoon reading.  The doctor was called out for the sickly lady and anti-biotics prescribed so we hope she is feeling better tomorrow.  The organiser arrived this afternoon too - when he had said he could not get on, he meant it literally!  He has a fear of flying and physically could not make himself board the plane.

Marrakech Again

Arrived safely at our hotel after an uneventful journey, albeit with a very early start this morning.  Got a call last night from the organiser.  Apparently, he has had issues with his flights and, therefore, we have been appointed his substitutes until he arrives!  So much for gong away to beorganised by someone else.......

Forecast appears to be good for our stay here, so we are looking forward to some golf with in the sun over the next few days.

Our room overlooks the pool (above).  Although the safe is a conundrum - 

 

spot the deliberate error!