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.