Mt. Etna, A Donkey Ride, And A Final Barbecue Lunch...

il 27 aprile
Catania

Mt. Etna, at a height of more than 10,000 feet, is one of the world's most active volcanoes, but, as there is almost a continual release of pressure from its midst, the people who live nearby do not fear a large eruption and go about their daily routines in a normal fashion. The soil is rich is minerals and so the hillside below is covered with orchards and vineyards. After a morning drive on climbing and twisting roads, we arrived at Linguaglossa, a charming town on the northern slope of the mountain. It was there where we met our local guide who traveled with us to Piano Provenzana (6,000 feet), leading us on a trek up and down the mountain and regaling us with stories, both historical and folkloric.

After an energetic hike outdoors, it was, yes, time for lunch, but not before we had a donkey experience in the countryside. (This, alone, was worth the price of admission!) I have decided that there is nothing better for group bonding than sharing the laughter and good cheer that comes from riding a donkey...provided that no one falls off!

The beauty of the snow-covered volcano surrounded by fields of dried lava, the delight we all took when watching one another get on and off the donkeys, and a delicious barbecue lunch complemented with homemade food made by our guide's wife made this last day together a perfect one; the only thing not perfect about it was that we would have to say good-bye after dinner. La Sicilia was a grand adventure; most assuredly a delightful memory for each one of 
us...