From Bike Pedals to Long Flights of Stairs. A Lazy Day in Modica Sicily.
To Bike or To Walk
We spent yesterday conquering the hilly terrain of Sicily on a bike, and today my legs remind me of the trek. What's the logical next step, you ask? Well, it's to give these tired legs a break and immerse myself in the enchanting streets of Modica and forego the optional bike trip! Admirably, Wendy and Alistair ventured out for another day of biking while Norm and I stayed to tour the city.
Morning Laziness
We wake and lazily lay in bed before moving my spaghetti legs to the garden for breakfast. What a fantastic place to start the day! We sit under the shelter and shade of a massive tree overlooking the valley to the heart of Modica. I love this place!
A Stroll Through History with a sprinkle of Chocolate.
Modica, with its Baroque architecture, seems to be frozen in time.
It's an attractive historic town in south-eastern Sicily, one of the area's UNESCO-listed Baroque towns, particularly famous for its chocolate. Of course, I had to buy some.
I love dark chocolate, and here it's made without milk, so I am in my happy place with so many varieties to choose from. I opt for the 80% chocolate with sea salt, chocolate with ginger and chocolate with red peppers. I bought the kids a bar each, but I have a few weeks of travel time left, so I can't guarantee they will make it back to Canada. Sorry, kids, it's the thought that counts, right?
People Watching
We make our way up the narrow streets and stairs to The Duomo of San Giorgio, a Baroque church. It is the city's Mother Church and is included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. It is a beautiful sight from across the valley and inside. If walking up the hill to get here wasn't enough, we paid our two Euros to climb to the bell tower for a higher view of the city and see the buildings and people below.
Later, we enjoy a nice salad for lunch on an outdoor patio and watch the world go by.
Evening Dining and Touring.
The four of us went for dinner to a lovely restaurant where Norm and I chatted with the waitress earlier, who we suspect is also the owner. She was so friendly we decided to return to check out her food, which did not disappoint and was inexpensive!
What did we do next? You guessed it, people watched some more while eating our gelato. We then hopped onto a little train for an evening tour around the city.
And that wraps up a leisurely day in Sicily.
Ciao for now.
