Travel Day

Travel days are always a bit stressful, especially when you are not sure if your vehicle and/or its hubcaps will still be where you left them three days ago with a couple of gypsies.

Don, the seasoned traveller – two carry ons, two totes, some cheese and salami and half a bottle of red.

But, Good News!! Car is good condition and the gypsy guy compensated with another couple of euros, and we are off and running. On to the hill top town of Modica.

I know Don and I managed to get ourselves from Greece to the top of Scotland back in the 80s, but now we don’t know how we would find our own backsides without Google maps. Seems totally impossible, but we’re glad we did it and even more glad that we don’t have to do it that way anymore.

We arrived in Modica at about 10;30 — even before check out time, but were greeted warmly by reception and told that we could have a drink and relax if we wanted and even use the pool while we waited. Don took that to mean that the bar was open, and ordered us all beers. Which we enjoyed, looking at our view:

Modica is gorgeous!

A swim and a bite to eat were in order before heading down the 200 steps at least, to town.

At the bottom of the stairs is another set of stairs up to the cathedral.

It’s pretty cool

With angels . . .

Our hotel is at the tippy top of the cliff.

Next item on the agenda was to taste the famous Aztecan chocolate – apparently Spanish explorers brought it back from the new world and it is still prepared as it was then – without heating. Which makes it a bit grittier and flavourful (we think – after innumerable tasters). Of course we bought quite a few bars and a cannoli each as well. The lady said that the outside was coated with chips and Joan was pretty excited when she thought it was potato chips. But alas and alack, it was pistachio chips. Although Joan may be on to a new way to coat the outside of the ancient cannolis.

Don had to pose in front of his favourite car.

So many churches – this one is at the very top on the other side of the cliff from our hotel.

We found the restaurant that our hotel and Rick Steves recommended, but it didn’t open until 7, so we had to stop for a drink. Or two.

The restaurant is quite the place – full of locals, and a tour from the US. We tried the caponata (bean soup served in fondue pots) and other regional dishes. It was a nice change from pizza and pasta (but we’re not complaining!).

Absolutely delish. Then we asked them if it was possible to call a taxi for us. They said they would try, but there were only seven taxis in town. We got lucky on the seventh one – whew! Don wanted us to trudge back up the hill, but he got out voted. Best ten euros we ever spent.

And the night view from our hotel is absolutely priceless.

We are reluctant to leave, but tomorrow we head to Agrigento and there is a pool there too, so we are okay with it. Next time, we will stay longer here.