My three week language learning adventure in Sicily had officially come to an end: my last full day on this island had arrived. My explorations …
A Driving Tour into the Nebrodi Mountains and Snapping Some Locals in Montalbano
Sicily’s scenic beauty continues to amaze me. Yesterday’s excursion by train to the medieval town of Cefalu was just one more example of the stunning …
A Train Trip to the Medieval City of Cefalu
An early morning was in store for me: I decided to accompany my newly found friend and sailing buddy Claudia to her bus which would …
A Walking Tour of Milazzo
Well, my week on the Solitaire II, studying Italian and sailing through the Eolian Islands, had come to an end. Last night our sailing group …
Goodbye Vulcano, Playful Dolphins and a Catch of Tunas
The days on this sailing trip are so compressed and amazingly full of diverse experiences: waking yesterday in beautiful Lipari, followed by a driving tour …
A Hike to the Gran Cratere of Vulcano and a Magical Evening
Our beautiful dinner in the old town of Lipari last night was another opportunity to get to know Sicilian cuisine. A light-hearted evening was followed …
Picturesque Panarea and a Feast in Lipari
I had definitely overcome my little bout of seasickness last night on our way from Stromboli to Panarea. A good rest had cured all my …
Stromboli and Carabinieri in Golfcarts
Due to bad weather yesterday we spent the entire day docked at Santa Marina di Salina but we had nevertheless a great experience during our …
A Driving Tour of Salina, Il Postino and Language Lessons
After our explorations of Lipari and Salina yesterday the weather was going to keep us on the island of Salina today. I woke up early …
Discoveries of Lipari to Salina
My first afternoon and night on a sailboat had gone surprisingly well. After our little late night excursion into the town of Lipari I had …
Our Sailing Trip to the Eolian Islands Begins
Following my last day in Taormina and my arrival last night in Milazzo I caught a good rest to get up early today to repack …
Goobye Taormina – Hello Milazzo
My last day in Taormina had started: I woke up at daybreak to pack my suitcase since later today I would be relocating from Taormina …
Pottery Painting Lessons and a Hike up the Flanks of Mount Etna
On a gorgeous morning following a good sleep after last night’s cooking lesson I woke up at about 6 am and stepped out on the …
A Sicilian Cooking Class and Enjoying an 8-course Meal
I had thoroughly enjoyed my personal Sicilian history lesson provided by Alessandro Adorno, the Founder and Director of the Babilonia Language School. In addition he …
A Personal History Lesson about the Mafia
With the images from my beautiful excursion around Mount Etna still etched freshly in my mind, I got ready for another day of Italian studies …
A Driving Tour around Mount Etna
Today was Italian Labour Day, a big national holiday that presented the perfect opportunity to do a little out of town excursion: a drive around …
Sicily Travel: My Language Studies Begin
Language study travel is not at all new to me. Two years ago I went to the University of Havana to study Spanish, and last …
An Excursion into Antiquity: Siracusa
Finally, my first day of beautiful weather in Sicily, a perfect day for an out-of-town excursion. I started my day with a nourishing breakfast on …
A Hike to Castelmola and Some Sicilian Delicacies
A rainy morning had provided a great opportunity to get the owners of my hotel a bit better. After my interview with the Sciglio family …
An Interview with the Sciglio Family who runs my Small Hotel
I really enjoyed my location at Hotel Villa Nettuno, this 13-room family run hotel on the north side of Taormina. Since it was a rainy …
Arrival in Taormina and First Impressions
So my latest travel adventure has just begun: three weeks in Sicily to get to know this beautiful historic island and to learn Italian in …
My Three-week Italian Language Learning Adventure
Sicily – the name alone conjures up images of an exotic island, a mysterious and fascinating past. I have wanted to explore Italy for some …