Some island cruising - The Canaries and Sicily, then Milan

[RooFlyer]

But then climb some more for the best views (hardly anyone did ).

The coast along the north



I deserved an espresso and a cannoli

 

[RooFlyer]

Bit of a sprint back to where the group was meeting, outside the Cathedral.





Oscar was a frequent visitor.



I think this is Church of St Dominico part of the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, based in a 14th century Dominican convent on a cliff top. The film The White Lotus was filmed there.

https://www.fourseasons.com/taormina/

Nearby, the The Church of Saint Michele Arcangelo, built in 1600 but again, damaged during the war.



The Cathedral again





Only had time for a quick look - art from the 1400s on the walls.



Ceiling - would be modern.

 

[RooFlyer]

Back onto the coach and out of the car park - stopping of course for this twit who walked right in front, eyes only for the phone.



Tight fit!





On the tender



Lunch! Lamb cutlets.







Followed by a swim. Hardly anyone else used the pool (not sure if the two are related ...). Nice 'infinity' effect, eh?



A few G&Ts and the world was out there, somewhere

OK, time to do something. Caviar tasting will do.

 

[RooFlyer]

As the warm evening fell, it was more coughtails (Champagne) on the pool deck - this time for the Captain to introduce the whole crew - or as many representatives of each dept as practical. Poor old engine room is always under-represented, although the Captain did highlight 'crew member of the cruise' - a chap from the engine room. Very happy chappie!





The Captain in his jacket, centre



The chefs

 

[Quickstatus]

Thanks @RooFlyer
Following along

 

[RooFlyer]

The day was not yet done - this was the second-last night, so they had the 'Celebrity chef dinner' - I wrongly said a previous dinner was this. Presiding over the oven was Danny Imbroisi, "Best Italian Chef in Paris". Maybe, but I thought un-necessary - we had a perfectly good head cook. The Celebrity didn't speak English (yeah, right).



Amuse bouche



Set wines for the galas are different from the regular days. Entrée - potato gnocchi and shellfish (and foam - a Celebrity Chef has gotta use foam ).



I ducked out a few times to keep an eye on the view - of equal interest to me as the fancy dinner.



Mains Beef tenderloin. Dessert of 'ultra-fudgy' chocolate cake



And finally, night over Taormina. A fantastic day and certainly made up for the disappointment of Stromboli.

 

[ellen10]

Great photos @RooFlyer, brings back nice memories of our stay in Taormina last September. You had a beautiful day for your visit.

At first I couldn't believe that lack of people in your first photos. But was reassured as you moved along and saw the crowds.
Wednesdays were apparently (according to our B&B owner), the worst days in Taormina, when the big cruise ships docked at Messina and the hoards of buses descended on the town of Taormina.

P.s. enjoying the food pics and the back deck outlook over the pool.

 

[RooFlyer]

At first I couldn't believe that lack of people in your first photos.

There is some 'iPhone clean-up' involved.

If you don’t use that, you select a photo



Select 'clean up' and it highlights people-looking things, and you can also brush over other things, like motorcycles, badly placed street signs, etc.




And you get this. Simple things with plain or consistent- patterned (or random) backgrounds, it does a good job; complex backgrounds, such as on the left, poor. Although it has a good go - the blue pillar thing on the left has been reflected in the polished floor, even though there is no part of the pillar actually reflected - all concealed by the woman. I could probably remove the bag and it'd look pretty good.



I've used it a bit, but usually I can wait on-site for a clear shot.

Here is another example. There’s a car and a sign, and then there isn’t.

 

[TheRealTMA]

The day was not yet done - this was the second-last night, so they had the 'Celebrity chef dinner' - I wrongly said a previous dinner was this. Presiding over the oven was Danny Imbroisi, "Best Italian Chef in Paris". Maybe, but I thought un-necessary - we had a perfectly good head cook. The Celebrity didn't speak English (yeah, right).

View attachment 506413 View attachment 506415

Amuse bouche

View attachment 506416

Set wines for the galas are different from the regular days. Entrée - potato gnocchi and shellfish (and foam - a Celebrity Chef has gotta use foam ).

View attachment 506414 View attachment 506418

I ducked out a few times to keep an eye on the view - of equal interest to me as the fancy dinner.

View attachment 506417

Mains Beef tenderloin. Dessert of 'ultra-fudgy' chocolate cake

View attachment 506419 View attachment 506421

And finally, night over Taormina. A fantastic day and certainly made up for the disappointment of Stromboli.

View attachment 506422

Nice menu.

 

[RooFlyer]

Next stop - fabled Syracuse, last stop before our finish in Valeta.

I elected for the walking tour of Oritigia - the historic island contiguous with Syracuse. The breakfast view of the port is nothing to write home about.





The first thing we saw and discovered on the tour is that Syracuse was the home of Archimedes (c.287 - c.212BC). He was Greek of course - but then, Syracuse was Greek back then.



From the link above:

Archimedes of Syracuse was an Ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer, and inventor from the city of Syracuse in Sicily. Although few details of his life are known, based on his surviving work, he is considered one of the leading scientists in classical antiquity, and one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. Archimedes anticipated modern calculus and analysis by applying the concept of the infinitesimals and the method of exhaustion to derive and rigorously prove many geometrical theorems, including the area of a circle, the surface area and volume of a sphere, the area of an ellipse, the area under a parabola, the volume of a segment of a paraboloid of revolution, the volume of a segment of a hyperboloid of revolution, and the area of a spiral.

Archimedes' other mathematical achievements include deriving an approximation of pi (π), defining and investigating the Archimedean spiral, and devising a system using exponentiation for expressing very large numbers. He was also one of the first to apply mathematics to physical phenomena, working on statics and hydrostatics. Archimedes' achievements in this area include a proof of the law of the lever, the widespread use of the concept of center of gravity, and the enunciation of the law of buoyancy known as Archimedes' principle. In astronomy, he made measurements of the apparent diameter of the Sun and the size of the universe. He is also said to have built a planetarium device that demonstrated the movements of the known celestial bodies, and may have been a precursor to the Antikythera mechanism. He is also credited with designing innovative machines, such as his screw pump, compound pulleys, and defensive war machines to protect his native Syracuse from invasion.

Archimedes died during the siege of Syracuse, when he was killed by a Roman soldier despite orders that he should not be harmed. Cicero describes visiting Archimedes' tomb, which was surmounted by a sphere and a cylinder that Archimedes requested be placed there to represent his most valued mathematical discovery.

Them, crossing the small bridge into Ortigia, we saw the Porto Urbic - the city gate in Greek and Roman times.




Then the Temple of Apollo .

Dating to the 6th century B.C., this temple the most ancient Doric temples in Sicily, and among the first with the layout consisting of a peripteros of stone columns. This layout became standard for Greek temples. The temple underwent several transformations: closed during the persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire, it was a Byzantine church, from which period the front steps and traces of a central door are preserved, and then an Islamic mosque during the Emirate of Sicily. After the Norman defeat of the Saracens, it was reconsecrated at the Church of the Saviour, which was then incorporated into a 16th-century Spanish barracks and into private houses, though some architectural elements remained visible.

I became concerned that the guide did but give this passing mention as we passed it, on the way to the market. At the market she said that they would be there maybe 20 minutes, so at that point I excused myself, not being interested in another market, at least at the expense of the many other things to see in Ortigia.

At Piazza Archimede there is the 1907 Fountain of Diana





Then through the expected narrow streets with cafes and churches







... the Piazza and the Cathedral of Syracuse. Yes, another cathedral, but this one is special

 

[RooFlyer]

The Cathedral is built on, and incorporates, elements of the Greek Temple of Athena.

The great Greek Temple of Athena was built in the 6th century BC. The temple was a Doric edifice with six columns on the short sides and 14 on the long sides. Plato and Athenaeus mention the temple, and the looting of its ornament is mentioned by Cicero, in 70 BC, as one of the crimes of the governor Verres.[2]

Archeological site excavations by Paolo Orsi in 1907–1910 show the Greek temple to have been built on even older foundations, and uncovered a wealth of archaic and pre-Hellenic artefacts. Many are held by the Museo archeologico regionale Paolo Orsi in Syracuse.

The present cathedral was constructed by Saint Bishop Zosimo of Syracuse in the 7th century. The battered Doric columns of the original temple were incorporated in the walls of the current church. They can be seen inside and out. The building was converted into a mosque in 878, then converted back after the Norman count Roger I of Sicily retook the city in 1086. The roof of the nave is of Norman origin, as well as the mosaics in the apses.

As part of the increased building activity after the 1693 Sicily earthquake, the cathedral was rebuilt and the façade redesigned by architect Andrea Palma in 1725–1753. The style is classified as High Sicilian Baroque, a relatively late example. The double order of Corinthian columns on the façade provide a classic example of carved Acanthus leaves in the capitals. Sculptor Ignazio Marabitti contributed the full-length statues on the façade.

The interior of the church, a nave and two aisles, combine rustic walls and Baroque details. Features include a font with marble basin dating from the 12th or 13th century, a ciborium (an altar canopy) designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, and a statue of the Madonna della Neve ("Madonna of the Snow", 1512) by Antonello Gagini.

So you walk in and yes, there are these Doric columns from the Greek temple.





Baptistry - Mosaic flooring from Norman period, Hellenistic jar/font resting on bronze lions of the 13th century.



Ceiling



Chapel dedicated to St Lucy, Patroness of the city



Tombs in the floor





Our Lady of Snow chapel - 6-11 century apse, 16th century statuary. Side door with further Greek columns

 

[RooFlyer]

Then from the Cathedral south to the 'Castello Maiace' at the tip of the island.







The Castello Maniace was constructed between 1232 and 1240 by the Emperor Frederick II. It was named after George Maniakes, the Byzantine general who besieged and took the city in 1038. Its normally open, but not today.



I took a circuitous way back, passing many small churches, Palazzos, narrow streets and houses.

 

[drron]

Great morning you had in Taormina for views of Etna. We had a second day in the area to visit It. Wasn't a bad day but your day looked like perfection.

I had a very similiar day to you in Syracuse. Ditched the tour and explored a lot of the area. From the Cathedral I headed towards the point on a narrow street leading from the Square. From an open window I had a very nice pistachio cannoli. Couldn't resist another one on the way back.. Not far from there in a 2 table,4 seat resturant in anoher narro street very tasty plate of fried sardines.

 

[RooFlyer]

I missed the sardines! But on the previous night, in addition to the nightly 'goodnight treat' from the cabin steward (in the little box thing) was this:



Pistachio spread! Just like a pistachio Nutella ... I'm using it on toast at home, now.

 

[RooFlyer]

The Palazzo Impellizzeri was built in 1894 for the noble Impellizzeri family.



The fish floating on the sea, beneath the eagle (who looks like its about to have lunch?) is part of the family coat of arms.







I then came across the market that the tour visited early on. Glad I skipped it then.





Back across the bridge to get off Ortigia island, and there's Archimedes again.







Then - predictably, lunch on the pool deck. Truffled mushroom risotto.



And some tempura prawns, crusty baguette and creamy butter.

 

[VPS]

I don't think I saw a single cat in your photos of Ortigia and when I was there they were prevalent. Unfortunately my iPhone doesn't have the edit function but will make sure the next one does

 

[RooFlyer]

A swim, then I took myself off to see the Greek/Roman Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse town.

Its a ticketed World Heritage place and a bit disappointing to visit. Its large, and the signage of how you should visit is there, but confusing.

The Roman Amphitheatre. Like other parts of the park, its overgrown and a lot of the structure is obscured. The seating is carved into the bedrock, while upper parts were constructed on the rim.



This image from the Wikipedia article shows it in Summer, I think.



Structure beneath the centre, maybe for effects to rise out during performance/fight.



The Altar of Hieron, built a few centuries BC by King Hiero II. Its the largest altar known in antiquity, but only the base remains today (a lot of the material carted off by the Spanish for other buildings in Syracuse), and it was fenced off when I visited.





You can see the size of it here (Ara di Lerone II), plus the Roman Amphitheatre



Then onto the Greek Theatre. It was first built in the 5th century BC, rebuilt in the 3rd century BC and renovated again in the Roman period. Its one of the largest theatres in the Greek world, with 67 rows of seating. Like the Roman structure, it is excavated into the bedrock.

Unfortunately ... it was occupied and modified for a performance and the whole thing was a mess. Hate that; it happens frequently.





This image from the above Wikipedia article shows it.



Top right in that pic you can see the Latomia del Paradiso, a quarry transformed into gardens.

 

[RooFlyer]

After that walk, I deserved another swim.





Which led to dinner, as the sun set over Ortigia.



Some sort of lentil creation as Amuse Bouche, then snails entree



Duck again





Folks having dinner on the pool deck below.



We cast off and under-way. 10-15 mins over these pics





Pilot vessel follows us through the harbour





Oh! Dessert.



Farewell, Syracuse. I will be back here twice in November. I'm doing back-to-back cruises ending and beginning in Malta and each stops in Syracuse. I'll do some private touring.

 

[RooFlyer]

We sailed into Valetta harbour at dawn. A couple of ither vessels there at the same time.

The Gozo ferry nipped across in front of us.









As usual, off the ship by 9am. My flight to Milan wasn't until late afternoon, so I had booked a room in Floriani, just out of Valetta proper and right above where the vessel birthed.



It seemed nice on the web site, and the entrance was, but the room was a musty stone box with small windows.



Went for a walk. Been to Valetta before, so just wandered.



I couldn't imagine being on this thing.



Came back and there was a wedding or something just aloing the road from where I was. And a band marching down the street.





At the airport, business boarding. Very sensibly, as the plane was immediately adjacent, they didn't put us into busses.



When I was planning this trip, I had to find a port that Qatar serviced that I could fly from Malta to. They said 'What about Milan? Have you been there?' No! Excellent idea. Knowing that I'd be stuffed at the end of this trip, I arranged only 3 nights in Milan. A bonus was that I had accumulated enough KM Malta points to offset the cost of a business flight to Milan.

KM Air Malta KM626 MLA 17:55 LIN 19:55. 1C

Menu



The meal was nice but the Maltese red was again undrinkable.

 

[RooFlyer]

I can't recall any dramas at Milan Linate, so must have been OK, and I got a taxi to my hotel, the Mercure Milano Solari (Solari being the suburb). I might have gone up a bit but everything was expensive. I discovered why in the taxi; it was 'Milan Design Week' and the city was full.

I don't always stay with Accor, and this is a time when I should have shopped around. The hotel was a shocker. No Plat recognition in any way at any time; room allocated next to the elevators, contrary to my request in the booking and in e-mail sent the day before. Aircon was set on heating, centrally; the room was hot. No alternatives available due to Design Wek.

Elevator:







Aweful, dirty shower



Rotting wooden floor on shower; just paper cups, no glassware.



I went down to change the room, but a total couldn't-give-a-cough attitude n the desk. They moved me the next night to a slightly better room, away from the lifts.