Continued from: Milazzo and Lipari...
Acireale, Taormina, and back to Milan…
Once in Milazzo, I retrieved my luggage from Petit Hotel, thanked Maria, and took the bus to the train station where I waited for the train to Acireale (with a change in Messina)
I arrived to Acireale at around 14:40. Deborah, the B&B owner, had kindly arranged a private transfer, Rosario, to pick me up at the station since she couldn’t be there herself.
When we arrived to San Sebastiano Holiday B&B, Rosario carried my suitcase up to the second floor (3rd floor for us) and Deborah came to the door and welcomed me. I offered to pay Rosario but he refused. Deborah also tried to pay him but he declined. Such a kind and generous man.
Deborah is not only the owner of this charming B&B but she’s also a new mom to adorable twin boys who were a couple of months old at the time. She was very busy and tired due to lack of sleep. She told me that if it weren’t for her helpful friend, Carmen, she could not keep up with the B&B. And I don’t blame her. I don’t know how she manages because I can’t even imagine running a B&B!
My room was spacious, comfortable and clean. The small balcony overlooked the courtyard so it was quiet day and night.
The breakfasts were delicious and hearty. The first morning I enjoyed a refreshing almond/coffee granita! I’d read that granitas are commonly served at breakfast time but this was the only place that had offered one to me.
After resting a bit. I walked to the market and got some sweet ‘Picadilli’ tomatoes and some fresh fruit.
I then visited the beautiful church of San Sebastiano and the Duomo, both of which boast the beautiful baroque style.
My first day in this serene city ended by visiting the recommended Rococò Gelateria.
Day 2 (Tuesday) After my hearty breakfast. I washed a couple of my tops and hung them outside on the clothesline over the balcony. It was a warm day so my clothes dried quickly.
I then walked to Piazza del Duomo and down Via Romeo toward Santa Maria la Scala
There’s a bridge that goes over the highway, then there’s an ancient stone trail (Via Tocco) that winds down toward the beach.
The village was very quiet and peaceful and I seemed to be the only non- local there, except for a few folk who were sunning on the rocks. There’s no real beach there, only many large rocks.
I was mesmerized by the sunlight reflecting on the crystalline water. After sitting on a rock for a short while, I walked toward the small church and noticed a group of children practicing a folk dance under the guidance of their teacher. They were all wearing colorful costumes. The boys wore black pants, vest and a long hat that hung from their heads and swung around with every move they made.
The girls wore long colorful skits, white blouses and black corset type vests. They all danced to the tune of a repeating happy melody.
Since it was a hot sunny day, some of the boys were taking off their hats and tossing them on to a wooden bench nearby.
I watched the group dance while standing under the shade of a small tree on the piazza.
After a while I walked down to the port where some fishermen were busy fixing their small wooden boats.
I got myself an almond granita at a small bar, then visited the church.
In front of the church I noticed a bus schedule and I was happy to find out that the local bus runs back up to the city because I didn't feel like walking up the trail.
So... I decided I had enough time to eat lunch first.
The restaurant that had been recommended on my Lonely Planet Book was closed, so I found a small trattoria just across from the church.
I ordered fresh grilled fish and a tomato salad. The fish were kept in a refrigerator in the restaurant and I had to choose the one I desired. The cost was €40/Kg. I choose 2 small fish that weighed 300 gr.