Laura and I decided to head back to Taormina for a couple more days and do a bit of ceramic shopping we had not gotten around to.  Sure enough, we really did like the pattern of dishes we had seen a few times and decided to buy some new dinner ware and have it all shipped back to Texas for when we return.

Mt Etna teamed up with some low clouds and the setting sun to put on  a spectacular display to remember Sicily by.  The following morning the mountain was visibly venting more steam which only punctuated the fact that it is a changing geologic system.  We pretty much just relaxed and soaked in the wonderful hotel, the evening promenade in town, and had dinner in the hotel to close out the trip to Sicily.  It has been a tremendous 3 weeks of discovery and adventure.

We got up in the morning and commenced the third stage of the trip as we traveled into the “heel” of Italy and eventually will go on to Montepulciano for several weeks awaiting Claire and Alessandra’s arrival for Christmas.

A great shadow play set up by this street vendor and the quickly setting sun.

Eventually, I will put together the panorama shots from this evening. Unbelievable!!

I may just have to come back the next time I hear this volcano is erupting.

One for Claire!

Any one need a parasol?

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One of the hotel lounges.

The ladies finally get in on the action.

The kids turn the piazza into their playground.

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