Sicily 2021 #6 - Siracusa - Ortigia Island

 We are getting back into form. We had tentative first goes in Catania and Noto. Today we went to the historic city of Siracusa (Syracuse in English). Like so much of the island of Sicily, Siracusa has an ancient history. It hit its peak in the 5th century BCE when it was as large as Athens and was a dominate city state in the Greek world. It is known as the place of Archimedes, Pythagoras and Plato. Cicero called it the most beautiful city in the Greek world. For more of its fascinating history go to the Wikipedia page.

As mentioned in my last post, the whole of Eastern Sicily was flattened in an earthquake in the 17th century. All the important cities were rebuilt so they reflected the more modern Baroque style over the Renaissance and the Medieval. There are two main tourist attracting areas, the Island of Ortigia, which is the Baroque area, and the Ancient Neaopolis, world heritage site. We went to Ortigia on Tuesday and will be heading to the Neapolis on Thursday.

Actually Ortigia was the site of the original Greek settlement and city. It is just there is not much of that still showing. Wife and I used today to start getting back into photography mode. This is the first time in a couple of years that I have been using the camera on a regular basis. One thing that is pretty cool is the two Grandchildren, 3.1 - 10 years old, and 3.2 - 8 years old, have suddenly discovered taking pictures and videos using their iPads. So instead of them just being bored while we do our photo think, they are actually pretty engaged as well. 

We have fallen back into our rhythm of wandering around, looking of what is interesting and hidden to see, finding a nice meal, having some gelato and coffee, walking/picture taking more and calling it a day. I made a personal decision that I have overdone the photo posting on blogs in the past. Particularly with us visiting areas of the world that are very similar to where we've visited in the past, with similar history and similar looks and architecture, I am trying to be more selective with my photographic choices.

Oh, and we had without doubt our best meal so far...and Totally spaced taking any pictures! Too busy enjoying it. We were in a fairly local place in the fish market part of town.  There was spaghetti with sea urchin, caponata (stewed eggplant, peppers, onions, etc.), a great swordfish steak, grilled sausage. 

 Fotografia

 Study of Narrow Streets

 

 

 Greek Ruins

 

 

 The Fountain of Artemis

 

Study of a Canolo - Fresh filled before served to you

The Horror of Realizing Cruise Ships Have Returned As Well

🤯

 

Doors

 

 

 

Plants

 

 

 Waterfronts