Memorable trip
Door: Melanie
Blijf op de hoogte en volg Melanie
13 Mei 2012 | Italië, Syracuse
There are certain things in life that you should have done at least once. Things that are interesting, funny, or just abnormal to experience. Like sleeping at an airport. I am sure that the majority of you all will be surprised if I tell you that I did that twice this week. Sometimes it is fun to agree to do something crazy like that while you never expected yourself to do so. In order to make the most out of a few days in Sicily while spending as less money as possible my friends and I decided to spend both nights before our flights at the airport. Since we would be three girls, being excited about travelling through Sicily, we took the risk of getting exhausted and cranky before even arriving there. Fortunately it was totally worth it. It was not easy to catch sleep on an airport bench but we did manage it and it saved us travelling there early in the morning.
Aahh Sicily. Such a great island, with beautiful cities, very nice people, and delicious food. Before arriving there we had made a tight but feasible plan to see the most important places. It was a little bit tricky because it included the nights at the airport plus leaving very early each morning to catch a train to the next destination. This resulted in some hard moments where we could fall asleep in the middle of the street but after a nap in the train or after a long lunch break we always managed to get the necessary energy for the rest of the day.
Starting in the capital of the island we did not get that excited about Sicily yet. Palermo can be described as a chaotic, dirty, crazy city. The cars do not seem to care about traffic rules and they provide a concert with their horns. People seem to throw all their garbage on the street and nobody seems to clean it. So even if you do find a beautiful building, like the cathedral, or something peaceful, like the sea, it does not make up for the atmosphere that the city gives you.
Catania made up for all the disappointments that Palermo gave us. While my Dutch guide did not mention to stop by this city, my French guide did. And the last one was right. This place had the features of a city, with less chaos, and less dirt. It is true that it is not that big, and therefore I agree with my Dutch guide. But it does have some pretty sides and Mount Etna is visible from the main street.
The big winner of the trip was Siracusa. We all fell in love with this city. It was perfect with its cute streets, amazing coast, and beautiful weather. On top of that the people were very nice and helpful. It was here were we found our first angel. A woman in the bus helped us to get off at the right stop to go to the beach which happened to be her stop too. Ten minutes after we were sitting on the beach she walked by, probably to take a little walk after work and before dinner. When we got up after an hour to catch the next bus back to town we discovered that she was still sitting at the beach but she left when she saw that we got up. We suspected that she wanted to make sure that we caught our bus.
Since we liked Siracusa so much, and since we decided to wake up at seven instead of five the next morning, we even had a little night out in this city. Enjoying a coffee, an icecream, and a glass of wine on the Piazza Duomo. These are the priceless moments where you really get to talk and to have fun without being distracted by all the sights around you.
A trip in Sicily is not complete without having been to Taormina and its famous Greek Theater with a view on Mount Etna. Another pretty town, with a beautiful coast, and still awesome weather. We slowly got out of energy though, so we kept things easy this day while we enjoyed all the prettiness around us.
At the last day it was time to see the famous Greek temples of Agrigento. We had a few hours before we had to catch the last train back to Palermo and those were perfect to spend over there. A little bus brought us from Catania to the south. In Catania we found our second angel: the lady that sold us our bus tickets made sure that the bus was not going to forget us. Then, the bus driver happened to be very kind too during the three hour trip. He made some efforts for us that we did not even ask for. It feels so good to have nice people like that around you every now and then.
Another example of kindness is when I wanted to post a postcard before getting in the train. When I asked someone for a mailbox he offered to post it for me. We still have to wait for the card to arrive, haha, but I have no doubts.
When we got back to the airport and making ourselves comfortable on the benches the security people were nice to us too and they made us feel safe for the night.
In short, I have had an amazing trip through Sicily, with two amazing girls, and that is why I wanted to dedicate a special blog to that. Because I never want to forget all this. The pretty places, the delicious food, and the great moments I had with the girls, from the serious talks to the funny stories which cracked us up. Thanks girls!
Aahh Sicily. Such a great island, with beautiful cities, very nice people, and delicious food. Before arriving there we had made a tight but feasible plan to see the most important places. It was a little bit tricky because it included the nights at the airport plus leaving very early each morning to catch a train to the next destination. This resulted in some hard moments where we could fall asleep in the middle of the street but after a nap in the train or after a long lunch break we always managed to get the necessary energy for the rest of the day.
Starting in the capital of the island we did not get that excited about Sicily yet. Palermo can be described as a chaotic, dirty, crazy city. The cars do not seem to care about traffic rules and they provide a concert with their horns. People seem to throw all their garbage on the street and nobody seems to clean it. So even if you do find a beautiful building, like the cathedral, or something peaceful, like the sea, it does not make up for the atmosphere that the city gives you.
Catania made up for all the disappointments that Palermo gave us. While my Dutch guide did not mention to stop by this city, my French guide did. And the last one was right. This place had the features of a city, with less chaos, and less dirt. It is true that it is not that big, and therefore I agree with my Dutch guide. But it does have some pretty sides and Mount Etna is visible from the main street.
The big winner of the trip was Siracusa. We all fell in love with this city. It was perfect with its cute streets, amazing coast, and beautiful weather. On top of that the people were very nice and helpful. It was here were we found our first angel. A woman in the bus helped us to get off at the right stop to go to the beach which happened to be her stop too. Ten minutes after we were sitting on the beach she walked by, probably to take a little walk after work and before dinner. When we got up after an hour to catch the next bus back to town we discovered that she was still sitting at the beach but she left when she saw that we got up. We suspected that she wanted to make sure that we caught our bus.
Since we liked Siracusa so much, and since we decided to wake up at seven instead of five the next morning, we even had a little night out in this city. Enjoying a coffee, an icecream, and a glass of wine on the Piazza Duomo. These are the priceless moments where you really get to talk and to have fun without being distracted by all the sights around you.
A trip in Sicily is not complete without having been to Taormina and its famous Greek Theater with a view on Mount Etna. Another pretty town, with a beautiful coast, and still awesome weather. We slowly got out of energy though, so we kept things easy this day while we enjoyed all the prettiness around us.
At the last day it was time to see the famous Greek temples of Agrigento. We had a few hours before we had to catch the last train back to Palermo and those were perfect to spend over there. A little bus brought us from Catania to the south. In Catania we found our second angel: the lady that sold us our bus tickets made sure that the bus was not going to forget us. Then, the bus driver happened to be very kind too during the three hour trip. He made some efforts for us that we did not even ask for. It feels so good to have nice people like that around you every now and then.
Another example of kindness is when I wanted to post a postcard before getting in the train. When I asked someone for a mailbox he offered to post it for me. We still have to wait for the card to arrive, haha, but I have no doubts.
When we got back to the airport and making ourselves comfortable on the benches the security people were nice to us too and they made us feel safe for the night.
In short, I have had an amazing trip through Sicily, with two amazing girls, and that is why I wanted to dedicate a special blog to that. Because I never want to forget all this. The pretty places, the delicious food, and the great moments I had with the girls, from the serious talks to the funny stories which cracked us up. Thanks girls!
-
13 Mei 2012 - 20:56
Wil Van Woerkom:
Wow Mel, I'm happy for you again that you enjoyed so much! At the same time I am happy you arrived 'home' safe and sound. I can't help but having some strange feelings about Sicily, regarding all stories about those 'Cosa Nostras' or the Mafia....
But hearing your stories, they did not cross your path, luckily!
Thanks again for your nice story!
Your dad -
13 Mei 2012 - 21:13
Sara:
ahahaha! I also slept at the airport when i came back from Coimbra :p Good to know that you loved your trip :D Actually, i'm jealous :P
Bisous my dear!! :D -
14 Mei 2012 - 08:49
Manon!:
He Mellie!
You're looking good girl!!
Klinkt weer erg leuk, wat zie je toch veel! En zo fijn om aardige mensen om je heen te hebben, dat doet zo veel!
Liefs xx
-
14 Mei 2012 - 19:35
Laura:
Hi Mellie,
Leuk dat je deze herinnering met ons deelt :). Zoals ik al tegen je zei: hier zou ik écht niet heen willen ;). De foto's zijn heel erg mooi (vooral de cactus en je jurkjes). Maar even alle gekheid weer op een stokje (Philippe weet nu wat dit betekent, dus ik kan het gerust nog een keer neerzetten). Ik vind het écht heel leuk voor je dat je deze mooi reizen kunt maken en dan ook nog eens zulk fijn gezelschap hebt. Geniet lekker van je tijd!
Dikke kus, Laura -
14 Mei 2012 - 23:01
Soledad:
Hi Mel, It was really a very nice experience what you had. I read your story with smile, a bit pittiful, and proud. It was a surprise to read that you slept at the airport. I didn''t expect that from my daughter. Thank GOD that all went good and safe. You are a girl with dare. I did enjoy looking at your pictures. They are so beautiful. The place without traffic rules and dirty street, I do remember some places in the Philippines. Wish you luck in everything you do. God Bless!!! Hugs and kisses. Love you. -
15 Mei 2012 - 14:15
Ise:
Buongiorno principessa (I'm changing the language depending on the country you're at)
It's great that you enjoyed your trip and that you slept in an airport like a homeless girl hahaha.
Keep having fun wherever you are, you know Phill will be waiting for you and I'll be waiting for you here with tacos and tequila.
-
19 Mei 2012 - 21:07
Marie:
When I read your story it made me travel in some beautiful and warm places for a few minutes :) I went to Sicilia 3 years ago and I keep a great memory of it . Keep enjoying Melanie!
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