The second half of our Edelweiss tour was all about the beautiful island of Sicily. This somewhat ignored part of Italy is home to the mafia, Mt. Etna, an excellent little-known pasta called gnocchetti, and an agricultural economy. It’s a bit less well-kept than the rest of Italy — we’re guessing due to the lower economic level of this out-of-the-way place that doesn’t get the same tourism that the rest of Italy gets.

We set off from Taormina and headed west, skirting around the northern side of Mt. Etna. We got a great view of the volcano’s summit, which was covered with snow and appeared to be blowing steam out of the top. Makes sense, since it erupted just a week earlier. Ash everywhere, but a beautiful, lush green countryside. We circled around to the little town of Corleone, famous home of the mafia and an incredibly sleepy small town, and headed to the southern coast. The countryside reminded us a little of Tuscany, with lots of rolling hills, walled cities on high bluffs, vineyards, and lemon orchards.

Our trip home was rather uneventful. Another great trip in the books. Where to now? 🙂