Tag: volcano
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The Myth and Mystery of Etna
From Taormina, you see the north face of Etna, which is best observed in the early morning when the sky is clear of her volcanic steam. Our 2018 Myths & Mysteries of Sicily tour starts here on May 24, when we’ll learn about the nymph Thaleia, Zeus’ lover, who after being swallowed by the earth…
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Bewitching and Beautiful: Mongibello
The surface of Etna, Europe’s largest, most active volcano, is an ever changing scene. This month I visited this spot twice, and each time it felt and looked different to me … The color of the earth, weather, light, temperature… Mother nature is bewitching and beautiful. I’m going again in September. Join me for Enchanting…
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After 1669, Landlocked
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I talked about Etna’s eruption in 1669 and how the citizens of Catania didn’t evacuate, which led to thousands of citizens perishing? Well, another casualty of Etna’s wrath during that eruption was Castello Ursino, pictured. Commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1239 and surrounded by a…
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Etna Speaks
Yes, Etna, Europe’s largest, most active volcano is erupting! I’m so thrilled to be here to see the peak glowing at night. It’s very cool, but sadly, impossible to photograph. However, here’s my daytime view from Taormina. Note the smoke flowing left. The volcano has multiple vents, so look at from where it is spewing!…
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Etna-scape
The landscape of the volcano Etna at the Silvestri Craters.
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Savoring Sicily, Day 7: We Learned Who’s Boss
We savored Etna today. Our expert guide Fabrizio was fantastic, driving off-road, taking us into a dark, dark lava cave, and leading us around the Silvestri crater… All followed by picnic lunch of typical foods, many made by his friends and family. Savoring Sicily, Day 7 was nature powered! Time for dinner!
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Get Your Shoes Dirty
Truth be told, I’m in Alaska as I write this. But all-the-while I’m traveling here, I’m thinking of Sicily. And I’m thinking about how to provide our guests with a multi-sensory experience in the land that I love. Today, we traveled to the Yukon territory in a bus and then returned by old-fashioned train. We…
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Our May 2016 Sicily Tour, Day 6: Yes, this is Sicily too!
Yes, this is Sicily too! Etna is the largest, most active volcano in Europe. Its peak, pictured on the left, behind the plume of smoke, is about 11,000 feet above sea level (a height that changes according to volcanic activity). During winter months, you can ski on it. On Day 6 of our May Experience…
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Our May 2016 Sicily Tour, Day 6: Etna Rosso or Etna Bianco?
Put on your comfortable walking shoes and bundle up, because on Day 6 of our May 2016 Experience Sicily with Chef Melissa Muller tour, we’re going up the volcano! Not only will we have a nature-powered adventure with local experts who grew up on Etna, but we’ll also enjoy a lunch of typical cuisine from…