Old Fortress of Sicily

 Since we were at sea this morning sailing to Sicily, we had a lecture on the Mafia. Very interesting how crime syndicates can rule a country. You will see a "Godfather" t-shirt we saw in a shop.

 It was a beautiful sunny day!! Finally!! We had a walking tour through the city; visiting a beautiful cathedral.

(to be continued) 

Otranto, Italy

 We got back to our boat early since it is leaving at 1230 for Sicily. It will take 24 hours to sail to Sicily so we have time to ourselves on board. Of course, the crew and tour guides do things to keep us entertained. We get a tour of the boat's bridge; cocktail hour in the lounge; towel folding lessons (James makes towels shaped into animals); 6:45 pm port talk; 7 pm dinner!!

(to be continued) 

Otranto, Italy

 
Otranto is in the far eastern corner of Italy's boot heel. Once a strategic port during Roman times, today Otranto is known for its white-sand beaches, famed Aragonese Castle, and eleventh-century Romanesque cathedral. 

The Strait of Otranto, to which the city gives its name, connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea; all of which are part of the Mediterranean Sea. The harbour is small and has little trade.

(to be continued) 

Sassi di Matera 3

The present local administration has become more tourism-oriented, and it has promoted the regeneration of the Sassi as a picturesque touristic attraction with the aid of the Italian government, UNESCO, EU and Hollywood.

Rich people have now moved into the Sassi since it has been cleaned up. There are hotels and spas, pubs and thriving businesses. You can stay in a original cavern for over $2000 per night.

a cavern that is furnished like it would have been, with furniture and tools of the time.

(to be continued)