Trapani and Erice (air- ree- che)

 

Castle in Erice

The weather improved and we sailed on to Trapani, which will now be our last stop in Sicily.  We are bypassing both the Egadi and Aeolian Islands, which is a crying shame 😢😢.  I keep telling myself that it gives us good reason to return, but I am still sad that we will not be spending some time in the islands.  Schengen rules (only three months in the EU) really put a damper on enjoying what Europe has to offer - which is a lot!

Rob and Sue (and Michael)

One of the best things about traveling around the world is the people you meet.  We met Rob and Sue when we arrived at the marina in Trapani.  By the end of the day we were making plans to visit the ancient town of Erice - just outside of Trapani.  As with most of these medieval towns it is positioned way, way up the mountain.  We rode in a cable car to reach the town.  As we were walking around, Rob was saying "we need to go just a bit further... just around this corner... you will see... it will be beautiful".  We rounded the corner, following Rob's direction and were just blown away by the magnificent views.  You can see all of the countryside and the sea from way up there.  We were all cheering Rob!!

Narrow streets of Erice

Such an amazingly beautiful place... I loved it.  By far one of the prettiest little villages we have seen in Sicily, but I am sure there are more gems out there.  Everywhere we looked it was just so pretty.  I was thrilled when we found this little church that was open.  Just one fellow was sitting inside.  So, so pretty.

Erice Cathedral

 We spent a couple of hours just walking around and then found some lunch.  It was such a nice day, we were wishing we had more time to linger in Trapani.  As it is we spent the day in Erice, but have really not seen much of Trapani.  Thats what happens when you start wandering around the world... you just want to keep wandering and there is never enough time.  Our planet is vast, diverse and delights the senses in so many ways.  

City of Trapani seen from Erice

 We will be doing yet another long passage from Sicily to Sardinia.  Sardinia is another place I would like to just linger for a while, but we cannot, as I also have many places in Spain on my list of "places I want to visit".  My bucket list keeps getting longer and longer :)).

Rob and Sue on their s/v Kered

The next morning we had to wait for the fuel dock to open before we could depart.  We were ready and had planned to tie up at the fuel dock and wait for the "fuel man" to arrive.  But... as it turned out the fishing boats had just come in and one of them was tied to the fuel dock, unloading his fish onto a truck.  So... we had to wait for him too.  We just did circles out in the harbour, waiting our turn.  Rob and Sue came out of their beautiful Southerly sailboat to say goodbye.

 

Trapani fishing boats

We finally got fuel and headed out - on our way to Sardinia.  From there we will go to the Balearic Islands of Spain.