Sailing with Moondance : May 2017

Began with the flight from hell. 17.5 hours NZ to Doha and we arrived in Doha late, but with enough time to catch our flight to Fiumacino – Rome (5.5 hours) About 6 hours in Rome airport and we were on our way to Catania Sicily and our final destination Siracusa.

Arriving at about 6pm at our accommodation, thankfully a lift had been installed to take us to the first floor. After being greeted like long lost friends by Antonio we headed straight for bed.

Next day we called in to the Nautica store, again greeted like long lost friends and Vincenzo and his wife Elena were pleased to see us. Vincenzo had installed a new anchor winch over winter and came down to Moondance to test it with all systems running. It needed a bit of fine electrical tuning.

Antonio who stored Moondance had completed the antifouling and she was in the water all ready to move aboard.

We have now had a few days to reorient ourselves with Ortiga, Siracusa and visit the markets, re provision etc.

No plan – just adventure

Yesterday we planned to go to Ragusa by bus. Found the bus station and were directed to the train station. Bought tickets and sat on the platform waiting for the train. Then were told by an Aussie couple we had to validate the tickets to avoid a fine. Train was out of sight on another platform and we were informed was leaving in 2 minutes. Mussolini got the trains to leave on time. He left the detail of arriving on time to providence. We had to hurry as there was no way the train was waiting an extra 30 seconds.

It was 2 hours to Ragusa – a lovely Baroque town which would have been better if any shops had been open. We found a small panniteria open and bought lunch. The architecture in the town made it worth visiting, but none of the churches, basilicas, cathedrals or civic buildings were open. The town had them all, but they were closed. There were not many people on the streets. Only a few tourists and locals. Ragusa seems to want to shun any tourist trade and the locals enjoy their siesta. It would have been great to be there in the evening hopefully then there would have been some activity in what we found was a ghost town.

Taking the train back went OK until we came to a small station in the middle of nowhere. One hour later another train pulled up with four people on it who transferred to our train. As we pulled in to Siracusa one of the transferees made a dash to a train going to Rome. It seems he had missed a connection, so a train was sent specially to deliver him to our train and the train to Rome departed as soon as he arrived.

Today is another sunny day and we plan to get diesel. As soon as it has been delivered we will visit the catacombs, then check out with the navy and depart the marina.

A cultural day

Everything went as planned, just the timing was wrong. Took all morning to get the diesel. Nothing happens on time. We did however check out with the Navy. I nominated our next port as Taormina -well, that was not going to happen. We were forbidden too go anywhere near Taormina until after Sunday and our destination was altered to Catania. Politics has interfered with cruising. Usually if I am told I cannot do something, I want to and will do it. Old age is catching up with me and the thought of not being able to use local rubbish bins, and the presence of military carrying huge automatic rifles does not inspire me anymore. Had enough of that in Nthn Ireland.

So, we tamed it down and went to the Catacombs. They are Huge – and it would be very easy to get lost. A city of the dead. We tagged on to a tour guide who showed us the most interesting bits. All bodies have been removed and buried elsewhere. Not far from the Catacombs is the Museum. This is interesting and has exhibits from prehistoric times up to the present time with Egyptian, Greek and of course Italian influence.

Well, with all work completed, we are ready to head off tomorrow for anywhere but Taormina.