Standing in the Crater of Mt. Etna

High above Messina, Sicily, looms the still-active Mt.  Etna volcano. Here the intrepid travelers stand in the yawning maw of Mt. Etna, waiting for fire and brimstone. 

Taormina

Home of cassata, near Mt. Etna, a Greek theater in Sicily still stands and remains in use today for concerts. 

Just Another Volcano

Dear Imaginary Friends,

While sailing the Mediterreanean a few years back, we were en route between Rome and Messina, Sicily, when we sailed past this magnificent little volcano,named Stromboli, spewing for all it was worth. Just another day in the sea near Sicily, where the boot of Italy kicks out into the Mediterranean.

After all, the famed Mount Etna's corona of hot ash looms threateningly over little Taormina, Sicily. Those Sicilians are a tough bunch, facing down that bellowing monster.

Your Honarary Italian,
Patsie