The town of Taormina is one the most beautiful places in the world. It is located on the east coast of Sicily. Perched on a lofty cliff, it has breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Taormina has been a favorite vacation spot for years, particularly welcoming to gays The town is filled with important architectural ruins, luxurious hotels, shops. restaurants, etc. When HG/BSK visited yeara ago after a Sicily tour with daughter, Lesley R., son-in-law Massimo R. and granddaughters Arianna and Sofia, Taormina was a vision in technicolor–brilliant blue skies, aquamarine sea, weathered buildings. And, of course, an element of danger: The volcanic Mt. Etna is just a few miles away. (Massimo was the perfect guide to all of the wonders of Sicily. He is a tenured professor at Brown; head of its Italian studies department; author of books on Italian culture. Plus, he spent his youth with his family in Sicily). HG/BSK lodged in a sea view room in a
classy hotel. The room felt like a bubble floating over glittering water. Exhilarating. HG/BSK’s first dinner was at the hotel’s dining room (more spectacular views). Main dish was a Sicilan specialty—Linguine in Sardine Sauce. Wow!! Fresh sardines, fish broth, white wine, currants, raisins, onions, garlic—these were some of the ingredients HG discerned. Stroll after dinner. HG swam in the hotel pool before bedtime. Magical night. More magic in HG/BSK’s Central Falls loft last night- BSK replicated the Taormina dish with substituted (very good) canned Portuguese sardines. Dining every night with BSK is magic for HG.
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