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What a wonderful sleep. The bed was so comfortable. Now we are ready for the early cup of coffee. In trying to fill the electric jug our worst fears were realized, no water. We managed to use some bottled water but what about the toilet and shower. We emailed Vittorio about our problem. He was extremely upset and would get it sorted today. In the meantime a heavy dose of antiperspirant would have to suffice.
Our plan today was to visit the Valley of the Temples on a hill close to Agrigento. We arrived at the entrance, bought tickets and a map and proceeded to ticket control and security. The walk took us past the ruins of the temples of Zeus, Heracles, Dioscuri, and Giove before the long walk to the impressive temple of Concordia. From this archeological site you have a wonderful view of Agrigento on the nearby hill. We were thankful we started our visit in the morning and at this time of the year. We were not bothered by large tour groups and the temperatures were bearable. We can only imagine what it must be like in July and August. A rewarding outing and now time to
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
Agrigento looking down on the Valley. take the short drive back to our apartment for lunch and a rest.
We arrive to find Vittorio has been and fixed our water supply problem. We look forward to a flushing toilet and a shower. As we settle down for lunch Vittorio arrives with some delicious cannelloni as a peace offering. He has been very helpful giving us suggestions of places to visit and restaurants. Just mention my name, he says, for a good deal. Unfortunately we have not the time to try out his recommendations.
After a rest we are ready for one last exploration before we leave tomorrow. We would like to visit the cathedral which is situated at the top of the city. As it turned out the uphill route we took was steady but gentle. We pass two elderly gentlemen discussing the outcome of today’s big football match in town. “Duomo”, they say pointing up hill. “Birra”, we say referring to the hot climb. We all laugh. We are welcomed into the cathedral by one of the church helpers. The church is undergoing restoration. What has been done is wonderful. The west door entrance is all barricaded up. We wonder if the cathedral
has been at risk because of a subsiding hillside on the north wall. We choose a more direct route back to the apartment. Being Sunday and still siesta time everything is quiet. The streets are so steep that the carriage way changes into steps. It would be interesting to find out if Jane would have thought to bring us this way if we had decided to drive to the cathedral.
Once on the flat the gelataria that we find open has a big beckoning finger saying, “Come to me, I have the finest gelatos in town”. We cannot resist. W e arrive back at the apartment in time for a prearranged Skype. It is great to talk about our adventures with family members who have trodden these paths before us. Unfortunately we are unable to fit in all the recommendations.
Tonight we dine early, 8:00 pm. We arrive at a very well appointed pizzeria and are shown to a table around a corner away from the locals, looking at the toilet. We move to a table looking towards the kitchen. For much of the evening we feel like second class citizens and the only ones in this part
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
The villa's wonderful Spring showing. of the restaurant. Our pizzas are very nice but a whole pizza each can be a struggle. We are pleased to say we did our very best.
Home to bed, for tomorrow we move on.
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