ETNA. If you say that single word to any Sicilian, immediately its importance can be seen in their reaction... as if "Mufasa" has just been said to a pair of Jackals in The Lion King. Europe’s largest active volcano, Etna stands 10,892 feet tall and looms over Eastern Sicily like a sleeping giant with a small smoking cigarette. In fact, Italian writer Leonardo Sciascia called it “a huge house cat, that purrs quietly and awakens every so often.” Etna’s last major eruption was in 2001 and 2002, but the most devastating ones occurred in 1381 and 1669, when the lava reached all the way down to Catania. It’s reassuring that locals say something larger happens every 5 years or so… and why our teammates don't flinch when a large, Hiroshima-size puff comes from its top.
... and from the sky, about 20 miles north of Catania. (Special Thanks to the airline pilot who let me get out to take this picture.)
As the last major Sicilian landmark not seen by Christie during her mother’s visit, we decided to head up to its peak. Unfortunately, it was a hazy day and therefore there wasn’t much of a view – which is essentially the only “real” attraction of Etna if: 1) The volcano isn’t erupting, 2) You have seen rocks before, and 3) Aren’t there in boots ready to hike. We were packing girls with sandals, so the souvenir shops were our destination – where Lynn picked up a nice necklace while I snapped photos of the Marsian-esque landscape.
The black lava rock of Etna... available in his, hers, or any shape you'd like.
One note, I was very tempted to purchase one of the many things made of Etna Lava… My top choice was a Mussolini bust, with the second being an Elephant ridden by a mermaid… but I declined and in hindsight am not regretting my decision.
During the winter Etna does get snow, and a small ski resort actually runs intermittently during those few months. On the day we were there, the 80 degree weather had melted almost the entire snow pack… however I have heard you can also do some intense sledding there or perhaps just get stuck on the icy ledge of a crater. I do not know.
No comments:
Post a Comment