Blog Posts — WILL DRINK FOR TRAVEL

By: Alexandra Tyson

Visiting Sicily is still regarded as a travel experience off the beaten path for non-European adventurers. Due to years of Mafia control, visitors have shied away from this Italian island; however, a resurgence in tourism is making Sicily a top destination in the Mediterranean region. Sicily will welcome you with warmth and a passionate sense of pride. Its people are notoriously gestural, yet gentle and hospitable. For instance, the family who owned the apartment where I stayed cooked multiple authentic Sicilian meals for me–gratis! This same family’s next door neighbor took me around Palermo on the back of his Vespa, allowing me to see breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and sea.

There are so many more wonderful things to say about visiting Sicily, but here are the top 3 reasons why I think you should:

AFFORDABLE CUISINE & SPIRITS

Food and drinks are very affordable! Sicilians pride themselves on being able to enjoy artisan cuisine and spirits without breaking the bank. If you are a seafood enthusiast, this is the place for you! Generous plates of the freshest seafood prepared in a variety of ways will never exceed $30. Pizza, homemade pasta, and other traditional dishes cost even less! Wine is mainly served by the half-bottle (wine-by-the-glass is foreign to Sicilians) and is sometimes cheaper than bottled water! Cocktails are always prepared with the freshest ingredients, such as the Sicilian version of a mojito, which includes rosemary instead of mint and a purée of the island’s indigenous melon.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Each area of this small island is different, offering attractions and activities that cater to a variety of interests. In Palermo, you will experience a unique mix of European, Arab, and African culture against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Other notable towns include Catania, Mount Etna, Aeolian Isles, and Taormina. Buses and trains throughout Sicily are quite efficient and inexpensive, making travel between its cities very easy.

AMAZING BEACHES

The beaches could rival many Caribbean destinations. The water is calm and crystal clear with a temperature that is significantly warmer than most Mediterranean beaches. I ventured to Mondello which is fifteen minutes outside of Palermo and accessible by public bus. This beach of powdery white sand is open to the public, but the private beach clubs are well worth the price. For $25 a day, you get a cabana or set of sun lounges that can be shared between four people. These clubs have amenities such as bathrooms, cocktail service, and security workers who look after your belongings as you take a dip in the refreshing sea.

English is not widely spoken so asking a Sicilian for assistance is an experience in itself–you may find yourself surrounded by five or six people all trying to help you locate the right street or cafe! So be open to its boisterous magic and let Sicily awaken you as it did for me!

Since it was our last day in Istanbul, we knew we had to make the most of it. So we caught the Tram near our hotel and headed to the Sultanahmet area of the city. I loved this area because the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern were all so close to each other. By the way, Istanbul’s public transportation system is awesome. It seems like there’s a way to get anywhere you want to go in the city, which is great for minimizing costs.

Our first stop was to the Blue Mosque. Since we were now mosque-visiting pros, we knew to take our shoes off and cover our heads. The inside, in a word, was beautiful.

Our second stop was to the Hagia Sophia. It was built as a Christian temple, and then became a mosque for several hundred years. In 1935, it became a museum showcasing some its Christianity and Islam heritage.

We were approached by a tour guide outside who offered to tour us around at a discounted rate. He had an official license issued by Turkey. I recommend doing this if the person seems reputable and legitimate. He was able to give us little anecdotes about the museum and it was much more interesting than listening to a guide on tape.

After we finished touring the Hagia Sophia, the guide offered to take us to the Basilica Cistern, an underground water storage area. Before being converted to a cistern, a Basilica stood in its place. It was surprisingly serene down there. The Medusa heads, one on its side and one upside down, were the most fascinating pieces in the Cistern. It seems like there would be some interesting story about why they’re there, but our guide said they needed something to hold up the columns and the heads were the perfect size. Oh well.

While in Istanbul for 3 days, we were able to experience much of Turkish culture. But I left feeling almost a little sad because there was still so much to see and do. I didn’t make it to the Topkapi or Dolmabahçe Palaces, the Hippodrome and I didn’t cruise on the Bosphorus, and much, much more, but there’s no possible way you can do everything in just 3 short days. Believe me, I tried. It just gives me a reason to return sooner rather than later!

Until next time Istanbul,

Ashlee

Guest Post: Traveling Off the Beaten Path – 3 Reasons to Visit Sicily

How I Saw Istanbul in 3 Days – Day 3

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller