Where the Italians go to vacation...TAORMINA!

Taormina was described to me as MAGICAL, and it fits its description well.  It is a short 45 minute drive from Catania.  We were awe struck by the stunning views, the traditional Italian architecture with a modern element, and stores that only sold beautiful goods.  After Carl finished work early one afternoon, we decided to spend the late day and evening there.  We loved it so much we came back and  spent the whole next day there.

View from the city.   There is a wonderful cable car that takes you from this point to the beach below for 3 euros. 

As we walked through the shops, Carl and I found a little stand that sold hats.  Carl had wanted a traditional Italian hat, and I found another sun hat that I couldn't pass up.  We then walked through the city center and wandered through beautiful shops.  Due to the recession, things are very reasonably priced throughout Sicily.  Taormina was definitely more expensive than Catania but still reasonable. The Italians are beautiful people and they love beautiful things.  In the U.S., I think we tend to just buy to have more things. Here in Italy, less is more.  We bought such unique and beautiful items that I will truly treasure.

Waiting for his pizza at the cafe

This is what our days looked like 

I saw an Italian doll shop.  Sophie loves dolls.  She loves to hug them and carry them around.  Although she has received some dolls as gifts, this was the first doll that we bought her. The doll has a strawberry dress and wears a strawberry hat.  Sophie picked it out!

I love how the city has a traditional feel but is so modern and clean

The patio bar is called Wunderbar, and has been visited by many American stars.  It has a beautiful view of the sea from there.  

View from Wunderbar

We ate dinner near that pool where the umbrellas are located

Sophie loving on her doll

Sophie is so independent.  She wants to go everywhere by herself.  Here she is trying to escape from us with her new dollie.  

Jack and I walking through the shops.  Here is my new hat of the day!

We actually witnessed a wedding taking place.  Afterwards, the whole wedding party walked to one of the local cafes and had champagne and a band began to play.  The cafe was still open to the public, and many people stopped by to see the happy couple and to watch the dancing.  Jack LOVED the music.  We sat down, and had a snack and some drinks.  One neat thing about this part of Italy is the tradition to always serve snacks with drinks.  I don't recall that in other parts of Italy, at least not to this extent.  For no additional cost, they serve chips, peanuts, and a least one to two types of crackers with your $4 glass of wine.

The band playing

Sophie eating the snacks and clapping to the music.  We didn't instigate this.  She just started clapping because she liked the music so much

Jack was mesmerized

Having lots of fun watching the wedding party dance

Sophie and Daddy walking through the city

We walked up to the large theater and got to see the most amazing views 

Walking up to the top of the theater

Happy fam all in hats!

Look at that view!

Jack and daddy went off to explore the area

Jack loved to walk through the town.  I was surprised how long he could last without using the stroller. He enjoyed climbing all of the stairs and did a great job.  

Stopping for a snack.  We are so excited to see another high chair!

 We took the cable car down to the beach, and got in the sea.  There isn't any sand and mostly stones.  However, the water is so clear and a stunning green color.

Jack and Mommy playing in the water

There were a lot of boats out that day.  Sophie really enjoyed the water too, and loved to splash her feet.

Stopping for a glass of prosecco before dinner

 We had a traditional Italian meal at a little restaurant that overlooked the Mediterranean.  The staff was very accommodating.  We shared a pasta to start, which Sophie loved.  I had a stuffed veal dish and Carl had lamb.  Jack ate all of Carl's lamb and Sophie ate most of the pasta, which left Carl and I to share the veal.     Here are some cute shots of Sophie eating her pasta.