Siracusa (Part 1)

It was fabulous to be back in Siracusa. We had last visited at the end of June 2014 [A link to that Blog entry is here] on our way east when we had focussed on visiting the archaeological sites. This time we hoped to have a slightly more relaxed time just enjoying being in the ancient city.

We had, of course, arrived in a new country and noticed that in Italy even the fishermen are smartly dressed! Before we could start enjoying the city life too much, we did have a few priorities. The first was complete the arrival paperwork and the second was to find a laundrette to deal with the mountain of washing. The arrival paperwork was completed very quickly at the Guardia Costiera building close by; there was no charge for up to 5 days on the quay. Turning to our second priority, Nicky remembered where there was a launderette and then, irritatingly, on her way back discovered that a new one had opened much closer to the quay. As a result of her trek, BV switched into clothes line mode, much to the amusement of passers-by. Looking out into the bay we were quite pleased that we had moved onto the quay because there was now a huge cruise liner anchored pretty much where we had been.

Our next priority was Italian ice-cream. It was delight to wander amongst the elegant buildings in Siracusa (or, more accurately, the island of Ortgia) but even better when you have a wonderful Italian ice-cream in hand. No surprise that this became a regular activity during our time in here!

The fabulous market at Siracusa   

We lived and ate very well whilst we were in Syracusa. The delicatessens are packed with inviting specialties and the various hams and cheeses were just so tempting. Maggie and Charlie from Alkira had recommended that we ate a mezze at the delicatessen next door to the one pictured right. As they had highlighted, the queues for it stretched around the corner. Sadly, for the rest of our time in Siracusa that deli was closed, “Closed: New baby arrive!” the sign on the door informed us.

We made a daily trip to the fabulous market to take advantage of the fresh fish, seafood and vegetables. Our breakfasts were a mixture of the last of our Greek yoghurt with wonderful fresh strawberries, lunches were salads and bruschetta on fresh ciabatta, and our evening meals tended to be fish or seafood. We cooked and ate the last of the tuna I had caught cooked in a lemon, soy sauce and thyme marinade and so there was no excuse not to indulged in the huge prawns, local mussels and other delights available from the market stalls.

During our last visit we had missed visiting the museum dedicated to two local geniuses, Archimedes and Leonardo Da Vinci. The Archimedes room was fascinating and with the models bringing his thoughts to life, it was easy to see and feel the practicalities of his scientific mind.

Most of the museum, however, was dedicated to Leonardo’s work. The breadth of his imagination and invention was staggering. Here too models brought to life the ideas an dinventions he had drawn. Much of his work was about making building tasks easier and safer. He invented cams to turn circular motion into a hammering action; the crude cogs of the era were refined; palls invented to prevent heavy loads from falling; as well as screw threads as a means of safely raising weights. He was well aware of friction and even invented the first ball bearings.

Focussing on war machines, in 1485 da Vinci invented the tank and an armoured boat for attacking enemy shipping.

He also considered propulsion and designed the first paddle wheel, a means of propulsion which would eventually power paddle steamers. Safety was always in his mind and he came up with the first recognised design for a life belt.

He studied birds and imagined men flying, centuries ahead of it being achieved. He designed wings and even a type of helicopter. Recognising the potential risks he also invented the first parachute. It was an incredible set of achievements by these 2 geniuses and the musuem presents their work brilliantly.

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy