We purposely drove past the exit for Erice. It was the last day of our Scopello camping trip and we decided to head south to visit the town that so many guidebooks and friends had recommended. We by-passed the exit and headed further south for Trapani because we have a son who loves public transportation. When traveling with Noah, we have learned that he is happiest when we use as many different forms of transportation as possible during a trip (bus, metro, cable car, taxi, etc). So when we initially mentioned the idea of visiting Erice, he voted against it. He wasn't swayed by the descriptions of an atmospheric and charming Sicilian town perched on the top of a mountain. But when I happened to mention that there was a cable car (funivia) ride up to the town, he started begging to visit.Happily, the funivia ride did not disappoint. In fact, thanks to the windy conditions our return trip turned out to be kind of like a roller coaster ride with some stunning views. I would not recommend this entrance to the city for anyone with a fear of heights, especially on a windy day...but if you are traveling with a seven year old boy, it is a guaranteed hit. At the end of the ride up, we emerged into a quaint walled city with twisty, cobbled streets and if it weren't for all of the tourists on a Sunday afternoon we really might have felt as we had been transported back to the Middle Ages.
One of the biggest perks of visiting Erice with kids is the garden and playground at the base of the castle. It was pretty amazing for the kids to watch the clouds swirl in around them as them as they were swinging and sliding. Not a fancy playground, but a small, clean one with amazing views of the castle and the valley and coastline down below. My only regret is that I didn't read this article before our visit. Guess that means we'll have to head back to sample the local sweets. I don't think there will be any complaints about that.
I would sound like a broken record if I commented on all of your posts with "you make me want to go there..." and "thanks for the travel inspiration" so I've been quietly lurking but thought I would say thanks this morning out loud for another lovely post.
We are leaving Ireland soon for the States and I'm really soaking up our surroundings here before we go.
For our next adventure, maybe Italy!
Hello, I've just come to your blog through capers and olives. Like you I live on an Island (much smaller than yours) in the mediterranean. Yep I live in Malta with my hubby of 12 years and three children. I've read some of your posts and I have to tell you that I will keep reading more as they are rather interesting. Feel free to come have a look at my blogs. I have one about Malta and the other is about our daily lifes.
House Mother, yes...come to Italy! Good luck with your upcoming move.
Dina, welcome! Very nice to meet you and I'm eager to take a peek at your blogs. Malta is high on our list for an upcoming trip. Have any suggestions for camping in Malta?
Ah- but first, you must read Bitter Almonds before you return!!! I love Mary Taylor Simetti, read all of them. Glad you are enjoying your Sicilian summer. We are headed into a Capital 4th !! Fun.
Karen, it's on my reading list...just can't seem to get to it,but keep meaning to...thanks for the reminder. Happy 4th of July! I always loved seeing the DC celebrations on tv. Hope we can do that one day, too!
OH WOW!! My own 7 year old would adore that ride and the castle playground looks like a movie set :) I love it!
What a great place to visit! My little vehicle guy would have loved riding the cable car, and who doesn't love a castle?
Post a Comment