After leaving Catania at the crack of dawn (10:00 am) we were bustled on an exhaustive (1 hour maybe) train ride. From there we then had to walk with our massive backpacks (with a gorgeous view of taormina's beaches) all the way to our hotel (less than a mile). When we got there, can you believe, our room wasn't even ready! So we had no choice but to again walk (also along the absolutely stunning coast.) in search of something, anything to fill out poor, hungry little stomachs. We did manage to find somewhere decent (if you like ocean terrace seating with massive 5 euro glasses of wine and fresh grilled squid). When we later checked into our room, it didn't even have a full ocean view (it had a partial ocean view that we didn't have to pay any extra for, and we can see the whole ocean anyway!). After unpacking we braved the ocean which was filled with terrifying fish! (I was nervous and embarrassed myself by shreiking- but once my nerves settled it was mesmerizing, watching tiny shining fish flit about the ocean floor.) We then took the public tram up to the main square which rattled quite a bit (it was awesome, it made ascending the cliff even more exciting!). At this point I must admit there is no way I can undersell anything about Taormina anymore (it's been hard enough and I cannot go on haha.) Once we were up in the main town center of Taormina, we were greeted with a flood of soft twinkling lights and music (yes Amy Winehouse was playing!!! Like whaaat, did they know I was coming?!) and friendly chatter from people around us. We stepped into a fantastic little shop, which I'll detail more in my next post, and then we had dinner outside on a staircase! With cats! I've always had a little bit of a fondness for stairs, I just think they have a little magic in them. It felt like I was in a children's picture book surrounded by little fairy lights, eating spaghetti and gazing out at the old stone buildings of Taormina. Definitely a gorgeous night to remember. If my life ever flashes before my eyes, I hope it lingers on that evening for a while.

(Admire how patient Ryan is being while I make him wait until I take a picture before he can eat.)