Syracuse - Day 2.
Trip Start
Sep 15, 2007
1
23
29
Trip End
Oct 17, 2007
Syracuse,
Italy
Monday, October 8, 2007
The Greek Amphitheatre was amazing and in remarkably good condition considering how old it was. It was a good 30 minute walk in the heat to this first stop in my journey so I took a seat in the theatre and just basked in the sunlight taking it all in. There were a few tourist groups doing the rounds. I observed a few of the groups, all from different countries with tour guides speaking in numerous foreign languages. I was imagining what it would of been like in ancient Greek times when this theatre was packed for the plays that were staged here when the Greek empire was at its peak
Stone Altar
. It could hold 16,000 people in its prime. There was actually quite a strong Greek influence in Sicily as the island held a significant place in the empire at its peak, rivalling the great cities in Greece itself. Every May and June a local theatre company runs classical Greek plays in the amphitheatre to this day, I would have loved to have seen one.Following the Greeks the Roman Empire grew in strength and prominence and of course Sicily was a big part of it during that time. The Romans had made some modifications to the Greek theatre so it could house gladiatorial combat however they eventually built their own just a few hundred metres away. This really took me back in time as you could still see the pits where the exotic animals were kept and also the chambers and corridors where the gladiators walked in the theatre 2000 years ago. Unfortunately the Spanish during their occupation of Sicily in the 16th century had used the Roman amphitheatre as a stone quarry for a time and therefore destroyed a lot of it. This theatre was the third biggest in Italy behind the Colosseum and the amphitheatre in Verone so it was still a significant structure and well worth the visit.
I absolutely loved visiting the archaeological park but in particular these two structures
Stone Altar
. Just meandering around with my iPod playing tunes and soaking it in, much like I had done in Malta the past few weeks. The Sicilians had done particularly well with the park itself. The land surrounding the ruins was a maze of pathways, gardens and shady retreats with seating dotted around. It was a haven from the hustle and bustle of Syracuse's new city. Getting a break from the cars was worth the trip in itself!After an hour or so I walked back towards my motel and then entered Otygia for some lunch and hopefully an internet café. I had not been online for a few days, wanted to update my journal and speak to people back home if they were on. By the time I had eaten and tracked down an internet spot (they were no where near as numerous here as they were in Malta) it was around 9pm at home but luckily my brothers Jeff and Nick were online as well as a good friend of mine from Queensland, Trent. He has asked me to mention him a few times in my journal so there you go mate. :)
Afterwards I walked the streets of Otygia, perhaps for the last time as I was setting off for Catania in the morning. I have to say that the old city of Syrcuse is simply beautiful. It is a classic European city with cobble stone streets, outdoor cafes, historic buildings, the works
Greek Amphitheatre
. I really enjoyed wandering around again and saw a few new buildings following the route set out in my guidebook. A raging storm hit later in the evening and it absolutely bucketed down, I realised this was only the second time I had seen rain since leaving home. It was good to see the city in the rain with the lightning reflecting off the old buildings, however walking home in my thongs was not as much fun.Whilst eating dinner I started chatting to a couple next to me who were from London. It was good to speak to someone that spoke English. Something I have failed to mention since arriving in Sicily is that I have literally come across no one who can speak English. It has even been a little frustrating at times. The people at the desk in my hotel, every shop and restaurant, everywhere. This also includes all signs, menus and informational posters outside tourist attractions. I have always considered it a good thing that a country's inhabitants maintain their culture and traditions but it does make it very difficult for travellers when they stick to it this much! :) I realised that Sicily, and especially the part that I am currently in is not really a tourist Mecca so it is to be expected this would be the case I guess.
By the time I got back to my hotel I had walked a long way today, for several hours and was looking forward to a good night's rest before heading out in the morning. I was planning to catch a train to Catania which was a city about 60kms up the coast. The main attraction there was Mt Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Tomorrow my journey continues.
