January 22nd 2024

I'm again torn apart as I leave Adrano, but grateful to have found such a beautiful friendship there !

I'd had an idea in mind since mid-December, but hadn't been able to put it into practice for lack of time and opportunities. Today is my last chance, and I'm taking it. Before reaching the north coast, rather than returning to Randazzo by the same road I'd already taken to get to Adrano, but in the opposite direction, I board the narrow-gauge Circumetnae train, which as its name suggests goes (almost) all the way around Mount Etna, for a partial stretch of its itinerary. I enjoy the views on mount Etna, covered in a fresh layer of snow, because I know I won't be seeing it again for a while, from this afternoon on.

I reach the north coast and Sant'Agata di Militello through the Parco di Nebrodi, and once again new landscapes unfold. Pine and deciduous forests, rivers and mid-altitude mountains. You'd almost think you were in the Fribourg Prealps... if at the end of the route I hadn't reached the sea, with the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli in my sights.

My Sicilian journey is slowly coming to an end, and I'm having a hard time coming to terms with the fact. I've met some incedible people, made some wonderful stops and discoveries, and felt right at home. Especially in Adrano, of course ! And it's hard to leave it all behind, almost abruptly and suddenly. To compensate, I'm looking ahead, to my imminent Neapolitan weekend with my cousin Yoram and his daughter Ninalou !

Adrano to Palermo