Sicily 2007 with Edward Jones

Entrance to the Grand Timeo Hotel, Taormina, Sicily

Floating like a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea just off the toe of the Italian boot, Sicily's relaxed atmosphere and attitude are a world apart from the bustling cities on the Italian mainlaind (and, frankly, an apt reward for the hard work and stress needed to win the darn thing in the first place). I was privileged to reach the production levels necessary and this March I found myself en route to Catania airport for a week long stay at the Grand Timeo Hotel in Taormina.

For centuries, visitors have been entranced with Sicily's temperate climate, deep blue skies and lush vegetation. Architecturally, the wondrous sights include massive Romanesque cathedrals, well preserved Greek temples, Roman ampitheaters and magnificent Baroque palaces. Then, of course, there's Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcanoes overlooking ribbons of solidified lava that cascade down the side of the mountain.

What a week ... day trips to Mount Etna, the world famous Murgo Winery, the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna in Tindari and the site of a significant portion of the filming of The Godfather in the mountainous village of Savoca.

And what can one say about the accommodations - the true spirit of Sicily is revealed in the Grand Hotel Timeo, an Orient Express property, in Taormina. Built in 1873, the elegant hotel sits adjacent to an ancient Greek theater amid a park filled with olive, citrus and cypress trees.

The entire album of 458 photographs can be viewed either one at a time or in a captivating slide show format courtesy of Webshots. (If you like the website, you can even use their software to dowload photographs for your computer's wallpaper). Check out this link.