Messina, Italy

On the way to Messina- We are about to pass between the Scylla and Charybdis. For those of you who didn’t read Homer, this is the place the ancient Greeks thought two monsters existed on each coast of a narrow straight. The truth is the currents here are treacherous to this day. His ancient explanation of monsters sounded better than the captains.

To the left of the ship will be Mt Etna ( over 10,00 feet), the most active volcano in Europe for recorded history. Our information director told a story this morning of the lift that went to the top. They built it 15 years ago and 13 years ago lava washed it away. People still ski here in the winter, but hitting the hot tub after might have a different meaning here than it does in Colorado.

We plan to catch cab for the day trip to Tournina. Here we expect to find beautiful scenery and half priced drinks (at least from the ship).

Adios my friends,

Russell