Ragusa

We are currently in Marina di Ragusa because we are experiencing some trouble with our transmission and getting it fixed.  Most likely it was the rope that we picked up in Sardinia that led to the trouble.

Anyway, the town we are in is a beautiful  resort town with fabulous beaches, so we have been taking advantage of them.  The marina that we are in is one where many cruisers spend the winter and the rates are excellent.  We might end up here this winter.

Twenty kilometers away is the historic town of Ragusa Ibla.  It is a little confusing because there are actually three towns with the word Ragusa in them.  But Ibla is a UNESCO world heritage site because of the stunningly beautiful medieval and baroque architecture evident in the town.  One approaches the town from the "new" Ragusa, which was built after an earthquake severely damaged the area. in the 1700's.  If you are on foot, you climb down a fantastic series of stepped sidewalks leading down to a town built on a hill that rises out of valley.  Although we took dozens of photos, we lack a decent internet connection to upload them, so if you want to see some photos check out this link.  The overall impression is one of a sun-drenched, ancient, hilltop town. Winding streets lead to dead ends, fantastic pallazos or a magnificent church.    Or you come across a dwelling so charming that you actually envy the people that are fortunate enough to live there.  Tourism is important, but people still live and work here and migh tnot  fully realize how achingly beautiful is their town.

Even though it is only June, the sun is scorching hot.  By one in the afternoon we were wilted, so we caught the bus back to the marina, swapped the camera for beach mats and went for a dip in the Med.  Maggie found a shady spot under some date palms and we enjoyed a couple of beers purchased from a kiosk on the beach.  Blissful!

Branko