Days 231 to 235: 31st Jan to 4th Feb - Agrigento

Wednesday

A quiet day mainly on the boat as wanted to keep the kids away from others despite them seeming perfectly well as didn't want to spread the sickness lurgies. Kids were understandably getting bored so after school in the morning we got stuck into Esme's Christmas lego, a lego friends Catamaran. It was the first time I had really seen her enthusiastic enough about lego to stick at building something from instructions and the whole family helped her at times.





Thursday

Patrick's birthday and another quiet day, although the kids were pleased to be able to catch up with their friends in the afternoon. Esmé finished her maths book last week with a big revision exercise. I am so incredibly proud that she chose to go back over any questions she didn't get right and spend some more time learning these concepts using Dienes borrowed back from Dizzie... she loved having a little time for playing with them too.

In the evening Lynita babysat for us so that Patrick and I could go out for a birthday meal. Unfortunately our first and second choices of restaurants were closed but we ended up eating at the Miramare Hotel where Mum and Dad will stay next month. The starter was amazing and really overshadowed the following course but it was perfectly ok and a nice change to be without kids for a while. After dinner we went for a long walk before returning to the boat.

Friday

Another quiet day with boatschool followed by a trip to Decathlon to try to find a replacement pump for the SUP as ours melted when a hose disconnected from the webasto heater. Unfortunately the pumps there had a slightly different size fitting, however we managed to get E a replacement coat and a AJ a new fleece before heading back to pack for our night away.

Saturday

An earlyish start as we were heading to Agrigento and the Valley of Temples. We had been recommended this trip by Lynita and were looking forward to a night away. Unfortunately the weather was VERY wet, although we were somewhat hopeful that it would improve as the day went on. Patrick commented on how quiet the roads were and that the Italians definitely didn't like rain, however as we drove on we realised that it may also have something to do with the fact that the roads have very little drainage so there were very large puddles everywhere. 

Eventually we arrived at The Valley of Temples and had a car picnic before braving the weather. Typically we realised that the site would be free tomorrow but decided to continue regardless as we had other plans for then. 10 Euros entry each for Patrick and I but free for the kids, however we did spend 5 Euros on an audio guide as Esmé loves these and her reading stamina although great isn't quite up to reading information boards yet.

The Valley of Temples is a stunning series of Greek Temples built along a ridge with beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea. Some are more intact than others but all have their attractions. Whilst it is great to see the almost complete examples, it is also amazing for the kids to be able to climb over ruined structures too!

The best comedy moment was AJ looking at the bronze sculpture of Icarus and saying "Mum, I think that man is naked" "What makes you think that AJ" I asked, "I can see the ripples on his chest, I think it's called a six pack...... and I can see his willy!"

As we walked on we found Hardcastle Villa, so decided to visit to find out about our potential ancestors! Apparently it was named after some army general..... need to do some research mum!

Inside was an art exhibition of work by Orna Ben Ami, a project called "An entire life in a package" using metalwork with photographs to show the experiences of refugees through the ages. 

The whole site was quite large so once done we headed for our B&B and spent a couple of hours relaxing before heading out for dinner. On our way we enjoyed listening to some drummers before finding a lovely pizza restaurant where we were served by one of the drummers!

No point photographing the kids meals, it's always margherita pizza!

Sunday

AJ was feeling really tired, perhaps not fully recovered from the bug earlier in the week so we ditched our long detour on the way home in favour of an hour in the local museum before heading straight back.

 The huge stone statue formed part of one of 38 pillars in a temple.

On the way home we stopped for a picnic on a beach close to where the Allies landed on Sicily in the second world war and all enjoyed a leg stretch.

Unfortunately there weren't many kids around when we got back but the kids and I did manage a walk to the stony beach to watch the sunset.