Messina is truly a phoenix that had risen from the ashes multiple times. It has been destroyed by fire, by earthquake (December 1908, 60,000 people died), and bombings during WW2 that destroyed the beautiful Cathedral of Messina. The cathedral was rebuilt in 4 years and houses the largest celestial clock in the world, telling the story of the nativity and also the phases of life from birth to death.
We started the morning with Bob and Betsy by hunting down an ATM to get Euros. We had to make sure we had cash for gellato! Betsy found a toy store to check out, so she was happy.
We all took a carriage ride around town to do a quick overview of what we wanted to see
We saw a beautiful fountain and statue of Neptune
Thus building still bears the scars from bullets and shelling during WW2. You can see the scars in the concrete.
After the carriage ride we set out on foot to explore and find some gellato. We were quickly becoming addicted and in need of our daily fix. We found some just off the cathedral square and enjoyed it
at an outside table. We managed to fend off the many vendors selling souvenirs. We learned quickly not to make eye contact!
We checked out the beautiful cathedral. They had an amazing pipe organ, which thrilled Betsy and Bob. Out of respect, we didn't take pictures, but Betsy did buy a book about the cathedral and organ. It was amazing to think this beautiful church has been completely destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
We wandered back towards the ship, looking at the varied architectural styles, and also some excavations of ancient buildings and churches.
The city was full of bright and beautiful flowers in gardens, on verandas, and in window boxes.
We spotted this little olive tree bloomimg its heart out!
We made our way back to Riviera, and posed with our floating palace.
This is one of the beautiful mosaics on board, located just outside one of the restaurants
We enjoyed another lively dinner with our fellow travelers. We have staked out "our table" and meet each night to share our daily adventures and good conversation. What a nice way to end our wonderful days.
Tomorrow is our "at sea" day.
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