My cousin Fiorella, picked me up this morning to take me out for a Granita and Brioche with two of her friends, Mariella and Pino, who constantly is a comedian and works as a Police Officer. 

From here we joined a group of their friends and drove onto the Province of Francavilla where we walked down to the Gole Alacantara for a swim . I recall visiting this place in 1989 and much has changed due to the impact of visiting tourists. New signs and safer stairs have been built since Zio Francesco (deceased), brought me here all those years ago.

The name Alancantara is of Arabic ‎origin (al-Qanṭarah). Several thousand years ago, the river bed was blocked by lava flow from Mt Etna. As the lava cooled much more quickly by the water than it would have done otherwise, it crystallised in the form of columns. Over the next millennia, the river naturally eroded a channel through these columns, resulting in impressive gorges and ravine. Alacantara River has its source from the South side of Mount Nebrodi and its mouth in the Ionian Sea at Capo Schiso inn Giardini - Naxos. The River is 52 Kilometres (32 Miles) long. These Basalt cliffs stand at about 66 feet. 

Lunch was enjoyed beside the river, watching other many other people enjoying the waters. Given the temperatures of the water, I had decide to sit this one out! Too Cold!

In the late afternoon we returned to a holiday house in Stazzo that my cousin and friends had rented out for the holiday season . The holiday house has its own private beach and this would be our accommodation for the night. 

The 14th of August is a public holiday and celebrations take place. The Feriae Augusti was introduced by Emperor Augustus in 18 BC. This was in addition to earlier Roman festivals which fell in the same month, such as 'Vinalia' rustica or the Coinsualia, which celebrated the harvest festival. 

With the festival beginning Fiorella, Mariella, Pino and Suzi, put on a floor show. My Aunt Mary (Father's Sister visiting from Australia) and cousin Nello Pulvirenti arrived in time for the extravaganza. It was enjoyed by all, especially Pino and the girls brought the house down as they were dressed in Lingerie and Laurel leaves their heads.

After the show Aunty Mary and Nello had left, and a feast followed on. A Barbecue of various meats, with salads followed by Gelato and biscotti to finish. The Sicilian's know how to make Gelato and the flavours are was delicious. I still think Aussie's do a better Barbecue. 

The night grew old and so it was time to retire, so I excused myself from the party revellers and went to bed.

By the way "Buon Appetito is no longer fashionable....when dining one now says, depending on the time of day, Buon Pranzo, or Buona Cena.