Italia Day 12 - Part 2 - Castelmola

I had to split day 12 into 2 posts, because the experience we had in the evening was just too special to taint with anything else.

So, we had been told about this bar. It's called Bar Turrisi. (Disclaimer - don't click that link if you are at work or near people who are easily offended). It's in a town called Castelmola, which sits high on the hill above Taormina.

It's a pretty steep climb up that hill, so most people get the bus. We decided to give the steps a go. Steep isn't a strong enough word to describe the climb. I'm not sure there is a word to describe it in English (maybe there's something in German though?) Let's just say it was a bloody long way.

I'm sure you would agree that the views were amazing.

I love this one - so Sicilian - Etna, prickly pear & the blazing sun.

I could watch the coastline for hours.

After about 30min, and covered in sweat again, we reached the main piazza & there was Turrisi - a pretty nice looking bar.

Now, we already knew what to expect when we opened the door - because Turrisi is famous for one thing only - it's huge collection of penises.

From the moment we walked in the door I couldn't get the goofy grin off my face - it was hilarious! Even though we had been warned, I was still taken aback by the sheer number of male appendages on show.

From this monster on our table.

To the chairs.

The orgy mural in the female toilets.

The mirror in the female toilets.

The tap in the female toilets - let's just say that this one was extremely anatomically correct - it's probably the first time ever that I've washed my hands but didn't feel much cleaner afterwards.

After enjoying a beer we explored the other levels - I felt very sorry for this poor gnome.

This lamp was something of an abberation - can you tell why?

It's best to watch where you're putting your hands in Bar Turrisi - you never know what you might be grasping.

They even have a collection of artwork, like this on the wall.

And this on a table.

From the top-floor terrace we admired another stunning view of the Sicilian coastline.

Eventually we dragged ourselves away from the one-of-a-kind bar & had a quick look around the piazza. The duomo here sits right on the edge of the cliff - I'd say this church has one of the best views in the world.

What would a visit to a town be worth without some more library porn - the Biblioteca Comunale di Castelmola.

Finally, we headed back down the steps. I'm glad we braved them before dark, because they aren't particularly well maintained. This gate intrigued me - I wonder if it used to lead to a terraced farm?

Etna at sunset is beautiful.

Eventually we got back to Taormina & spent the evening hanging out in our favourite bar - Re di Bastoni. One of the staff - Massimo - took it upon himself to teach me Italian, and eventually I worked up the courage to ask him 'Massimo, Puo farmi una foto?'. 'Certo', he replied. I was chuffed. At the last minute, one of the other staff, Paolo, decided he wanted in too.