Situated above the Ionian Sea, with an amazing panorama of the water, the beaches and the towns aligned below, the Greek Theatre in Taormina has a spectacular view. Mount Etna is an imposing presence in the background and it can put on it’s own spectacle of black ash, red lava or a bright, white cap of snow.
On the day I visited the Greek Theatre the large, high circle of seats around the stage were covered in thick black ash: the result of Mount Etna’s mood swing. It was really a special show, and even for the locals chunks of ash this big are not usual, but rather rare. Many that have lived here for decades say they do not ever recall ash and stones of this size. A fine black dust from eruptions that will continue settling for a day is more normal and heard of. Is Mount Etna upset with us, humans, or does she have her own issues and cycles that we have no part of?
Surrounded by ash I laid down in the sun, admiring the Ionian Sea, towns, beaches and mountains, all framed by the ruins of the stage’s back wall and columns. This still remains for me one of the best views I have come across.
November not being in the touristic season, the place was quiet except for a few people coming in and out. The sound of crunch-crunch footsteps on the ash and voices carried high in the theatre, designed and built acoustically for spectacles and sound.
A visible presence higher above the Greek Theatre is the Madonna della Rocca church and the town of Castelmola. All around this place is magic and under the November sun, surrounded by ash, I had to take time and enjoy the vibe of the site. Relaxing this way reminded me of another special place where I sat down and relaxed the same way, even dozing off. It was on the site of Machu Picchu. Which site is better? Can’t tell. They are both rich in history, powerful energy and magnetism. In my search of magic throughout our marvelous world I revere and recall them both with pleasure and awe.
