Walking the Corso Umberto

Our first full day in Taormina was a national holiday, Italy's "Liberation Day" on April 25th (sort of like our July 4th Independence Day). It is a celebration of when Italy was freed from the Nazis during WWII. This holiday is followed by Italy's "Labour Day" the following week, so many Italians take the week off in between these two holidays. We were warned that it would be a crowded day in Taormina, but had no idea what we were about to experience.

We decided to jump right in, heading to the Corso Umberto shopping district which is about two miles long and 20 feet wide. Every square inch was covered with people strolling, window shopping and sipping cappuccinos as they people watch. It's amazing how many people look at your shoes.

People cook on grills from their rooftop decks, the smell is indescribable. They also flood to the streets to pass the time with the friends, there are many "Ciaos!" and a lot of the double cheek kisses, one of our favorite European traditions. We bumped into our friend Danielle again, giving us that small town feel that gives Taormina it's quaintness.

This road has many colorfully lively piazzas, live music playing, people singing, dancing, eating gelato, and looking in awe at the ominous Mt. Etna steaming in the not so far distance - it is truly an incredible site. We think that is why the Sicilians in this area live life to the fullest every day, knowing that there would be no way out if Etna decided to fully erupt!