After stepping out on our porch we usually turned around and glanced up at the ever-smoking volcano right behind our hotel. It is an awesome feeling knowing that you are sleeping on top of masses of volcanic rock with lava constantly errupting on one side.
The first night we decided to climb up to a restaurant which is called "The observatory'. It completely earns its name! Perched between heaven and earth we witnessed a stunning sunset, then once it was dark, we were lucky enough to see a large erruption with orange magma being thrust high into the night air!!! It was magical!!! I have included a few pictures of that restaurant as you will see...
On the second day we decided to see more of the island and Carlo rented a boat. With snorkel gear on board and our cameras ready we set off on a tour around the island by sea. 400 safe meters away from the "sciara del fuoco" where the rocks and lava crash into the water, we spent our most exciting time.
The volcano was throwing 800lbs boulders and coughing up smoke - and we were right there to see and hear it!!! The sound was the most impressive. A deep grumble and crashing. Wow!!!
A couple days later, we actually hiked much higher on the mountain which you can only fully climb with a guide. Yet, we went as far as allowed and as we dared and were clinging to the side of the mountain in hope of seeing another erruption. Truly suspended between ocean and sky we felt as if we were floating in space. The stars were dazzling and we were able to spot a few shooting stars here and there - as well as a few sattellites following their familiar paths around the globe.
One word to the underwater world: beautiful!!! Of course we spent quite a bit of time in the water...immersing ourselves like seals in the big blue.... As Stromboli is very steep, the underwater terrain falls off pretty quickly.
The thought of hundreds - if not thousands - of feet of water opening up underneath you is quite nerve wrecking...yet if you stick close to the shore you can see many colorful fish and an octopus if you are very lucky! We had to watch out for the occasional yellyfish which could make for a very painful encounter... They are the size of small portabella mushrooms, yet have long tentacles that trail the water a few feet behind and below. If the tentacles come into contact with human skin, they can leave scars and will burn like fire!!! Lucky for us we did not make such an aqucaintance. :-)
Overall, Stromboli is a magical place where I felt very close to nature on a spiritual level.
Hope you will enjoy the pics!
Transportation to and from Sicily as well as connection to the other 6 Eolian Islands is fastest with an "Aliscafo". It is a boat powered by large jets which enable the entire boat, when it reaches full speed, to rise out of the water and skim across the surface. The sea was quite rough on our return to Messina and we almost came to a full stop a few times as we plowed into a few giant waves. The 1.5 hour trip was like a rollercoaster ride, yet somehow we managed not to get sea sick! :-)
I can't wait to return for another visit!!! "Iddu" - we will be back!!!
