This evening, we once again had one of those perfect moments. Nearby where we live, there is a cave at the seaside with thermal baths, which are large enough to hold the entire family. The water is about exactly the same temperature as an ideal bath at home. When entering the cave, there is a plate praising the therapeutic effects for skin and bones. It also claims that you are actually entering the cave of Calypso, as cited in the Odyssey, on Ulysses' journey. However, this kind of linkage of local sites to well-known mythical scenes is apparently common practice of community tourist offices around the Mediterranean. Therefore, it could well be that there are a dozen other Calypso's caves in the region.

I just realised that last year, I took a very similar photo as the one below. It's strange how one keeps on being concerned with the same little details.

Winter at Funta Fram

On a clear day, we can see Africa whilst sitting at our dining table.

Here two images that I took last week at Piana di Ghirlanda. The one above shows Monte Gibele. Although it's only the second highest hill on the island (700m), it is in fact the main volcano. Montange Grande, the highest point with 836m above sea level, was actually pushed up at least 275m by Mt. Gibele.

Throughout the years, Pantelleria has been called many different names: 'Yrnm' - Island of Birds (because of the abundance of game) by the Phoenicians, 'Cossyra' - Smallest (compared to Malta and Sicily) by the Romans, 'Patelareas' - Turtle (because of its shape) by the Byzantines and Bent El-Rhià - Daughter of the Wind (very windy here) by the Arabs. It's clear that 'Pantelleria' must originate from one of these last two ancient names. Up till now I haven't heard any conclusive evidence, which authenticates either one of them. Though, during a hike near the cliffs at Punta Fram, I did discover the head of the turtle.

Yesterday evening at Cicci's Bar, someone told me that Pantelleria has several large 'rivers'. This sounded to me very unlikely, since the island has no natural sweet water sources of any kind. Clearly my limited knowledge of the Italian language had to be the reason of this misinterpretation.
Still, after some puzzlement, it became clear that they actually do exist, but only after some heavy raining like yesterday. These 'rivers' are actually huge trenches, which form certain patterns that can only be viewed from high up in the sky. Apparently these outlines already exist for hundreds of years and are used as beacons by travelling birds. If they would be altered, thousands of birds would get confused, or even get lost, during their annual crossing. Therefore, these landmarks are highly protected from any interference up to a level that in certain areas, ground works for basic utilities such as electricity and running water, are complex to conduct and as a result haven't been done yet.
The thing what also sounded remarkable to me, is the fact that birds only use these naturally formed patterns as guides, and not for instance streets or buildings.

Does anyone have some more information about this?

Christmas madness in Rekhale.

Here three images of the coast in front of Scirafi. We currently rent a small house, almost at the top of the hill in the middle.
- General sites and landscapes
- Scirafi

Panoramic landscape of characteristic terraces near Piana di Ghirlanda.
Possible context for book:
- Agriculture
- General sites and landscapes
- Piana di Ghirlanda

A typical scene of how sweet life can be on the island. Valérie and Alinoë are bathing in the Lago di Venere. The water and mud are rich of minerals, which suppose to have therapeutic qualities. The lake also contains some hot springs.
Possible context for book:
- Lago di Venere
- Wellness
- Family life

Here a view of the valley of Monastero. The photo is taken from the main terrace of an old farmhouse that we love to own one day.
Possible context in book:
- Agriculture
- Geology, main crater
- General sites and landscapes
- Piana di Monastero

This image reflects kind of the spirit we've been living in during summer.
Possible context in book:
- Bar 'U Friscu'
- Family life