14 Siracusa and Isle of Ortigia - Day 2

The day began with a trip into the Jewish section of Siracusa, where we found and explored the ancient Mikveh. From there we walked to the water, saw a catamaran capsize and then right itself, and then strolled along via della Maestranza to an area near the Church of Saint John the Baptist - Parrochia San Giovanni Battista - in time for a mid-day snack. Afterwards, a walk up via della Giudecca to via della Maestranza, where we studied a 15th century building with 18th century upgrades in baroque style. By mid afternoon, we had left the Isle of Ortigia and headed to the Neapolis Archaeological Park to see the Greek Theatre and caves, and the limestone cave known as the Ear of Dionysius. Before 1:45, we left and headed for an adventure to find the airport in Catania. And what an adventure it was. We somehow took the wrong exit off the highway and ended up high in the hills on narrow streets with an occasional goat to guide us. Eventually we corrected ourselves, and got Ron and Nancy back to the Catania airport in time for their flight back to Roma.