Sciacca
Day 3 Beyond Menfi to Modica (163km)
We’ve been on the road for three days and are already 45% complete our virtual journey around Sicily. Today we’ve experienced the Mediterranean Sea, the rural countryside, more Greek temples, and tons of history. It goes without saying we’ve had some new culinary experiences as well in Agrigento. We’ve completed 499km of the route! Nice going. Amazing actually.
Agrigento
Thirteen runners were out today. Stephanie (11.5k), Mark (8.5k), and Andy (10.2k) were first to experience the delights of the region. From Menfi to Sciacca and then though Agrigento’s famous ruins, the morning offered many “wow” moments. Agrigento is a hilltop city, known for the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples, an extensive archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples. It dates back to the 6th century BCE. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the awe-inspiring sights. Ken was there to greet them and take photos. He was so moved by the ruins that he forgot to get a photo of the runners. Exiting town, they couldn’t pass up the chance to sample some of the regional specialities at an outdoor café – two vegetable soups known as Maccu di fava and Minestra di San Giuseppi as well as an interesting looking bun called mpignolata. Refreshed they carried on to Palma di Montechiaro.
Agrigento
Maggie (19k), Danny (20k), Jackie (6k), and Marika (11k) all got in today’s action, carrying us south along the coast. But it was Melanie (20.7k) who finally urged the group to stop and smell the coffee – literally. Melanie found our secret prize spot, Manfria, winning an espresso or cappuccino (Little Vienna). Yay, Melanie! Along with their coffees, they just had to sample the local cookies. First, they tried cacateddi made with figs, wine, almonds, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and raisins. How bad could they be? Next was a mostaccioli cookie and finally a honey cookie called rami di miele.
Back for more sightseeing were Leslie Ann (2.5k), Danny (10k), Greg (20k) and Megen (7.8k). They’d heard about a live race in Ragusa. They assumed they could locate it even without much Italian vocabulary to ask for directions. They weren’t disappointed. Megen was the first to spot the race. She egged on her fellow STARRs, “Faster, faster, I’ll beat you to the finish line. Oh yes, and eat my dust!” she was rumoured to have said to her companions. Well, she did win, and they did eat her dust. Megen earned herself a shiny Ragusa medal. Good going Megen.
Finishing today’s challenge for STARR were Robin (9k), Vanessa (4k) and Stephanie (3k). They decided Modica with its chocolate museum was as good a spot as any to spend the night.
What will tomorrow bring? Sun? Beaches? Ken’s place? More prizes? Will there be another bottle of wine, just waiting for someone to claim it? Tune in tomorrow to find out.
