Siracusa and its surrounding area have been inhabited since ancient times, now with 2 temporary citizens added (Martina + me), all cosy on the simple camper parking “von Platen”. It looks like leftovers from a former industrial site, now used for busses and camper vans. With lookouts on the adjacent estate, it even comes with the illusion of supervision and bodyguards. Which is not true. True is that we feel comfortable here and appreciate the warm welcome from other guests, from the gatekeeper and the drivers of downtown-shuttle busses.
Between Hector and the Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre and further Roman relics are right around the corner of our camper parking. On our way, we pass by the lookout tower and admire the futuristic church “Madonna delle Lacrime” that seems to be an elder cousin of Bahá’i Temple in Hofheim/Langenhain.
Madonna delle Lacrime
The historic site of ancient ruins opens at 9:00 am. We arrive at the main spot, the Greek Theatre that awaits us since the 5th century BC, at 9:10 am, only to bump in two busloads full of pensioners. Although they do not appear like super-sports-seniors, they somehow managed to outperform us. With a sigh we give in to the early-bird-crowd and hand them over our cameras – at least it eases the search for a portrait-photographer.
Next time I come here, I will order more stable weather and organize an evening at the theatre festival. The scenery is inviting and, with wooden planks on the echelons, it must be comfortable enough to enjoy modern interpretations of historic dramas.
We leave the amphitheatre and make our way to the Ear of Dionysius. The spiral shape and the altitude of the natural cavern produce impressive acoustics, tempting people to clap and sing and shout and do any kind of strange noise just for the fun of it.
outside in…
…and inside out
The ancient Greeks have been successful in culture and politics and it is all obvious how they got there: strong hierarchies on short distances. The quarry for the amphitheatre is just around the corner, interspersed with natural and handmade caves. No wonder that the Romans, some hundreds of years later, took over the place and added a fight arena. More blood, less elegiacs – sometimes culture is a question of habit.
Roman Arena
Satisfied with the cultural aspects of today, we get back to Hector. We hop on board and head off to Camping Sabbiadoro which will be our home base for sunny hours, a nice beach bay and a trip to Noto – adventurous public transportation included…
Travelhector 
