Wild Peony

It didn't occur to me that peonies were native to Sicily so it was a lovely surprise to see them growing wild in shady spots on the hill side..  I found a porcupine quill too - something else which seems too exotic to live wild in Europe.  We didn't see any wild boar though which was disappointing on the one hand and a huge relief on the other.

A long, long walk today but the wild flowers are amazing.  I haven't seen many birds because  it is hot enough to need a sun hat over your eyes and you have to watch every step as the going is quite rough.

Alessia, our tour organiser, described Sicilians as like mother birds because they want to keep pushing food into your mouths.  It is most certainly true and it is a pity they like aubergine quite as much as they do!  Three courses all based on aubergine is a challenge.