Here are some pictures to visualize what I meant by the ‘moonlike’ landscape. Being on the slopes of Etna and looking at the lava rocks surrounding you absolutely everywhere is an extraordinary feeling… My next step though will be the crater itself and when I finally make it there (have to wait for the snow to melt), I will definitely post some pictures… Until then, enjoy the slopes of the ferocious volcano…
Today, my husband took me on a trip up the most notorious volcano in Italy, Mt Etna.
Since it is still technically winter (even on Sicily, although sometimes it’s hard to remember when the sun is shining and the temperature goes up to 15-18 degrees Celsius), the slopes are usually covered with snow. My luck, most of the snow melted in the last two days! However, it was still extremely cold up there and when we were driving, it actually started to snow. And at some point there was some snow covering the rocks so it wasn’t all wasted…
So, if I was going up there to ski, I would have been tremendously disappointed. But perhaps in a few days, if the weather keeps up, there should be plenty of snow on slopes of Etna for all the ski and snowboard fanatics to enjoy. Knowing life, by the time I’ll get another opportunity to make the trip, the damn snow will all be gone again…
But going back to the trip—driving up there was a pretty unusual experience. Starting on the planes of Catania where the land is somewhat flat and there are plenty of fields, you go on to the higher planes and all of a sudden it seems as if you were in a different part of the country. It is really hard to remember you’re only half an hour away! And the air smells differently up there as well. Somehow it’s a lot clearer and a lot fresher.
The landscape is one of a kind and you will not see it anywhere else. Granted, the barren trees are typical to any winter in a temperate climate but the lava rock formations that dominate the landscape give it an eerie look. The closest comparison that comes to mind is the moon (although I’ve never been to the moon but judging from the pictures it must look like the slopes of Mt Etna where the vegetation does not quite grow).
The only thing left to say is the volcano leaves me in awe. It’s absolutely beautiful in its unique way and quite foreboding, really… And if you’re ever in the proximity, this is one site you absolutely must see.
I have recently come across some recipes for facial masks that use only natural ingredients such as fruit, which is known for moisturizing, exfoliating and nourishing your skin. Masks based on fruit are also good for relieving stress effects on your skin. So, I have decided to share them with you.
Exfoliating for oily/combination skin:
6 large strawberries + 1 Tbsp cream or Greek yoghurt
Clean the strawberries and mash them with a fork. Add cream or yoghurt and mix well. Apply to your face avoiding eye area and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and follow with your favorite toner.
Moisturizing for normal skin
2 peaches + juice from half a lemon
Wash the peaches, cut in half and remove the pit. Puree the fruit and mix with the lemon juice. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and follow with a moisturizing cream.
Nourishing for a dry skin
1 banana + 2 tsp honey
Mash the banana with a fork and mix with honey. Apply the mixture to face and neck, leave on for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water. Follow with a nourishing cream.
If your skin is sensitive you should check if the fruit does not irritate it first before applying the mask.