I pulled my legs climbing up an active volcano

Seriously!

Dying a little bit right now - didn't realize how out of shape I'm in! A visit to Sicily means you have to visit Mt Etna - an active volcano. Where else are you going to see 15 foot high snowdrifts covered in a thick cake of volcanic ash?! And then walk to the latest crater - a byproduct of Etna's latest temper tantrum??

Needless to say, the day trip to Sicily is an expensive one. But well worth it because Sicily isn't amazing with public transportation either, although I did see a bus terminal in Taormino, so I suppose it is possible. The ferry, bus and guide costs 115 Euro, and unfortunately the trek up to Mt. Etna (a lift, an incredibly packed snowmobile and a 10 minute guide) costs another 51 Euro. It's also not for the feint of heart, as the short 30 meter walk is on volcanic ash or iced-over snow and goes up and down so you're always kind of tensed up and working your muscles in the thin, cold air. Hiking boots are best for this trip, sneakers are a distant second, and flipflops, well.. let's just say you'll probably get frostbite.

Probably could have done without this part of the trip, would have loved to have traded it for some time on the coast, but doing it once in your life isn't too bad!