I’ve finally had some time to stop, relax and do some proper sketching and drawing recently on board Aedis. Up until recently we have been sailing our bums off trying to get out of the Schengen zone (the Montenegrin coast) so we don’t outstay our visas (as an Australian citizen you can stay 90 days in any 180 day period). This has meant life has been sailing night and day with some brief reprieves to sleep and maybe edit some videos. On our way past Sicily we had a couple of friends visit us for a few days, so we decided to make the most of it and visit the beautiful and dramatic Aeolian Islands (north of Sicily). Unfortunately we didn’t have time to see them all (I would have loved to spend 3 weeks pottering about) but the islands we did see were unbelievable: Filicudi had the most incredible sea cavern that was like a small lake inside a cliff, Stromboli is an active volcano that could be seen spouting ash during the day and a spectacular orange light during the night (plus the most beautiful little town nestled at the base with dramatic black beaches), and Panarea was a glory of light hitting rock formations amongst crystal clear water (with bonus amazing cacti growing in improbable places). Hopefully one day I’ll be able to come back to these islands and spend A LOT more time… and if I ever decide to live back on land, Stromboli is right up there on my list with a beautiful artist community, lots of cats, and the cutest houses amongst the greenery.
Claire Marsh - Artist 