In 1857, after crossing the St. Gotthard Pass on foot, Emily Lowe arrived in Palermo accompanied by her mother. From there, the "two lone women," who sparked excitement and admiration wherever they went, continued their journey to Catania, Messina, and Syracuse—off the traditional routes, thus more isolated, arduous, and dangerous. This book, presented in German for the first time, is a discovery: the young woman from the English upper class sought adventure and connection with the people. She aptly describes the life of the aristocracy and sensitively portrays that of the common folk. She tells stories of farmers and fishermen, of women who lace delicate lace for their daily bread, of invitations to the homes of the wealthy, of Sicilian fashion and shabby hotels, of temples and the diversity of Italian art. And finally, she recounts the perilous ascent of Mount Etna: "I feel d.