I thought I should make a post while still in the south of Italy before my flight back up to Milan. It is cheaper and takes far less time to fly from Sicily to Milan so I am doing it. There is so little time left. How is it that time speeds up at the end of a journey? And it really speeds up when you are feeling well and in warmer weather. It seems like more magic happens. The flow flows better.
I bumped into him in the outdoor market my first day in Palermo. That's a big pig.
I finally got a concrete answer as to ferries to Sicily then also called the ferry company. It is an overnight boat and as it is not yet season it was not full. I could kick back and get a bit of shut-eye. I also had booked a hostel so knew where I was going when I arrived at 7:00 in the morning. It was a nice vibe hostel with friendly staff and my room had only two beds which is great but unfortunately my delicate nose had a problem. A cat had decided to claim its territory with its spray. It wasn't a big problem. I was out and about most of the time taking photos and buying fresh asparagus and artichokes at the wonderful outdoor market in the city. After two nights I left and was hosted by a delightful fellow and author of True Crime Novels (#3 on the best seller kindle list), Daniel from Ireland. He gave me his bed in his loft and took the sofa downstairs for a few nights leaving me on my own during the days to wander the streets shooting photos. I even got some scooter rides and went to a Sunday asado in the suburbs (Asado is BBQ for those reading non-Argentinos.)
Now many think of Sicily and especially Palermo as gritty and dark and filled with Mafia mayhem but I did not find that to be the case. I found the people wonderful with so many smiles and the neighborhoods diverse with lots of KEBAB places. If murder and mayhem is going on it is behind closed doors. I understand that the M guys don't flaunt. They prefer a more stealth presence.
After several days in Palermo I hopped on a bus to the other side of the island. I went to Catania which was a truly great experience. I had a host that I found through Couchsurfing. I saw his profile and knew it was to be a great connection. (Little did I know we have the same friends.) In fact, he responded in about 15 minutes. In his response he wrote that he could host me one night in the city but then he couldn't unless I wanted to move over to the beach house. YES YES YES! I am not one that is interested in clubbing at night. A beach house with calm and quiet was PERFECT. I got to join in with his family and the puppy Argo and the guests from England (a documentary filmmaker and a ceramic artist in their 70's) that were renting one of the floors of the family house. We harvested mussels from the sea, drizzled lemon juice over them from lemons grown on the property, enjoyed local wines and totally enjoyed the marvelous space. Blessed is the word I am inserting here, I felt so blessed.
After three nights I was brought back to the city of Catania and needed to form another plan knowing my departure from Sicily and Italy in it's whole was imminent Oh I so didn't want to leave the sunshine and warmth. I chose to go to a hostel in Syracuse (Siracusa) for two days to see the ruins. It has been raining and icky thus allowing me more time to form a plan for my last days.and also to rest a bit. My plan is now formed. I take the bus in the morning to the airport in Catania and a flight to Milan then two trains to Seregno. I have a host there that teaches history and psychology and loves visitors. It is a city that is well connected for visiting Milan and Lake Como PLUS the weather forecast calls for a few good sunny weather days up there. The forecast is pouring rain for my last two days in Italy but my memories will still shine like the sun.
This visit went too fast. Life goes too fast. Carpe Diem!
Tomorrow will be a long day so I will sign this horrid writing off for now. I just needed to write whether good or bad as the Sicily moment needs to end in the AM.
So tired.... Ciao 4 NOW.
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