FROM THERE TO SICILY

If Italy is a work of art, then Sicily is a masterpiece.

We’ve traveled from Catania up to Sciacca via the coastal route, thanks to our fellow vagabonds who invited us to join them soon after we arrived in Assisi. Their plan was to go house shopping and to have some fun for a few days. Together, we toured Mt Etna, visited the ancient ruins in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and made our way to the beautiful birthplace of Joe’s paternal grandfather. Scott’s expert driving, coupled with Dolores’ skilled navigation and trip planning were cause for celebration in themselves. The perfect weather and blue skies didn’t hurt.

At last, we have an answer to the question “do you have family in Sicily?”…..We most definitely do. Aside from the fact that the Guardino name in Sciacca is akin to Smith in the States, we know that we have true, Sicilian-blue family members because our gracious B&B hostess called one of them up and led us to his workplace where Joe received hugs and kisses from Caligaro with whom he shares great grandparents. His bis Nono and Joe’s became oceans apart when Joe’s grandfather immigrated to the US as a teenager.

Our travel buddies left us after the first of our two nights in Sciacca and drove on for more house hunting and fun adventures and we hooked up with Enzo, our newest Sicilian BFF. Why take a bus when for a lot more money you can get a guided trip through the countryside where your breath can easily just stop. Thanks to Enzo, we arrived safely in Palermo.

WOW! POW! Palermo! Mamma Mia!

This is the most frenetic place I’ve ever been and that’s saying a lot coming from a native New Yorker. It’s alive and so much grittier than any place we’ve seen so far on this foray through Sicily. Fantastic. Food is everywhere. Love of food is in the air. Luckily, we get a lot of exercise every day. 

We’re now staying in a B&B in the heart of the city, the Palazzo Corvino. It’s owned by friends of a friend in Assisi who has put us in touch with a guide, someone for which I will be eternally grateful. We’re heading out this morning. 

Surely, more will follow