"The sun's warm glow mingles with the salty breeze that carries the smell of the sea, and the life it fosters, to my nose. Boisterous voices exchange passionate conversations in the street and a familiar voice sings, "Nicky" off the sea-foam-green balcony. It is Dani, my sister. I must be in Sicily!"
It has been six weeks since my arrival in Sicily, and yes I have been indulging. "Real" pizza has been a meal many times. Bathing in the Mediterranean happens in intervals of 24-hours or less. Oh, and creamy gelato has melted on my tongue and slide down my throat regularly. I have taken it from a cone, from a spoon, through a straw and smeared in the middle of sweet bread, a brioche. Although I can taste the roast in the hazelnut gelato and the pistachio flavor is sweet and salty, the dive season is coming to a close and I feel as though this island and I have shared enough, for now.
It is rare that travel is routine, but at the dive shop I have had a daily schedule. A day in the life....
 |
| Each morning begins inside the "Dive Flag Tower." It is 3 levels. Stefania sleeps on the top floor and acts as my alarm as she passes the second floor to start the day. |
 |
| Task 1 of the day: Prepare Tanks |
 | ||||||
When all is ready we leave land behind...
 Giovanni, my host and Divemaster, briefs the group on the dive site  "me"  After the dive and after a pasta lunch, it is time to find some shade around the shop The sun falls from its peak and late afternoon arrives. A soft sensation wakes me from a nap. I give my attention to hear the call of the plants on the hillside garden. They are asking for water. This place is not an official WWOOF, but it surely is a Barnstorming.
 The fruit love the view  Maybe it's the environment, but some of the plants look like they could be found swimming in the Sea  Night creeps over the tower as blue skies fade to purple. A typical night out is a walk for gelato...    Stefania as a shadow model in front of the Castle  The Castle that gives the town its name, Castellammare  On this night a music festival!  A lone guitarist wails overhead, in an archway  He belongs with this five piece group (if you include the pooch) playing, a funk like trance set, on the steps  A fire show too...  His name is Bunda and he is from The Czech Republic  Almost forgot the point of the walk...At last  Moon light illuminates the old port town, but when the sun fills the streets I will start it all again That is until Wednesday when I say goodbye to Sicily... |
Oh Nick, The Young Man and the Sea, to cherish and savor what brought your Grandpa Ralph to his love and passion and this has been transmitted to you. Ahhh, you do it so Well!!!!!!!!! thank you for Saring.
ReplyDelete