Trip Day 6 - Syracuse, Sicily

Saturday September 17

We had been warned that it might be quite choppy in the night on our way to the next harbor but we only got a nice rocking. We woke up to a lovely sun-up and still sailing. 

To my surprise I saw the Maltese Falcon in the far distance but I could zoom it closer. 

Here it is in the far. It would have been a nicer picture if it had been closer, ha-ha.

The Artemis went into the bay but we could not go into the harbor. James and I were on the balcony and wondered whether there was a fire to the right because we saw clouds on the ground but it was actually the wind blowing the dry dust. Captain told us that the harbor pilot had informed him that it was too windy to take the ship in. This wind had been expected in the afternoon and had come early.

Last night the captain and our two guides (for the two groups) had given us the news about some changes in the itinerary. And it sounded really nice. But this delay made it a bit more complicated again. The guides had to re-plan.

But after a while it was possible after all. Great news.

The information station had this map to show us where we were. Helpful.

And off we go. The guides were excited because they wanted to show us the Saturday morning market.

Oh yes, I do like markets. When I went home to visit my family in Germany, I always tried not to miss going to the markets ... in different towns on different weekdays. 

Could not resist to bye some pistachios. Half a kilo for 7 Euros. A bit expensive BUT they were special, from Bronte! We had a taste first and they really were very nice. But what was I thinking? It's not like we don't get enough food on the ship. Oh my!

We had less time for the market because of our delay of arriving but it was enough time. Back to the ship.

And then off with the bus. Over the loudspeaker Vanessa pointed out that the landscape looked different than in Malta and yes, that was right.

We went snaking up and up on a narrow road to the farm. First thing we saw from the bus window were the goats just running around loose, most mostly in the shade right now.

And first we got to see how they feed the cows and how they are taking care of and how much milk they give etc.

It was all very interesting. And then we could "help".

Most of the milk is being used to make cheese. And of course we were shown that. The young man is also one of the large family and has learned how to do this from older family members. The cheese comes in many forms. He was also very good braiding it.

The walk-in fridge.

This was very interesting too but then it was time to go to the restaurant.

I had to stop first at the restroom and was late walking into the pizza-making kitchen. 

I was immediately asked whether I wanted to make it too. I answered laughing "but I am on vacation" which didn't do much. I ended up helping. Of course I liked it.

This was very different actually than ours.

Paula explained that they also grow all their wheat here as well, after harvest bring it to a mill and get it back as flour for all their needs: baking, pizza, pasta etc. They are pretty much self-sufficient on their farm. Amazing.

Next stop: how to make ravioli. Gary was asked to help. The machines were incredible. Not for the average household for sure. But they are selling fresh ravioli in markets and so. The restaurant is only open on Sundays or for receptions like weddings.

Then it was lunch time. First we had a little Vino Spumante and from the assortment of nuts or so.

This is one long table for our group.

And then plates after plates, dishes after dishes arrived. Carafes of red or white wine were never left empty. "Our" pizza (the two different kinds) and cheeses arrived.

Fried bread and very smooth cheese (ricotta?).

The ravioli topped with a very delicious sauce with eggplants etc.

We thought surely that this was it but no, a really nice stew came...

... with Sicilian french fries which are actually "baked fries".

(no explanation needed)

And dessert! The latest cake I have ever had. Truly from scratch I am sure.

Ha-ha, the coffee was different though. A thimble full.

This event had not been on the itinerary. OAT wants to offer it next year so we were the groups to "judge", a last minute decision and the family were only informed the day before. 

It was a huge success. Everybody was taken how nice this large family was and how much fun everything was. The family members were introduced and got a standing ovations. 

Btw. lunch alone had taken 2 1/2 hours. Typical European style. You don't hurry through a family dinner!

The only "complaint": how can we eat dinner? The cooks on the ship work so hard for us.

The buses brought the two groups back to the ship. We refreshed a little and decided to play our cards game. We went up to the sun deck but it was too windy there. The cards were flying away. So we went into the lounge. 

A fellow traveler Pam wanted to learn and joined us. We had fun. She loved the game. Another couple who wants to learn watched a little. We could not do the very last round because the captain came to make an announcement to everybody. The weather is going to be an issue to our itinerary. We can't say enough about the crew and the guides to do their best to give us the optimal experience. It is very good to be kept informed.

Nobody was really hungry so dinner started at 8 pm today. Ha-ha, I can't resist. Lamb was on the menu. I asked whether I could have a third of a portion (since they had offered half-portions the other day). It was excellent.

And a little ice cream goes always down fine.

Right after we had some entertainment. Our guides were so proud that they had found some Sicilian musicians. They were really good and so funny.

Here is a VIDEO:    (2:09 minutes, part of several songs)

Highlight for most was when they made a lot of us participate including James and me since we sat convenient for giving us a sheet. This was mine. 

In this VIDEO  (2:33 minutes) you can see how much fun we had because of the audience participation. 

And our two guides sang a song too (as you can see ... and hear ... in the first video.

Everybody including us thought that this was a really great day.

We will have another night in the harbor. Not much rocking. Night, night.