A lot has happened in our first week and a half: moved into housing, got our van, spent lots of time in orientation classes, filled out lots of paperwork, met lots of new people, eaten some great food, and collapsed into bed each night overcome with jet lag and the overload of new information. But the highlight so far was our day spent with new friends in their beautiful town of Aci Castello.I started following Karen's blog many months ago when it looked like we might be headed to Sicily. I bookmarked her posts about places I thought we might want to explore. I savored the details she shared about life in Sicily. I e-mailed her with a few questions regarding our move and when we arrived we started making plans to meet. On Sunday, Karen and her family overwhelmed us with their amazing hospitality. We swam and snorkeled in their breathtaking "front yard"(see below). We ate sea urchins (see above) that her husband gathered while we were all swimming. We had a long leisurely lunch. We laughed and talked and talked some more. We relished the fact that we were having one of our first true Sicilian experiences. Away from the base and all of the exhausting transition duties. Making new friends. New tastes, new adventures, and yet feeling so relaxed. I can already tell Sicily is going to be a very good spot for us.
We still don't have an internet connection in our house so our access to e-mail and blogging is limited. Hoping to become more connected in the coming week. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the end of summer. Thank you for all of the kind comments welcoming us to our new home. We feel lucky to be here.
WOW! What a fun opportunity! Though I am not sure on the sea urchins?
HOLY COW-- what a 'front yard!!' I have been sharing your experiences with my hubby, who a few years ago suddenly declared that he would love to live in Italy. Mind you, neither of us in the military, neither of us speaks Italian, and neither of us has any Italian heritage in our families, but for whatever reasons, Italy seems to be his personal paradise. I cannot wait to show him this post!!
Welcome home to you all!
Sounds like Sunday was one of many new adventures in Sicily. What wonderful people your new friends must be to open their town and home to you all. What do sea urchins taste like?
Talk to you soon. Love, Mom
We loved the sea urchins...eaten raw directly from their spiny shells they are salty with a surprising sweetness and wonderful paired with Sicilian bread. And you couldn't possibly get them any fresher!
Dawn, you guys should plan to visit us! Seriously, think about it.
Soooooo good to hear from you.
Love the oics. We can't wait to chat with you on Skype. i am all set up.
Book club is this Saturday. We sure are going to miss you.
BTW, oics are SORT of like pics... but more Sicilian!
; D
I knew that the transition may leave you unconnected for a while. It's good to hear that all is going well. And how fortunate for you to already have an Italian connection -- a true blessing!
Did you mention that you already have a house as well? Impressive!
okay, seriously?! a lunch of sea urchins caught by your hosts from the sea? heavenly!!! i'm starting to think i should talk to my husband about him getting a job in italy! :)
it all sounds so wonderful! glad all made it there safely. am super excited to read about all of your upcoming adventures!!
Glad it's all going so well already. Hope you'll have an internet connection soon.
Sooooo happy to see you're off to a wonderful start. Looks completely idyllic. Sea urchins, huh? When in Sicily do as the Sicilians? Good for you! Can't wait to hear more about your experiences,
WOW, so great! It will be a great place for you.
Wow. WOW. That's amazing. So jealous of the freshly gathered sea urchin! Glad you're relishing your new landing spot and having a great time. Very exciting, and it does sound right up your alley!
Fantastico! So glad you're 'getting it'. So many miss 'it' completely. Take advantage of EVERYTHING. Karen is a great resource. Glad you were able to connect so soon. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet her when we were in Sicily last Easter. Who knows? Maybe I'll make it for the olive harvest?! 2010 that is!
Heaven, seriously.
What Corinne said! Wow! It all sounds fantastic. I am thrilled for you. Can't wait to live vicariously through your adventure. :D
I am super jealous of your new adventure! I lived in Venice, Italy in 2005 and had an amazing time. Enjoy the pasta, fruit and warm nature of Italians.
Oh... Thanks so much for taking time to share the beginning of your adventure! So wonderful!
Hanging with the "locals" is the only way to experience a country! What kind people to connect with! The amazing would of blogging bringing you together too... Great fun!
So fun to see the pics from our great day together! We'll be in touch next week and I'll get back to you about the Roma apartment too:)
WOW. Such a great time. How exciting to be sharing such experiences with the kids too. Glad you are getting to see the real area and not just the base.
Jan
So happy you made it and have already immersed yourselves in the culture. Can't wait to read more posts. GO MEET BINA!
Hi Lucia.....great pics. So happy to hear that you and family are getting settled and that you already have new friends....I know how important that is to you. I miss you already and we'll all raise a glass to you tomorrow night at book party....I mean book club! Hugs, Pam E.
wow! that looks so great! so glad to hear you've had a pleasant arrival in your new home- i've been thinking of you guys. how cool that you get to live in so many interesting places!
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