One of the most surprising aspects of Sicily is the overabundance of cacti and it seems that we are arriving at the peak time for prickly pears. Last week we had our first visit to the Catania market and it turned into an adventurous lesson in learning how to peel and eat these prickly, sweet treats...very carefully. After peeling back the scary parts, the reward is similar to biting into a juicy melon with large seeds (just swallow them). Very refreshing on hot, dusty Sicilian days. In Etna's Shadow is turning out to be great guide as we start to explore all of the different Sicilian offerings. Can't recommend it enough. Seriously a wonderful book and makes me wish we had had something similiar when living and traveling in Asia. Grocery stores and markets are always my favorite spots when exploring a new place. Lots of markets to explore here. Loving all of the fresh fruit and veggies and don't get me started on the European chocolate aisle (how the heck does Hershey's stay in business?).
Just read Red Sails to Capri with the kids and thought of you and your new location! Sounds like life is tossing you great new experiences.
That sounds amazing. I love European chocolate. We make such junk here in the states. Sad.
I can so absolutely picture you guys in the Mazda treking up through Motta to Etnapolis for trash cans and more! I used to get great stuff at Brico and Carrefour. Oh how you are making me miss Sicily! Have you gotten a clear day to see Etna yet? Isn't amazing to look up and just have her smack in your face?
The cacti look and sound fabulous!! I also love finding all the new, fun food in the places we travel to. I have to admit...somewhat shamefully...that I have a soft spot for Hershey's even while living in Switzerland. It feels like blasphemy! But my reasoning is that it's somewhat like comparing apples to oranges. Or maybe I should just face up to the fact that I have no palate!
I wish we could meet up for a Gelato too. I have only been to Italy once (Florence), and must say that the Gelato was one of the highlights of the trip.
right on with the chocolate. Just last night as my girl dug into my Lindt stash, I gave her a glare....she said -- "But mommy, you must share. We all must share."
I'm hiding them.
How interesting to read about Italy from a foreigner's perspectives. How are your kids doing in their new surrounding?
Ah, the one of the most fun things about living in a new local - markets and their offerings! Never tasted a prickly pear. They're gorgeous.
That looks like Dragonfruit. It is in the cactus family too. Very sweet. Connor loves it.
Yummy or at least I have to take your word for it. I have never had a prickly pear, but it looks good.
I've always wondered what a prickly pear was!
Very cool! Fionna will like to hear that they are sweet. We had a cacti down the street from our house in Cali with prickly pears and she always wondered what they taste like!
that's funny- i don't think about Italy as being desert-y, but 'duh' spaghetti westerns. very cool.
are your guys going to be going to school there? (just curious about how life works when you move to another country)
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