We have been trying some of the low cost airlines like Vueling and Ryanair, and truth be told, we are not that impressed. True, if you are just carrying a minimum amt of luggage ( and not a guitar!) and have an infinite amount of patience for standing in long lines, and waiting, and waiting, then by all means, try saving some money. However after our last flight to a Sicily on Vueling, Jim said he would have paid $150 more for a different airline, had he known. It often comes down to time or money. I can't understand how they can't seem to load a plane more efficiently. Both times we waited in a long line to check in ( no system) then another long time before buses came to take us to our flight, then long lines to board the plane from the tarmac.
On our return to Rome, we made the mistake of not pushing our way out to board one of two buses ahead of the pack, because there were only two buses, and three bus loads of people! So a bunch of us stood on the Tarmac for 15 or 20 minutes until another bus arrived. Ok. I think I got that rant off my chest! I guess I should have titled this post"travel rants". Am I getting tired of around the world travel? Maybe. Do I still have enthusiasm for seeing new things? You bet! In fact, I am very excited to have on our travel itinerary a visit to Nikki de St Phalle's Tarot Garden. I first learned about it from our well traveled Swiss relatives over 10 years ago and have wanted to see it ever since. I had forgotten about until recently.
Ok, that was a little diversion, and I hope that was not too boring. I also want to talk a little bit about transitions now. I was thinking about this idea while we were at our farm stay in Sicily. At the beginning of the week I was thinking, " wow, a whole week here in one place. I hope we'll like it, and we won't be too bored by the quiet." Hah! Of course by mid week I was thinking, "gee, we only have half a week left here. It has been so wonderful that I don't want it to end" and then our last day seemed to come so soon, and I thought" only one day left! I will really be sad to leave". It occurred to me that that is a bit like life itself, isn't it? You can draw your own conclusions....
So that is also how transitions can be, hard leaving the known, and going toward the unfamiliar.
Ok, enough talk, now on to more things we loved about Sicily.
We were on our route North from Agrigento toward Catania, where we originally flew into but didn't spend any time visiting.
The drive there was beautiful, through rolling green fields and pink almond blossoms.
When we got our first glimpse of Mt Etna, we almost gasped ( well, I probably did, but not Jim).
We stopped briefly for gas and I couldn't help noticing how nice the food at all the rest stops looked. Like real food that you would want to eat.
And canned fruits and decent wine!
But on to Catania!
We planned to stay overnight as we had heard it was an interesting place to see. One night was not enough, but we did get a great overview by taking the trainino ( little tourist train.) through the city.
The light was beginning to fade and it was starting to get chilly, so it was good that our city tour only lasted about 30 minutes, but we saw lots of the city core that we might have mussed on foot.
Always look up, to see who might be holding that building up!
My favorite wisteria was twining everywhere, and often on very old plants with stems as thick as trees!
I will have to do part 2 when we visit the market, since I need to catch my breath before that.
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