Capo San Vito San Vito lo Capo

... lunch from the buffet (a very nice buffet, which ranks up there with the nicest Vegas buffets). We had the benefit of exploring the ship without hordes of fellow travelers around.

And what a ship!

Solstice had recently been named Ship of The Year by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, or so we had heard from ...

... we went out to another great restaurant in Scopello with cousin Nino and his family. I was a little worried about this visit because last time we came to that restaurant in 2007 I had a little stomach issue, they had only 1 coed bathroom and NO TOILET PAPER!! I still wake up in a cold sweat sometimes.

We had the best mussels in a red wine sauce. I think I had a little too much white house wine as I woke up for the airport a little ...

... and prayed for help. After the Castle was bombarded, the Virgin Mary and angels appeared and scared off the the British Army. See the video.

The night, as usual, ended with Uncle Tommy, Aunty Jo, Angela and I throwing back a few drinks and sharing some really funny stories.

Tomorrow will be a full day on a boat owned by my aunt Maria's friend. That is the same boat we were on tonight that gave us front row seats to the whole phenomenal show.

Ciao...

So last night we went out for authentic Sicilian Pizza. Nothing like NY pizza. Everyone gets their own pie. Yeah umm no diet for me, but Angela did have a Tuna Salad. See picture. It was great. The menu did say Sicilian, but it was nothing like Sicilian slice back home. I guess something got lost in translation.

This morning my uncle calls me to see if I want to go bike riding on dirt roads in the mountain. What better way to burn off last nights pizza? Then my cousin ...

... is great not knowing if we are waking up at 9AM or 1PM. Wonder if this will fly once school starts in September.

We had a great and simple lunch consisting of cold cuts and tonight guess what we are eating....go ahead guess...

PIZZA!!!

Time for a nap again and maybe a little work out...nothing crazy...sit ups and push ups just to ofset the calories.

... and had Gelato!!! Yum! Nociolla! The best was that we had an uphill walk to burni it all off. Can we really leave Sicily the same weight or less? Hmmm....

They all have work today, so we are now going to have coffee with Grandma Giordano and then meet up with Uncle Tommy and Aunt Josephine and hopefully hit the beach. Ciao!

Sunny day relax by the pool soak up the sun and read our books. Most importantly avoid the traffic!

Wandered into town after lunch for a gelato and a stroll around the back streets. Life is good!!!!

Mandy's patience was seriously tested by the ...

... at the concert as there wasn't any cover. Apparently the rest of western Sicily decided to head home at that time as well. We drove for 5 minutes and then we were bumper to bumper for the next 45 min until we made it back on the highway. Had my first pizza for dinner, a bit disappointing really too thick and too much topping & cheese, I might wait until Rome for my next one. Mandy had risotto which she enjoyed. I have ...

... it is important to celebrate the occassion it resulted in Trapani being vertually desserted and closed during our visit. Driving around town was a snap as next to no cars were on the road.

It would be worth another visit if we have time spare.

Ciao

... off the bus since both are Schengen member countries.

Malta is a very attractive tourist destination. Steeped in history, and brewed through centuries of conquests by different peoples and cultures, Malta is a jewel in the Mediterranean. But so similar is the region accessible from Trapani. Erice, for instance, with its Norman castle is reminiscent of Mdina in Malta, with its own Norman House. Beautiful cobbled streets and extensive breathtaking views – ...