Republic Day!

Boating in Sicily, baby!

Today was "Republic Day" in Italy - a national holiday celebrating the Italian equivalent of the 4th of July - another day-off in the long parade of holidays here that help people maintain the 'balance' in life.  

We spent our Republic Day on the Ionian Sea with Skipper Giuseppe on the 2008 Maiden Voyage of his white speedboat.  It was a great way to relax after the intense game yesterday against the Corsari, full of sunbathing & swimming in the gradually-warming turquoise water of Aci Trezza.  It is days like this that make Sicily the "Best Island in the World that Americans should (but often don't) think about" when planning a vacation!

George hates it, but all I gotta say about this is... BAM!  Bright Blue Water!  The harbor of Aci Trezza makes for great swimming.

The gorgeous Ciclopi Riviera (Cyclops Riviera) north of Catania sits under looming (and smoking!) Mt. Etna.  If you added a few more palm trees and some tradewinds, it could easily be Maui!

While waiting for our boat to depart I shot this 'Refrection' for Wei Wong.  Attaway!

From any angle, Miss Valeria is always smiles!  Today she wore a TEAM CANADA vest to commemorate her hockey heritage!

Famed Botanist and local Flora expert Claudio Mangano helped find this bright red hibiscus for my beautiful bride.  Thanks Claud!

And now a word from our sponsors... BAM!!!  Claudio's tribute to Dale MacMillan's favorite phrase, done in Velcro letters on this trendy tee.  If you notice, BAM spelled with five A's and two M's is Restricted/Copyright to Dale MacMillan.  (Shirt Available at the store FREAK in Downtown Catania for 27 Euro.)

Now please drive safely home and enjoy the fireworks!

~ J. Twice