Summer in Sicily: Day 1

It feels good to be home in Sicily!  All smiles from Giuseppe's patio!

I would like to officially open the debate of Sicily (Catania) being the best place on earth during the summer.  I just don't know where else you get such a vibrant mix of sun, beach, food, and from our experience, people.  There is just something magical about this place, and the moment we stepped off the plane in Sicily it felt reassuringly comfortable.  We are so excited to spend the next week here for a little R&R&S (rest, relaxation, and SUN!)

Not that it's easy to get to from Innsbruck -- or as our good friend George Contreras loves to say, "You just can't... get there from here."  So with the season completed and all final details wrapped up in Innsbruck, we began to make plans to spend some time in Catania where we played last season for the Elephants in the Italian League.  After hours on the internet, we determined the best (and only) route (under 600 euro) was an 11:00 PM train from Innsbruck that arrived to Verona, Italy at 2:45AM.  We then slept on a bench (marble) in the train station from 3 until 5, narrowly avoiding roving derelicts, before catching a shuttle bus to the airport at 5:30 in order to make a 9 am flight.  It was not the most "comfortable" of connections, but we were willing to do anything to make it back to the sunshine!    

Boyz on the Boat... clockwise from right Giuseppe Strano, Ottavio D'Angelo, and Claudio Mangano.

Upon arrival we were greeted by our close friend & Elephant tight end Giuseppe Strano. We will be staying in the attico (small apartment) above Peppe's house, and it offers a panoramic view that rivals Malibu from last year.  The moment we saw the sparkling blue Ionian Sea, we knew we were home.  We wasted little time.  After unpacking, we headed straight for the marina and Peppe's boat!  

Sicilian Taxi!!!  These authentically painted boats will take you from the shore out to the "Ciclopi" rocks for a few euro.  And yes, our house from last year -- Malibu -- is visible in the background of this photo!

Where else but Sicily would you run into a bunch of Elephants on a boat?  It was great seeing some of my former teammates!

The water is the perfect temperature... and great to enjoy with my fellow "skill players" from last season: Peppe (TE), Greg (WR), and Claud (WR).

The afternoon was spent in a very typical Sicilian way - napping on the boat, talking loudly with hand gestures, and frequent dips in the warm water.  We even managed to sneak in some cliff diving!

CLIFFDIVING!!!  (Claudio pictured here)

Seeing as my blog really began and gained its momentum last season, there were a number of Elephants who kept tabs on us this year via this site.  And it seems the first topic of conversation (other than food and the sauna) is inevitably the JUMP PICTURE.  First developed in Liechtenstein, the Johnson Jump Picture - or JJP as it is known in some circles - has become the staple photo for any travel destination.  My friends here were eager to try their hand at them!

Peppe as "Superman"

Tandom Jump Picture!

In the late afternoon, we returned to Peppe's patio for my favorite Sicilian sport: Patio sitting.  There is nothing like watching the sun go down while munching on a little fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, ciabatta, tomatoes in Aceto Balsamico di Modena, and vino locale bianco.  I honestly think I could do this every afternoon for the rest of my life!  

A nice place to relax...

... until the sun goes down.

When the sun finally ducked over the horizon, giving way to a balmy summer evening, we headed north to Capo Mulini for an "apperitivo." For those of you not familiar with the concept, it is similar to an upscale bar back in the U.S., although equipped with a lavish spread of complimentary food that accompanies your drink.  It was a great time to catch up with our friends, and soak in some more great ambiance.  The temperature at night still hovered somewhere between 75-80 F (27 C).

Christie reunited with some "Pink Elephants"

Disco time for Peppe and Valeria!

After less than 24 hours back on the island (or land mass as it should be referred to, for its large size), I can't say grazie mille enough to our kind friends for all their hospitality.  We love Sicily!!!!

~ J. Twice