Sunday, March 19, St. Joseph’s Day
No one in my realm seems to get excited about St. Joseph’s Feast Day like we do for St Patrick’s. However, this is an important Sunday in Sicily where St. Joseph is the patron saint of all Italians. So, my hat is off to St. Joseph and to Guiseppe, our guide and the Saint’s namesake.
After breakfast, we all gathered on a minivan for our 90 minute ride to Castelbuono, east of Palermo. The ride took us along the north coast of Sicily with great views of the Mediterranean. In addition, the landscape is flooded with high peaks and valleys where apparently the Marshall Plan after World War II sprung for a number of tunnels through the high hills and almost mountains. It reminded me of driving through Pennsylvania, only the there are many more tunnels and superior engineering accomplishments here in Sicily. Several of the tunnels were quite long. We turned south about 10 minutes from our destination in Castelbuono. We followed a very windy road with terrific scenery in all directions until we came to this town of almost 9000 people high in the hills. After three days of dealing with cars going every which way on the streets of Palermo, it was great to be in the countryside and able to walk without much fear of getting run down by a car or a scooter. However, the streets were very narrow and we did have to make way for the an occasional car going by.
We learned about the donkey plan to pick up garbage for the town under the guidance of rehabilitated social outcasts. It is a cool idea for a small town that has been in place for 20 years and has cut way down on crime in the town. We heard all of this from the mayor who was gracious enough to open his council chambers on a Sunday and give us a history of the town. Castelbuono has many retired people living within its boundaries and many have two homes, one in town and another in the country hillside two or three miles away. It sounds like a very unusual community. They produce an abundance of grain for the country and use it to make delicious sweet tasting breads. There is also a tree that produces a sweet tasting substance that they use for sweetening candy and other tasty morsels. We had a chance to sample some of the various products made with this substance and they were delicious. The company has a retail store across from their confectionary headquarters that sells all of these products. I bought some orange marmalade for the family that would host us for lunch.
Guiseppe took us on a walking tour of the town, including a climb to the top of the castle where we saw the chapel and the marvelous views of the surrounding countryside. The building is now a museum and is home to many works of art from the region. When we visited the main square of the town, we were given a lesson in embroidery stitching by two marvelous young women. I failed the needle and thread test badly, but it was still a pleasant experience.
Our visit concluded with a chance to meet a local family who asked us to help prepare lunch both for us and for members of their family. I decorated a marzipan dessert. Others made a croquet appetizer, which was quite tasty. The meal was enhanced with an excellent pasta and red sauce. There was also plenty of wine to help wash everything down. It was not only a very filling meal, but a very fulfilling experience with this family. They were extremely gracious and we spent a couple of hours relaxing and having a very good time. One of the joys of an OAT trip is the home visits that occur several times during a tour. This will go down in my memory as a very favorable experience. It was nice, because our whole group stayed together with the single family for the luncheon.
In the mid afternoon, we said goodbye to the family and to Castelbuono and headed back to Palermo. It was another good day, quite different from the previous one, but most enjoyable.
I was able to make it to Mass at the church just up the street from our hotel at 6:30 PM and then stopped for a quick couple of pieces of pizza and a beer at the Pizza Factory, my favorite little place just down the street. I wrapped up the evening with my ambitious effort to keep up with this journal.
Tuesday, March 21
inição de substantivo de aposta do Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
tionaries : definição. Inglês bet_2 Uma preposição é uma palavra ♣ ou grupo de palavras
sadas antes de um substantivo, pronome ou frase de nome para mostrar direção, tempo,
ar, relações espaciais ou ♣ introduzir exemplos. ""
Preposições - Gramática - Guias
O Bet Mais 365 é uma plataforma de apostas online disponível no Brasil, que permite aos usuários jogar em bet 365 futebol 🍏 diversas modalidades esportivas e jogos de casino. Muitas pessoas se interessam em bet 365 futebol saber como funciona o bônus de boas-vindas 🍏 do Bet Mais 365. Nesse artigo, você descobrirá como se inscrever, fazer seu primeiro depósito, receber o bônus e começar 🍏 a fazer suas apostas online.
O que é o bônus de boas-vindas Bet Mais 365?
O bônus de boas-vindas Bet Mais 365 🍏 oferece um bônus para o primeiro depósito no site, permitindo que os novos usuários apostem um valor maior do que 🍏 o depósito inicial. Para participar da promoção, é preciso fazer um depósito de pelo menos R$ 30 na Bet365, apostar 🍏 o mesmo valor no site e esperar que as apostas sejam resolvidas.
Como obter o bônus de boas-vindas Bet Mais 365
Criar 🍏 uma conta na plataforma Bet Mais 365;
O Bet364 é uma plataforma líder mundial de apostas esportivas online, conhecida por bet 365 futebol ampla gama de serviços e produtos 🫰 de apostas desportivas, especialmente fornecendo probabilidades de aposta em bet 365 futebol futebol. O Bet364 é ainda mais popular entre os jogadores 🫰 brasileiros por oferecer um bônus de recarga exclusivo e uma variedade de jogos de cassino. Neste artigo, nós entraremos em 🫰 bet 365 futebol detalhes sobre os melhores produtos da Bet364 e exploraremos o que torna estes jogos tão populares.
O Que é o 🫰 Bet364 e o Que Ele Oferece
O Bet364 é uma plataforma online de apostas desportivas que permite aos clientes fazer apostas 🫰 em bet 365 futebol diferentes eventos desportivos. A empresa foi fundada em bet 365 futebol 2000 e desde então tem vindo a expandir-se a 🫰 nível global, tornando-se rapidamente uma das principais empresas do sector. Além de apostas esportivas, o Bet364 oferece uma ampla gama 🫰 de mercados de apostas, incluindo política, realidade virtual, entretenimento e cotidiano.
O Bet364 é conhecido por oferecer uma gama completa de 🫰 serviços e produtos, incluindo apostas ao vivo, transmissões ao vivo, jogos de cassino, bingo, pôquer e muito mais. A empresa 🫰 também oferece um engenhoso sistema de bonificações e promoções, incluindo um bônus de depósito inicial e bónus de recarga exclusivos.
Como 🫰 Usar o Bet364: Uma Passo a Passo
Aviator Strategy And Tips Updated\n\n You can maximize your bankroll by keeping the stakes low in pilot games, which in turn limits your potential losses. After all, sometimes you can't cash out until the pilot takes off. If you start betting with a big bet, you'll probably run out of bankroll before you hit a big win.
Keep volatility in Aviator bets low\n\n This is one of the best tips for Aviator game players. It allows you to lower the risk of losing your bet. This is because the winnings are smaller, but they are frequent. Usually, you bet with small amounts, and you can win the Aviator game more often.
The sportsbook industry in Brazil has grown exponentially in recent years, and with that, several online betting sites have emerged. 💶 However, many people are still unsure about the security and reliability of these platforms. That's why, in this article, we'll 💶 also talking about safety and security when placing online bets in Brazil and provide tips for our readers on how 💶 to protect themselves from fraud and scams.
Most of our readers are sports enthusiasts, and, for that reason, our content is 💶 focusing on factual information, including available betting options and ways to use these platforms correctly. Before getting started, it's important 💶 to ensure your online betting journey is not infected by malware or spam by using powerful ant-virus tools on your 💶 devices.
First, let's cover the basics: what is 1xBet? 1xBet is an international betting company that opened up shop in 💶 Brazil only a few years ago. It's no surprise why it's grew exponelitally. With it's unique sports betting options, they 💶 provide an extensive list of both international and national sporting events, a wide range of sports, innumerable bonuses, as well 💶 as the convenience of quick access onto various devices. 1xBet makes heavy investments into its security, cutting edge odds, and 💶 it's convenient limits. Pixbet, on the otherhand, was founded in Brazil in 2024. Since its creation, it has been growing 💶 increasingly alongside 1xBet .
One of Pixbet's flagshi products is the ever so popular Dupla Chance. Dupla chance is essentially 💶 doubling your odds whether you win or lose. They also offer generous sign-up bonuses. All of this and the multiple 💶 options for sporting events across the world make it a hot destination for punters. By the way, want to know 💶 a brief difference between 1xBet and pixbet?
bet 365 futebol qualquer ordem. Independentemente da ordem, esta aposta pagará o mesmo se ganhar
vir 2. Uma aposta exata é quando 💯 você precisa escolher dois cavalos para terminar 1a e
2a, na ordem correta. Guia completo para o lugar Aposta - Techopedia 💯 techopédia :
-guia para:
Show: Seu cavalo deve terminar primeiro, segundo ou terceiro. Tipos de
Following the presentation by the two men, we were divided into three groups for lunch by home hosts. Our host was Francesco himself and his family. Five of us piled into two separate cars. I rode in the front seat with Francesco, who discovered along the way that he had left his phone at the parking lot and had to return to get it. Fortunately, a very nice woman had found the phone and left a note for him as to where he could find it. He did and then we drove to his home for lunch.
We were fed and entertained quite well by Francisco and his family. His step daughter was the translator who facilitated ongoing communication during the filling and satisfying meal. We laughed a lot and shared stories about ourselves with the family as they did the same with us. We had morsels of egg plant, crab, shrimp (did not eat due to allergy), olives, cheese, and bread to start off our lunch, followed by an excellent pasta dish, a fruit plate, and a delicious piece of cake. After our leisurely two hour lunch, we said our goodbyes and returned to the hotel with Francesco. These host visits are a very special part of the OAT experience and this was just one more example of what a marvelous opportunity we have to learn about another culture and share a little of our own.
O Bet Friday é uma promoção imperdível oferecida pelo site de apostas Betway, que prepara odds especiais todos os dias 💱 da semana, mas a promoção de sexta-feira é especialmente vantajosa. Além disso, se você é fã de Flamengo ou Palmeiras, 💱 você não pode deixar passar a chance de participar da super promoção especial para a final da Libertadores.
O que é 💱 o Bet Friday?
O Bet Friday é uma promoção diária do site de apostas Betway. Todos os dias da semana, o 💱 site oferece odds especiais em bet 365 futebol diversos eventos esportivos e não esportivos. Mas a promoção de sexta-feira é mais vantajosa 💱 porque é quando o site sorteia vencedores, que recebem grandes prêmios em bet 365 futebol dinheiro ou em bet 365 futebol free bets.
Por que 💱 participar do Bet Friday?
Há muitas razões para participar do Bet Friday. A primeira é que você tem a chance de 💱 aumentar bet 365 futebol banca sem risco. O site oferece um bônus de R$100 em bet 365 futebol seu primeiro depósito e uma oportunidade 💱 extra de apostar em bet 365 futebol eventos especiais da promoção. Além disso, se você é adepto de apostas esportivas, sabe que 💱 as odds podem fazer a diferença na hora de ganhar ou perder uma aposta. Com as odds especiais do Bet 💱 Friday, suas chances de ganhar aumentam significantemente.
u dispositivo Android ou iOS. Para lançar o BBE + a Partir do dispositivo:
de ter a versão mais recente 5️⃣ do aplicativo Bbet + instalado. O BEP + Suporte de
o? viacom.helpshift : 16-bet : Faq:
roku. BET Plus Subscription Teste 5️⃣ gratuito > The Roku Channel roku.pt : whats-on.
rokan-channal
Bem-vindo ao Bet365, bet 365 futebol referência em bet 365 futebol apostas esportivas e jogos de cassino online. Aqui você encontra uma ampla variedade 😄 de opções para apostar e se divertir, com segurança e comodidade.
O Bet365 é uma das maiores e mais confiáveis casas 😄 de apostas do mundo, oferecendo uma experiência de jogo incomparável. Com uma plataforma fácil de usar e um atendimento ao 😄 cliente de primeira linha, você pode apostar em bet 365 futebol seus esportes favoritos, jogar caça-níqueis e muito mais, tudo em bet 365 futebol 😄 um só lugar.
pergunta: Como posso me registrar no Bet365?
resposta: Acesse o site do Bet365 e clique no botão "Registrar-se". Preencha 😄 o formulário com suas informações pessoais e crie uma conta.
pergunta: Quais são os métodos de pagamento disponíveis?
bet 365 futebol
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
We completed our second night’s stay in the Mahara Hotel in Mazara del Vallo and took off after breakfast for another event filled day. We first went to the sea salt factory in Marsala on the western coast of Sicily, just a short 45 minute drive from our hotel. We had one more delightful guide who explained the entire sea salt harvesting process from start to finish with the water filled pools, the settling of the salt, shoveling it out with special shoveling tools, and the drying of the salt with the help of clay tiles. The salt is pure with a load of natural iodine, magnesium, and other essential minerals. The salt does not have to be cleaned and washed because of the purity of its origins. The salt particles are crushed with the help of wind mills that drive the crushing elements thanks to the strong winds that inhabit the area most of the time.
bet 365 futebol
Introdução à Virgin Bet
A Virgin Bet tornou-se destaque como uma excelente opção de plataforma para apostas esportivas e casino online, conquistando a confiança de muitos usuários. Este artigo avaliará um aspecto importante de qualquer plataforma de apostas: os saques e a possibilidade de retirada antecipada, também chamada de "cash out".
Solicitando um saque na Virgin Bet
Se deseja solicitar um saque em bet 365 futebol bet 365 futebol conta da Virgin Bet, siga as etapas abaixo:
- Navegue até "Mais"> "Minha conta"> 'Saque".
- Insira a quantia desejada.
- Siga as instruções conforme aparecem na tela.
Lembre-se de que o limite mínimo para saques é de 10 (conforme bet 365 futebol moeda escolhida) e que cada alternativa de saque pode ter suas limitações máximas únicas por transação.
Duração dos saques na Virgin Bet
A Virgin Bet processa internamente todos os saques em bet 365 futebol até 24 horas. No entanto, o tempo necessário para processar efetivamente o saque pode variar de acordo com o método selecionado:
Método |
Tempo até à liquidação |
Visa/Mastercard |
2-3 horas |
PayPal |
Quase instantâneo |
Em alguns casos, é possível que seja necessário mais tempo, dependendo de verificações de segurança adicionais.
O cash out na Virgin Bet
Infelizmente, a função de retirada antecipada ("cash out") não está disponível na Virgin Bet no momento. Recomendamos que usuários mantenham contato com o suporte da Virgin Bet para obter informações precisas sobre eventuais novidades e a introdução desta função.
Considerações adicionais sobre saques na Virgin Bet
Antes de solicitar um saque, lembre-se de concluir a verificação de segurança da conta e estar ciente de possíveisTaxas ou impostos que possam ser aplicados.
Recomendamos, ainda, a consulta ao suporte da Virgin Bet para obter informações precisas e atualizadas sobre a introdução do recurso "cash out" e outras possíveis novidades.
pra a / jogos. ..., 2 Istale essaVNP No seu dispositivo e Abra o aplicativo! 3 Entre
te aplicativos usando suas 🛡 credenciais; 4 Conecte - se à Um servidor SN do país onde O
ite de probabilidadees que você deseja acessar está 🛡 disponível:ComoApostarar Online ao
xteriorda Desbloqueie bet 365 futebol casasdeca favoritaS Facilmente! n 01net : vp
Países Jurídicos e Restritos - Leia a lista 🛡 completa para 2024 ghanasoccernet : wiki.
A promoção MVG Online Slots oferece aos clientes um R250 gratuito para ser usado em bet 365 futebol jogos de slots selecionados no SunBet.
E-Mail:2.2. Para participar, você deve ser um membro da Sun MVG que atenda aos critérios de qualificação abaixo e quaisquer outros critérios qualificados a critério da SolBet:
2.2.1..
Quanto tempo demora para processar os meus documentos FICA? Pode demoraraté 48 negócios
horas horaspara verificar a documentação. Você receberá a confirmação através de seu e-mail registrado uma vez que o processo for concluído. Se Sunbet exigir qualquer informação adicional, será solicitado via
E-mail.
I took an hour long rest and then worked on the many photos I took during the morning. I finally figured out how limit my exposure to a single shot, instead of the burst and bracketing issues I have been having with the Panasonic LUMIX. It saved me significant time from having to delete photos and edit them extensively.
Q1: What is 6666BET?
A1: 6666BET is one of the world's most renowned online gambling operators, offering a variety of 🌻 games including live casino, sports betting, and others.
Q2: Who is the official strategic partner of 6666BET for PG Slots?
A2: The 🌻 strategic partner of 6666BET for PG Slots is 'https://6666bet/'.
Apostas em bet 365 futebol ascensão
No mundo contemporâneo, as apostas desportivas estão a crescer exponencialmente. Com a chegada da tecnologia e da 👍 internet, o acceso às plataformas de apostas tornou-se mais fácil e atrativo para milhões de pessoas em bet 365 futebol todo o 👍 mundo. Na vanguarda desta tendência está o aclamado site de apostas 135bet, que oferece uma experiência única e emocionante aos 👍 seus utilizadores.
[1](#nota1)
Reputação e fiabilidade
Conhecido pela bet 365 futebol interface amigável e intuitiva, o 135bet tem sido elogiado como uma referência em bet 365 futebol 👍 segurança e fiabilidade no mundo das apostas desportivas. O portal está autorizado e regulado pela Autoridade de Jogo de Curtaçãos, 👍 garantindo que todos os deposítos e os ganhos dos utilizadores estejam seguros.
bet 365 futebol
No mundo dos cassinos, é comum encontrar jogadores que mantêm uma atenção especial à jogada "0" na roulette, pois, em bet 365 futebol comparação com as outras apostas, ela oferece um prêmio acima da média se você acertar.
Entretanto, compreender as regras básicas da roulette, especialmente o comportamento da aposta "0", é fundamental para todo jogador que quer ter sucesso ao longo do tempo neste tipo de jogo de azar. Aqui você encontrará úteis informações sobre a aposta "0" em bet 365 futebol jogos populares como a roulette.
Vale lembrar que, no Brasil, empresas legítimas utilizam moedas oficiais para quaisquer parcelas, inclusive apostas, de modo a respeitar as regras em bet 365 futebol vigor, usando, assim, um dos seguintes símbolos monetários:
bet 365 futebol
O pagamento de uma aposta ganhadora é apenas um dos prêmios que podem ser obtidos ao tentar prever o resultado da roleta. Ocorrendo um evento singelo, talvez um número de saída (por exemplo: 0 ou 1), receberá, consoante as regras, o que se segue:
- seu prêmio equivale ao pagamento multiplicado pela aposta;
Exemplo: Imagine que acerte o "0" apostando cinco reais. O cassino de parceria lhe dará:
- Suas cinco unidades multiplicadas pelas odd(35:1);
- Cinco unidades x 35 = valor de cem sem incluir bet 365 futebol aposta original;
- Mais suas cinco unidades de volta.
Assim, seu retorno recebido na conta bancária ou na forma de fichas num total de 105 unidades.
Entretanto, é crucial salientar que a chance é de apenas 2,63% seria cada roleta simples por aposta única (em versões europeias) e margem irrisória na americal roulette chamada"00" ou de dupla zero, mais difícil.
jogos com bonus de registoNaijaBet aceita Bitcoin? Depósito Retirada Sum Time Tempo de somade 100 NGN a 1.000.000
NeNG. até 24 h, com 100% n 😗 Gn A um milhão NuRN imediatamente NoGB do créditoaté às 72
ras; Do 50 noGONE para1 milhões o DPNbne em bet 365 futebol 😗 imediato após as24h
:
O BET pode ser transmitido ao vivo no Brasil?
A transmissão ao vivo do BET (Black Entertainment Television) é uma opção cada vez mais popular entre os fãs de entretenimento nos Estados Unidos. No entanto, e para os telespectadores brasileiros, a situação pode ser um pouco mais complicada. Neste artigo, nós vamos explorar as opções disponíveis para assistir ao BET ao vivo no Brasil.
O BET está disponível no Brasil?
Sim, o BET está disponível no Brasil, mas a transmissão ao vivo pode ser um pouco mais complicada. A emissora oferece uma variedade de conteúdos on-demand através do seu site e aplicativo, incluindo programas de televisão, filmes e eventos especiais. No entanto, a opção de assistir ao BET ao vivo no Brasil pode ser limitada.
Como assistir ao BET ao vivo no Brasil?
Existem algumas opções disponíveis para assistir ao BET ao vivo no Brasil, mas elas podem vir com algum custo. Algumas das opções incluem:
- Serviços de streaming de TV ao vivo: Alguns serviços de streaming de TV ao vivo, como Sling TV e DirecTV Now, oferecem o BET como parte de seus pacotes. No entanto, esses serviços podem ser caros e podem exigir uma conexão de internet rápida.
- VPNs: Algumas pessoas optam por usar uma VPN (Virtual Private Network) para acessar o conteúdo do BET ao vivo nos EUA. No entanto, isso pode ser contra os termos de serviço do BET e pode resultar em a conta ser suspensa.
- Serviços de IPTV: Existem algumas empresas que oferecem serviços de IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) que incluem o BET em seus pacotes. No entanto, esses serviços podem ser ilegais e podem resultar em ações legais.
Conclusão
Enquanto o BET está disponível no Brasil, assistir ao BET ao vivo pode ser um pouco mais complicado. Embora existam algumas opções disponíveis, elas podem vir com algum custo ou risco. Os fãs de entretenimento no Brasil podem considerar assistir aos conteúdos on-demand do BET ou procurar outras opções de entretenimento.
No entanto, se assistir ao BET ao vivo for uma prioridade, os espectadores podem considerar opções como serviços de streaming de TV ao vivo ou VPNs, desde que estejam cientes dos riscos e custos associados.
Em resumo, enquanto o BET é uma opção popular de entretenimento nos EUA, assistir ao BET ao vivo no Brasil pode ser um pouco mais desafiador. No entanto, com as opções disponíveis, os fãs de entretenimento no Brasil ainda podem manter-se conectados ao mundo do entretenimento.
oes to the jockey) Second More. Rs600,000 (5% araRa de30,00 Of W hish GoEs To The
Y" Thirdplace):BR#30 0,0(9% doerRA@15 00 4️⃣ doswhyche gaEStoThejockys ) Fourth
14.000.000 I*4,501 from wiHiCHGoeTothejquinya” Michigan RecifePriz Mad (20 24 - PayoutS
e Partites & Perks- Boardroom 1\n "boardwork".tv 4️⃣ : 2123 comkentuquery/derbyuprise_money
Mais itens
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/mazara-med-beach-am_orig.jpeg) Mazara del Vallo Beach in AM ![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/katyia-guide-for-sea-salt_orig.jpeg) Our Guide at The Sea Salt Beds ![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/marsala-sea-salt-2-windmill-1_orig.jpeg) Sea Salt Production Process | |
Thursday, March 23
We left Mazara del Vallo at 8:30 this morning for a long day on the road. Our destination was a quaint sort of B&B in the agricultural district of east central Sicily. However, on the way we stopped at Agrigento, the location of very famous UNESCO designated ruins of Greek and Roman temples. Our guide Salvatore led us on the mile long walk along the ridge where the temples reside. The Temple of Juneau was in depleted condition, but the second temple that resembled the Acropolis in Athens was in excellent shape for being 2500 years old. Salvatore, and archeologist by education gave us complete an thorough histories of the three temples that stretched along the ridge that protected the city. The Carthaginians were the destructors, but it was the Romans that attempted to restore these ancient buildings. As usual, I took many photos on our hike and they do a better job of showing the history and the beauty of these marvelous ancient structures.
We stopped for lunch at the beautiful home of Marcelo and Rita who served us a delicious vegetarian lunch and gave us the descriptions of their organic gardens and the process of food preparation, particularly for the dried tomatoes and the olives. Olive oil with various herbs from the garden added adventurous tastes and textures to their luncheon offerings. As usual, the wine flowed and the conversation continued to flow right along with the wine. After lunch, Marcello shared with us his family’s passion for Sicilian cart making. The photos help to tell the story as he explained the art of his father that was passed on to him. He demonstrated the various steps in carving and engineering the carts. They designed the carts to be perfectly balanced, so as not to put too much strain on the horse. The carts were used to bring products into town. Marcello used members of the group to demonstrate various steps in the manufacturing and driving process. OAT prides itself on finding local people who share the magnificent culture with we, the travelers. This was one more surprise that was very special.
We left Marcello and Rita and continued onward to our final destination here the rural village of Piazza America and the quaint Villa Trigona where we are spending a single night in this very special accommodation. I am providing some photos of the Villa. The proprietor, Mimmo, and his staff served us an excellent meal of starters, bow tie pasta with pesto sauce, and pork, roasted potatoes, and a mixed garden salad. He topped it off with a choice of creamy desserts topped with delicious sauces or you could choose a a piece of tiramisu. In this villa, there are beautiful small sitting rooms, places to walk to view the countryside. This place is just one more surprise that makes every day on this trip a brand new adventure. As our group begins to get to know each other better, we carry on a banter and a lovingly teasing conversation that brings smiles to our faces. All of this is joined with delicious glasses of Sicilian red and white wine. At 9 PM, we rose from the table and retired to our rooms. I was bothered at first by a barking dog that would not stop somewhere in the rolling hills and valleys of the rural setting, but eventually, by closing the window, I lost the noise. This an authentic old villa that emits culture in its architecture and appointed artifacts, furniture, and beautiful wall hangings through out the villa. As Guiseppe says often, “ What a country.”
Friday, March 24
I had the good fortune to begin my day with the sun rising behind the trees during a stroll outside the Villa in the early morning coolness. I walked to parts of the property where I did not walk before and shot a number of photos of the early morning brilliance of this rural countryside. After breakfast, we left at 9:00 AM to travel to our destination in Ragusa where we will stay for the next three nights into Monday morning.
A few miles down the road from the Villa Trigona, we stopped at the Villa Romana del Casale, and ancient excavation (fourth century AD) in the nearby countryside of an huge Roman hunting lodge where the family had commissioned many rooms of mosaic floors that took 10 years to install. The lodge had been covered by a landslide in the 12th Century and then discovered in the 20th century. Our guide was Katya and she spent a couple of hours explaining all of the images to us and the purpose of each room in the huge lodge, the accompanying apartments of the owners, and the basilica where celebrations occurred. These types of visits do not always thrill me and I became a bit bored with this. Our guide knew her stuff and did a good job of explaining the beauty of the mosaics, while keeping us moving along. I am not sure why museum type visits do not capture my imagination, but unfortunately they do not. The photos will help to tell this story about the lushness of this country Roman estate.
We finished about 11:30 and continued on our way to Ragusa with a stop at a local winery where the owners, two sisters-Angela and Valentina, provided us with a wine tasting and a delicious assortment of tapa type plates of appetizers, followed by a chicken dish and a small dessert. The wine, two very pleasant reds, one light, one heavier, were most enjoyable. Somewhere in the middle of the meal, I remembered it was a Lenten Friday and I did not eat the chicken, even though I had consumed a piece of ham and sausage at breakfast and at the beginning of lunch due to my forgetfulness. As usual on this trip, we enjoyed wonderful conversation during lunch while learning about the history of the winery and the involvement of the two sisters. After lunch we took a short walk where Angela explained the vineyards and the process of the wine production. These wines are DOC wines, which means that they are recognized for their quality. After lunch, we proceeded in mid afternoon to Ragusa about 45 minutes away.
Ragusa is an ancient town built on hillsides. The lower town was destroyed by an earthquake a couple of hundred years ago and the community rebuilt the town on the upper level of the hills. Our modern hotel, however, was built into the hillside cliff of the lower town which houses the main piazza and several churches. My room is about medium size with a beautiful view of the countryside and the upper part of the town. I am on the second floor, but we take the elevator to the fifth floor to walk the main piazza. We went with Guiseppe to watch a local ceramics artisan demonstrate her craft in the beautiful little store that she and her husband own on the piazza. I hope to return and purchase some gifts on Saturday. After the visit to the ceramic tile shop, Guiseppe led us on a brief walk along the main piazza pointing out shops, restaurants, and other areas of interest. We stopped at a local restaurant on the piazza for a buffet meal of various small appetizers. This time, I avoided the meat options and enjoyed a bit of fish, vegetable lasagna, salad, and egg plant. I washed it all down with a tasty local beer that was a nice variation on all the wine we have been having on this trip. It was a cool evening, so we did not waste time returning our hotel, just a 10 minute walk away. I was in bed by 9. The TV is a little more accessible here than at other points of our trip to date, but after watching only a few minutes of the news, I turned off the lights and fell asleep after another incredible day in Sicily.
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/villa-romana-estate-mosaics_orig.jpeg) Villa Romano Estate w Mosaics | |
Saturday, March 25
We began our first full day in Ragusa with a walk around the town with a local guide, Elenora.
She basically took us on a route around the lower city of Ragusa. She foreshadowed our walk with a discussion of the map and then just led us on a walk around the city with historical anecdotes and explanations for the various Baroque architecture that permeates the town. It was a spirited walk, but one that was easy to keep up with. The key element in Ragusa was the complete destruction of the lower town in the earthquake of 1693. From that point on the town needed to be rebuilt and restored. The Cathedral of San Georgia is the center piece of the square.
Guiseppe had given us a preview of part of the town the night before when he led the walk to the restaurant, but this morning we saw the other side of the town. As usual, I took many photos of the narrow streets, cliff side dwellings, and beautiful landscape scenery beyond the walls of the town. We ended our walk around 11:30 AM and then Guiseppe took us to the home of his friend, the Maestro, a musician who played in support of several famous opera singers in Italy, including Pavarotti. The Maestro, Salvatore by name, had lived in his small home for many years and over that time period has collected many beautiful art objects, including paintings, ceramics, and a myriad of other treasures. His home is filled with these objects and has been recognized by the major of Ragusa as a very special place to visit in Ragusa. His home appears quite ordinary outside, but its anything but ordinary when you step inside as the photos in the slide program below attest. He performed several pieces of Italian music on his piano and was a most gracious host.
We had from noon to five to find our own way. I stopped and had some gelato at a well known shop on the plaza before returning to my hotel for a little rest. I worked on my photos from the morning for a bit, but about 3:30 went back to the ceramics store we visited on Friday night. I purchased to medium sized hot plates. They are a bit heavy and I am concerned about how to get them back to the states. They are gifts for Lou my neighbor and cousin Barbara. I also bought a gift for our home visit host tomorrow at the embroidery shop of a very talented woman. I am finding that is quite fun to buy gifts that our original and handmade by local artisans. While sipping a glass of wine, on the Piazza, I wrote my first poem about the trip. It needs some additional work, but I may have begun to meet my small goal of writing a poem summarizing the joys of this trip.
At 5:00 PM, we jumped on the bus for a ride to the neighboring town to Modica, a town not unlike Ragusa, built into the impressive hillsides and country landscapes in this area of Sicily. Our great treat was to ride in eight vintage Fiat 500s, little cars built in the last century that have been preserved by the local Fiat club of some 60 members in Modica. It was great fun as I rode with Myriam and our driver, Vincento, through the incredibly narrow streets of Modica. It was like being on a rollercoaster, except the tracks were the very narrow streets up and down hills that left room for very little else as the eight Fiats rallied their way through the streets. It was great fun and a just one more exceptionally unique experience on this trip.
We stopped at a local chocolate making shop where Valeria demonstrated how this company makes delicious chocolates mostly by hand. We saw the process of how the chocolate bars are made and we were able to sample many different types of their packaged chocolates, including a a sip or two of chocolate Liqueur.
At around 7:30, we walked to a nearby restaurant where we enjoyed red wine, homemade bean soup, chicken and roasted potatoes, and a cannoli. Myriam gave me her cannoli has a special little gift for our ride in the yellow Fiat earlier. After dinner and another adventure packed day, Enzio, our loyal bus driver, drove us back to the hotel in our trusty bus. Italy goes on daylight savings time tonight, so we will lose an hour sleep and now be 6 hours behind the east coast of the U.S. as opposed to the five hour difference since our trip began.
Here is the very rough draft of the poem that I wrote earlier in the day:
Travels to Sicily
Jay Voss, March 25, 2023
Why do I travel
To far away lands?
To discover the hidden,
To form new relationships,
To enjoy nature’s bounty
In new ways, with new friends.
I find a sense of freedom
Not found in other actions.
This time I am in Sicily
Terry’s place of ancestry.
I think she would have enjoyed it.
We have drunk much wine
Tasted native foods
Met local families
Artisans, musicians,
Wine growers, auto clobbers,
Discoverers, and talented tour leaders.
Our guide,Guiseppe, is special,
Kind, attentive,creative, funny,
Possessing great knowledge
With experience as a capstone.
Every day has been new
My legs ache at the end
But my stomach is full.
My pallet receptive to the wine
White and red,
And my brain eager to
Record the joys of the day.
We have another six days here
In the land of many peoples.
What new surprises await
Here in Regusa and then Catania?
Guiseppe knows, we discover.
And still more to come.
In Guiseppe’s words
“What a country.”
Sunday, March 26
Each day here in Sicily is a new adventure. Our guide, Guiseppe, has been a master at keeping us on our toes with exceptional experiences with the local people in the various areas of Sicily that we have visited. Today was no exception. My expectations for today were not all that high. We were scheduled to spend the morning and and early afternoon on a farm not far from Ragusa. It sounded like we we would be doing some work with the host family and enjoying a meal with them. We rode through the beautiful hilly countryside in this southeastern corner of the island, up and down hills, around constant curves, with exciting scenery everywhere. When we arrived at our rural destination, we had a little trouble meeting up with our hosts, but eventually we connected. Most of the group walked into the farm house. I chose to ride in rather that walk the uneven unpaved road. The group picked some vegetables along the way while the five of us who rode in with the hosts waited. My expectations were still at the moderate level. Every experience to date on this trip has been rewarding and this visit to the farm was no exception. While we waited for the others to arrive, I shot some photos of the surrounding farmland, the beautiful flowers blooming in the vicinity of the farm house, had some chats with my four traveling companions, and sat quietly taking in the quiet surroundings on this sunny day in the country.
When the rest of the group arrived, we settled into a beautiful stone walled dining hall to listen to the tale of Valeria and Domenico who decided to move to the country from the nearby village awhile back. There was their friend, Salvatore, who was the chef for the meal yet to come and Valeria’s Mom who helped with the luncheon and would later demonstrate her ability with the embroidery needles. While Guiseppe translated, we heard their story about moving to the farm, raising calves for selling to the markets as eventual cuts of veal. This was a part of their income. They showed us how they bake their bread from scratch with flower, yeast, water, and salt. They form the bread into interesting shapes. We would later have chance to try the group’s efforts at bread making.
While we waited for the bread to rise, we went outside and watched Domenico demonstrate his talents with splitting rock for the walls that he was commissioned to build in the area, a source of much of their current income. Domenico is a strong muscular man who wields a powerful hammer and carving tool to shape the rocks for installation. He showed us how he splits the large rocks into smaller ones with the hammer and then demonstrated how he uses the sharp axe tool to chip away and shape the rock into useable pieces for the potential walls.
The raising of the calves produces some income, but the cost of the process does not result in great profits. The eating of veal by many Americans is not a welcome situation. However, these calves are raised in an open environment and sold to the processing companies for slaughter. Perhaps, this is another controversial topic, but the calves are not raised in the type of environments that are found in the U.S.
After about 40 minutes of watching Domenico display his wall construction talents, we regathered in the dining space for our lunch. The starters were amazing. We had small pieces of lasagna, delicious bits of pork sausage, artichokes, a small sandwich of cheese and sun dried tomatoes, and several other tasty morsels of appetizers. All of which, we washed down with excellent red wine. This was followed with an excellent pasta in red sauce with a tasty sausage link on top. We then had the main course of chicken and roasted potatoes, followed with an after dinner choice of liqueur. What a meal, prepared by Salvatore and the family. We asked questions and Guiseppe translated the answers.
After the meal, we have our hosts the small gifts that we brought with us. I had purchased a small embroidered doily the day before in Ragusa and Valeria seemed to appreciate the gift. She had several beautiful embroidered pieces in her cupboard, made by her Mom.
This has turned into a much longer memory of the event than I originally thought I would write because this experience with the sharing of the cooking and rock wall talents of our hosts, I felt this was one of the best experiences we have had among many on this trip. As I said at the beginning of this daily reflection, this experience more than met my expectations and reinforced for me the generous sharing of the Sicilian people across the island.
We arrived back in Ragusa around 3:30. I rested for awhile and then headed off to Mass at San Thomassina Church located near the gardens at the end of the Piazza. I found the church, which was about a third full for the 6 PM Mass. I did not understand a word, but the priest, and older Sicilian padre gave an impassioned homily that caused me to conclude that those who still attend are rewarded with inspired thoughts. The congregation was largely older women and a few older men. However, there were younger adults in attendance and a few children. I have enjoyed how easy it has been to find services to attend in Sicily. I am grateful that OAT has built in the time for travelers to make these types of choices.
After Mass, I wandered back up the Piazza to the Gelato place where I sat with Myriam and Andrea for a time. I chose not to get a Gelato, because I was a bit chilly. I enjoyed my chat with the two women and decided not to eat anything and headed back to the hotel. While sipping a cup of green tea in the common sitting area on our floor, ran into Carl and Amy where having a glass of wine and playing “Hearts.” I joined them for awhile in the Breakfast room and shared a glass of wine with them. On my way back to my room, I ran into Harriet and Carol in the sitting area and sat and talked with them some more. We were joined briefly my a traveler, Ilsa from Greenwich, CT, a member of another OAT group in the hotel. I share all of this because this was a perfect ending to an exceptional day of interacting with Sicilian people in the countryside, taking many photos to document our visit, continuing to enjoy the ambiance of Ragusa, and ending the day having pleasant conversations with several members of our group. Tomorrow we head to Catania with a stop in Syracusa along the way.
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/farm-house-ma-1_orig.jpeg) Visit to the Farm Outside Ragusa | |
Monday, March 27
We left Ragusa at 8:45 AM and headed toward Syracusa, an hour and a half down the road. It was a different sort of ride from the last several days in that we were largely on flatter terrain, although Mt. Etna was in the distance. It is clear to me that some fatigue is beginning to set in as my feet and legs are rebelling against all of the walking that we are doing. I am doubling my steps over what I usually walk at home which is good because of the increased amount of food intake with the excellent meals we have had on this trip. Today was not exception in that I logged close to 12,000 steps, but consumed a Margarita Pizza for lunch and a piece of lasagna for dinner.
We stopped in Syracusa for a walking tour of the city with Elenora, the same guide we had in Ragusa. She took us along the narrow streets on the island of Ortigia, which is just across the bridge from the Syracusa main city. You can not drive cars on the island, so we walked from one end to another as our Elenora explained the history, gave us a tour of the main church, and led us by the many shops that dot the area. Our walking tour lasted about an hour and a half. We were then given about two hours of our own time to explore the island, have lunch, and shop. I stopped for the pizza at a place recommended by Guiseppe and enjoyed an excellent pie with a local beer to wash it down. I stopped into a store on the way back and bought 3 tee shirts for Jacob, Stella, and Landon. I also looked for a gift for Gina, but without luck. There were a lot of souvenir shops, but I was looking for something originally created by locals. There were some options, but I passed them up. We met back with Guiseppe at 2:30 and proceeded back to the bus. It was interesting that there was an OAT Mediterranean Cruise ship in the harbor that I was able to capture on my camera.
The other interesting point about our stop is how close we were to Canicattini Bagnie, the village of about 7000 where Terry’s grand parents were born and raised. We were just 20 minutes away. Guiseppe said they could not drive through the village for technical reasons related to OAT’s itinerary for this trip. However, Elenora gave me some information about the town, one where she has thought about buying a residence for herself. She talked about the appeal of the town and how it has become more popular recently. She also invited me to participate with their ancestry group on zoom. I will check with Pat Melluzzo when I get back to see if she has any interest.
We arrived in Catania around 3:30 and had to walk several blocks to our hotel because tour buses are not allowed into the central city. More walking and more stress on my feet, but I made it. Our luggage was delivered soon after and I settled into my hotel home, the Romano House, for the next four days. Our hotel is super modern in style and sort of sterile with all kinds of light and curtain switches that have taken a little time to master.
I wandered down to the bar for a beer and relaxation. Except for the bartender, I was the only person there. At 6:15, we met Guiseppe in the lobby and he led us on an initial walk of the center city areas, ending at a Restaurant called FAB where we had one more fine Sicilian meal. Harriet, Carol, and I decided that we will forgo the military museum visit tomorrow morning to recuperate some of our energy from this exhausting, but fulfilling trip to Sicily. Unfortunately, my feet are beginning to rebel against all of the walking and I want to preserve the the enthusiasm I have for shooting the beautiful sites of the Amalfi Coast beginning on Friday. I found that on my last OAT trip, I began to lose my edge when I went to Sante Fe. I do not want that to happen this time.
So here I am at 2:00 AM, writing today’s journal entry after 3 hours of sleep. I hope this interlude will entice my body to renter the sleep mode. I need a couple of more hours at least. We have three full days left on this main trip before we head to the Amalfi Coast on Friday. I hope that my feet and legs hold out and that my weight stays somewhat in balance with all the good food and wine we are enjoying.
Tuesday, March 28
This was a lighter day, giving me a little break from the torrid pace we have set on this trip. I had decided the night before that I would not go on the first activity of the day to a museum tour describing the invasion by the Allies of Sicily in the Second World War II that began the turn around that would lead to Normandy and the winning of the war against Hitler and Mussolini. No one was raving about the experience when they returned, so I figured it had been a good time to take a brief break from the pace.
I had time to put some laundry together to send out and also to take a walk along the main way to check out the post office and the formal garden park next door. It was about a 3/4 mile walk and gave me a nice little start to the day. I met Harriet and Carol in the lounge downstairs in the hotel around 10:45 to wait for Guiseppe to come to get us for a guided walk to the city square and to the fish market where we would have lunch.
Joosie was our guide and she talked about the architecture and history of Catania for the first hour, including an in depth explanation of the main square where we observed the cathedral and the city’s mascot, the elephant. It was a pleasant walk and we heard about the damage caused by earthquakes and eruptions on Mt. Etna over the past several centuries. She then led us into a bustling fish market where the photos will demonstrate the great variety of creatures from the sea that are on sale on a daily basis. In addition, there were cheeses, meats, and vegetables. It was much like the market that we saw in Ragusa, but perhaps even bigger. We stopped for lunch at a nearby restaurant and had an excellent meal of sword fish. The restaurant was rustic and provided a wonderful ambiance for conversation.
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel for some down time before another presentation later in the afternoon by a government vulcanologist and a woman who actually lives in close proximity of Mt. Etna. He talked about the history of the volcano and all of the technical analysis that goes into trying to anticipate the next eruption and how serious a lava flow might result. It was interesting to hear about the different fissures that have opened up and the potential dangers that they cause. Our woman presenter who was a transplant from Prague spoke of why she enjoyed the challenge of living close to the mountain. She talked about the managing of the volcano dust that can cause damage to the roofs of homes and also damage to the lungs. She was more than willing to put up with the challenges in order for her and her boy friend to observe the beauty of the somewhat frequent eruptions that occur every several years. It was an interesting presentation, given in the cool basement of an old restaurant structure that even housed an underground water flow related to Mt. Etna.
My sinus issues have begun to bother me again and I was coughing during the presentation. I decided to not out to dinner with several others because of the disruptive coughing. Instead, I settled in at the hotel bar and spent a couple of drinks talking to Kathy, Jean, and Hildie about the trip and what some of our concerns were about the current hotel and Catania. We talked about the parts of the trip we liked the best and the least, but we all agreed that it was a great trip that would soon end. They left for dinner at an Irish Pub, and I wandered over to a table to talk with Carl and Amy. We spent the next couple of hours talking about various aspects of our lives, which made the time pass, but with rich conversation. I was still coughing, but they tolerated me and we left the bar around 8:30. My sinus issues created some sleeping problems. It is 4 AM and I am recording this entry, so what else is new. I hope that I weather the sinus storm as we travel to Taomina today. Note, that is the name of my favorite Italian restaurant back in New Fairfield, CT.
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/p1080825_orig.jpeg) Joosie, Our Guide in Catania | |
Wednesday, March 29
We traveled an hour or so up the road to Taormina, located height above the Mediterranean with beautiful views of the water, shoreline, architecture, and countryside. The photos will hopefully tell more of the story than these words about what we saw and learned. Our guide, Florina, a high school friend of Guiseppe’s, led us up the main passage way of the town between the Gates of Messina where we began our hike and the Gate of Catania where we would explore later in the visit. We walked past shops in this town that attracts many tourists even early in the season. We viewed beautiful scenes of the sea, Mt. Etna in the distance, the Italian mainland across the straights, and the blending of sea, shore, commercial and residential structures.
Florina led us to the famous Roman theater that sits high in the city and explained its history, the destruction by earthquakes, and the current use of the theater that is still in use today for plays, concerts, and other gatherings. I climbed the steps to the very top of the viewing stands, which provided even more dramatic scenes for my camera. The climb was a bit taxing, but I am glad that I did it because the whole experience of visiting the theater brought back memories of the Roman Coliseum that I had visited back in 2011 on a short visit to Rome. The viewing of the the theater took most of the time that Florina spent with us, but it was a worth while experience just for the sheer beauty and wonder of the place. The seating sits in the sun, so performances in the summer daylight can be brutally hot, but they mostly take place in the evening with cooler breezes blowing into the open theater from the sea. Our guide attends one or two performances a year at the theater and so is a credible source for the value it brings to the community of Taormina.
I would see photos of Taormina in Gina’s restaurant back in New Fairfield, CT and was in awe of the beauty of those scenes. Now, I was here, and could take my own photos and the experience was breathtaking.
Florina left us after the visit to the theater and we were on our own for the next two hours. However, for 20 minutes, we joined Guiseppe at small shop where we learned about the various uses of NUTS in a pesto spread, cannoli, pastry filling, and gelato. The owner shared his products with us and they were quite tasty. This was one more discovery provided by Guiseppe that added to our total visit, but also to our particular experience in Taormina. I was temped to buy some products as gifts, but decided not to.
For the rest of the time, I wandered the Main Street of Taormina passed many shops, restaurants, and a couple of very pleasant plazas with beautiful views. In one of the plazas, there were two musicians playing music while some young people danced along with an older man in demonstration of joy and just plain fun.
As I wandered back to the bus, I purchased gifts for Gina, Cousin Barb and husband, Don.
I am done with my purchasing, but I am concerned that I am going to have a luggage weight problem flying home. I hope I can get away with my carry on and a back pack to carry on the plane. Perhaps I should just bite the bullet and pay for an extra bag.
We were back in Catania by late afternoon. I am fighting this chronic sinus induced cough of mine, but somehow it did not stop from enjoying the day. I went to a local pharmacy to buy an antihistamine, which I am reluctant to take, but at least have with me for the remainder of the trip. At 5:15, we had a wonderful musical presentation from Georgio in the hotel lounge. He played some classic Sicilian instruments that are no longer in fashion, like wooden flutes-once played by shepherds, a tambourine drum, two flat wooden pieces, a vibrating instrument that he played in his mouth, and the mandolin. It was a great presentation, some of which I captured on video that I hope I can share below.
We then walked to a nearby restaurant for our final dinner as Sicilian travelers. It was a very pleasant meal with a photo enhanced cake provided by Guiseppe for dessert. I spent a few minutes with a Jack Daniel’s and several of my fellow travelers back at the hotel before calling it a day. Just one more full day left on this incredible journey, which has been such fun. Our last day is a visit to Mt. Etna, which has been a visual presence to us throughout the last half of the trip.
Thursday, March 30
This was our last full day in Catania and in Sicily. It was to be spent exploring Mt. Etna, the massive volcano only an hour away from Catania. We heard the presentation by the vulcanologist and mountainside resident earlier in the week, so we new the history of the eruptions, and heard about the seismic and other data clues that can suggest that an eruption is imminent. We drove to the mountain in SUV vehicles, an interesting change from the van we have had for most of the trip. I sat in the front seat with the driver and was amazed at how quietly aggressive he had to be in moving through intersections with oncoming cars almost playing chicken, scooters shooting in and out, and pedestrians expecting cars to stop so they could walk across the street. It would drive me crazy driving here as an outsider. I suppose they are used to it and think nothing of the minor competitions that occur at each intersection as they drive through town. We made. it to the outskirts and to the main roads that would take us to Mt. Etna. It was a clear, sunny, beautiful day. The top of the mountain was quite visible and we saw a cloud of steam coming from one of the vents. This is normal for the pressure to be released consistently and did not signal an eruption.
We arrived at the lodge where the hike would begin. We had already met Nick, our guide, who was also in charge of the drivers. They were in constant contact by walkie talkie communication the entire drive. Nick had prepared us for the hike on the drive to Mt. Etna.
Twelve of us went on the hike, three stayed at the lodge for the 90 minutes or so that the hike would take. NIck led us down the lava trail that was composed of loose volcanic ash, almost like the loose sand on the beach near my home in South Carolina. We were given ski poles to help us traverse the tricky volcanic material. The hike had some slightly up hill and down hill climbs to it. Nick explained the vegetation that was there and the eco system that supports it. There beautiful white birches and pine trees that could survive the dry earth, animals were they vehicles for spread seed that would encourage tree growth. The squirrels and related animals release the seeds from the pine cones and they work and play with them. Occasionally a seed finds fertile ground and grows. However, there is plenty of empty volcanic ash surface with just a smattering of vegetation. Eight people from our group climbed the steep hill to view one of the volcanic vents about 115 feet up a steep slope. I did not. I was concerned that my breath would be an issue. I hate it when I cannot do an activity that others of a similar age can do, but knowing my limitations is better than the alternative. I took many photos, including of those who trekked up the hill.
After the eight returned, we all went back to the beginning of the trail to meet up with SUVs and drive a couple of miles down the road for lunch. We ate a full lunch that was quite good at a rustic restaurant that caters to hikers. I had the rolled swordfish while others had a pork based meat ball or veal on a stick. We drove back to the hotel around 3. I started packing to leave tomorrow for phase 2 of the trip to the Amalfi Coast. My sinus issue is still with me, but I feel OK, and except for the coughing, I am getting through it.
We met at 6 in the bar for a fair well toast and good byes to Harriet, Carol, Andrea, and Hildi who are leaving the trip at this point to go home. They decided to forgo the post trip to the Amalfi Coast. Guiseppe said his farewell words, since he will leave us at this point. We thanked him. He gave us a gift of a glass pine cone, a common ceramic piece in Sicily. Harriet did a magic trick, I read my poem, several others made very positive comments about the trip. It is time to leave Sicily. It has been a wonderful experience as I hope these words and photos convey. Onward to the Amalfi Coast.
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/mt-etna-2_orig.jpeg) Venting to Let Off Pressure ![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/mt-etna-view_orig.jpeg) Looking Out from Mt. Etna | |
Friday, March 31: Travel Day to Naples.
Our trip to Sicily concluded, we said goodbye to Guiseppe and flew to Naples for a visit to the Amalfi coast. It seems counterintuitive, but we flew two hours north to Milan and then an hour south to Naples. The flights were smooth and on time. We arrived in Naples at 10:45 in the morning. We met our drivers at the airport who then drove another hour south to Maiori, a village on the Amalfi Coast. We drove high up into the hills on a very windy road and then down the other side. I was in the far back of the SUV, but was not bothered by car sickness. Others were.
We arrived around 12:30 and checked into our rooms. We met our new guide for the next five days, Anna Zito. She is new to the OAT stable of guides and has a supervisor along with her to assist her development as a guide. She has a heavier accent than Guiseppe does, which for me makes her a bit harder to understand. It is not always easy for us to adjust to a new guide after spending two weeks with a seasoned pro like Guiseppe, but it is also not easy for Anna, who is learning the OAT way as a sequel to the exceptional trip to Sicily we experienced. She took us to a nice restaurant for lunch just across the street from the hotel. I had penne and red sauce with chunks of egg plant and a glass of wine. Our waiter was a bit of a grouch, but he turned out OK and the lunch went well. I forgot my hat, but the waiter chased after Myriam and gave it to her. One more save for the Wisconsin hat.
I am still suffering from my post nasal cough and the fact that I did not sleep well the last night in Catania. I caught an hour’s nap before joining the group for an introductory meeting with Anna. She introduced her colleague, Pietro, who seems like a supportive mentor for her. After we heard a little bit about the next five days, Anna led us on a walk through the coastal street in Maiori that borders the beach in the town. The waves break somewhat gently toward the shore and presents its clear, blue, Mediterranean Sea. We found shops and places to buy groceries. We had a little discovery at a Gelato shop where the owner talked about the family ownership over four generations, showed us how to make gelato, and then Anna bought us a cup of gelato with a choice of flavor(s), an opening gift from Anna. We walked back to the hotel and I decided that this was going to be the extent of my day. I had consumed a good lunch, had a great dish of gelato, and needed some rest to try and lick this sinus problem. I walked back to the hotel with Myriam and Anna and then had a nice 15 minute chat with Anna on the couch in the lobby of the hotel. In her early forties, she is a cat lover and I believe is eager to give us the typical OAT experience for the next five days. We had the benefit of having one of the most experienced and professional guides in Guiseppe. Now, we have the opportunity to help a new guide become proficient. That is a nice goal for the next give days.
So, my hotel room is quite modern and overlooks the beach front of Maiori. The bed sits too low and is causing me some leg cramping issues. I am also struggling with my sinus situation. My hearing was affected for much of the day because of head congestion, and the pressure on my ears caused by the plane flights. I experienced some significant hearing loss, but it seems to be clearing up. This old body is struggling to live its way through this three week trip, but I want to persevere and will keep moving forward. However, here it is, almost 1:30 AM and I am up writing this journal. I have had close to five hours sleep already and hope to get more. The bed, however, has its challenges and I am trying to find ways to adjust. Tomorrow, we explore the Amalfi Coast. The weather is the most questionable on this trip so far, so that is an unknown factor. More on this saga of traveling discovery tomorrow.
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/maiori-hotel_orig.jpeg) Hotel in Maori and First Day | |
Saturday, April 1
First of all, this allergy related head and throat thing is not going well. I am coughing way too much and I am just not all there. I have energy to do the walks. I am eating well, and able to tolerate the bumpy van rides. However, my condition is getting to me and I am beginning to worry that the trip may be affected.
We went to Amalfi today, which like Maori sits on the east bank of the Mediterranean. It is just a few miles from Māori, so after some more hair turns through the hills above the sea we were there. Alessio, our guide took us through the central shopping area, bringing us to the plaza and eventually leaving us at the boat docks ready for a 30 minute ride to view the beautiful sights of Amalfi from the water. It was the highlight of the visit to this city. The seas were relatively calm an I was able to take many photos of the rock formations, hillside terraces of lemon trees, and and ancient and newer structures built into the side of the deeply sloped hills. It reminded me of Cinque Terra.where there are five villages, one after another built into cliffs high above the sea. Those villages are connected by rail while the winding roads up and down connect the Amalfi Coast villages. Tomorrow we see more towns and other famous villages in the area.
There has been much opportunity for hiking along the streets and pathways. I have done some, but sat out on others due to this head and throat problem. I decided not to go on a trek up a hill to a lemon garden this afternoon. Apparently, the group met someone who was willing to share his agricultural craft with them.
We had our opening night dinner tonight at a local restaurant across from the beach in Maiori. It was a pleasant fish dinner with a great dessert and the usual glasses of wine. Anna’s personality as a guide began to shine today and even though she is new to OAT, she will be a great guide with a little more experience. Her enthusiasm is infectious and that is her secret ingredient for success. Her colleague Pietro sat next to me. He and I had a nice talk at dinner about the whole OAT process and how Pietro came to be involved as a program manager at OAT and a trainer of new guides. He has the same OAT enthusiasm for the job and clearly loves the work that he does.
We walked back to the hotel after dinner around 9 PM and I made an effort to get some sleep, but I am writing this in the wee hours of the morning and I may struggle getting sleep. I am considering taking the whole day off tomorrow and just resting. I will miss some of the beautiful sights, but it may be the wise thing to do. I am hoping that this problem I am having is not too serious. I really want to finish the trip and there are only four more days to go.
This is a shorter entry tonight because of my medical issues, but I took plenty of photos that should enhance what happened during the day.
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/our-guide-alessio-for-amalfi_orig.jpeg) Alessio, Our Guide in Amalfi | |
Sunday, April 2
I am tired. My body is rebelling against the quick pace of this long trip. I decided to take the morning off today and not go with the group to another couple of villages on the Amalfi Coast. I was not even sure if I would go to Poisitano later in the day. Instead, I wandered down the street to Santa Maria dI Mare Church and attended the Palm Sunday Mass. The congregation, one of the largest I have seen In Italy, went outside to bless the palms and then followed the priest as he Marched back into the church. I did not understand a word of the service, but I was glad that I chose to attend this third Sunday Mass on my trip to Italy. It is unusual that I am able to attend Sunday Mass because of the tour schedule, but this time it worked out.
I rested for awhile and then went to lunch at the restaurant across the street from the hotel. I had spaghetti with ragu meat sauce, which contained a chunk of well done roast beef. It was a different approach to eating a meat sauce. The group returned from their morning visit at 2 PM and then I joined them for the trip to Positano. It is difficult to know why this happens, but at some point on these trips I become saturated with high cliffs, cliff side architecture, and views of the sea. It can be different for each trip, but it happened on this one yesterday. It is not the fault of Anna the guide. She has a tour to lead and although there are choices she has, she is limited to the published itinerary. Positano is cliff dwelling village with homes built into the rock everywhere. Yes, it is beautiful, but we have seen plenty of views like this on this trip. The shopping in Positano looked to be the best yet, but as the trip comes to a close, my shopping is done, my suitcases filled to the brim, and I have no need to continue.
The other problem is the extensive walking we have to do to and from the bus. In the case of Positano, we walked down hill to the water below when we arrived. We were given some free time to wander in the narrow, shop filled streets. I shot some photos and.then went with the group for wine and appetizers. It was a pleasant interlude, but at the end, we had to walk all the way back up the hill to find our bus. I had assumed the bus would be at the bottom of the hill to pick us up. It was a grueling walk for me at the end of the day. Anna could have warned us bout the walk before hand and given us a choice to stay closer to the bus, eat at another point and then join the group for the ride back to Maiori at a designated time. She did not. Anna, I believe, will become a very good guide, but the key for her is anticipation. She needs to know her group and what they can handle and then provide choices. By giving us the choice to not walk down to the bottom of Positano, she shifts the responsibility to us. She needs to give us more information about what lies ahead on the difficult walks and visits. Guiseppe did that very well, but he is a long time OAT guide with significant experience. Anna should reach that point of professional experience after a few more trips. Anna, just remember, anticipate, anticipate, anticipate. This is delivered as constructive criticism to potentially a very good guide.
The walk from the restaurant to the bus was long, uphill, and taxing on the old ticker. However, we all made it. The ride back to Maiori was quicker than rite going to Positano. The curves were the same, but the darkness of nightfall made it difficult to see all of the potential drop offs into oblivion. I went to to bed immediately. I will pack for our final destination, Naples, tomorrow morning. I had another restless night sleep with my sinus cough and red eye conjunctivitis creating some problems. It is clear that I am willing and ready to head home to South Carolina.
Tuesday, April 4
I decided to take a day off and address my congestion issues. Anna recommend that I not go on the trip to the Herculean ruins. I did not go. Myriam had suggested the use of her eye drops to address my red eyes. I did and it appears that it is helping. I rested in the morning. When the group returned, they said it was an interesting trip, but it was cold and that helped to alleviate some of my disappointment. I went out to get some Euros from the nearby AMT and then I walked down to the pier across the street from my hotel to find lunch. I wandered into a very Italian restaurant where it was difficult to communicate with the waiter because of language, After a few false starts I was able to get a lunch I could eat. The first one had shrimp in it and that was going to be a problem. I ran into Myriam at the restaurant, so we ate together and talked. I ordered linguini with a variety of shell fish, not shrimp. It was good and I enjoyed the meal. If i had known better, I would have chosen a more user friendly place for lunch, but having Myriam there was a plus.
Around 4 PM, Anna and I went to the local pharmacy to try and prepare for my plane flight home. I needed more antihistamine, some cough medicine, and some gum for traveling on flights that I hope will help with the air pressure. My ear canals are plugged and I am concerned about the flight home. Anna and I had a nice chat on our walk to the pharmacy.
I had a glass of red wine in the evening. My lunch was enough to get me through until breakfast. I went back to my room about 9:00PM and got ready for bed in the hopes that some of these congestion issues would begin to clear up. Only one more day. I am ready to go home.
Wednesday, April 5
My typical worry on these trips is getting home. This may be no exception. I fly through Paris tomorrow on Air France and the French people have called for a national strike tomorrow. That could mean that my flight from here is canceled to Paris or if not, my flight from Paris to Atlanta could be cancelled. Every glowing word I said about this trip has been called into question during the last few days as I have fought my congestion issues, which include watery eyes, plugged ear canals, and my usual post nasal drip cough. No real nose congestion at this time, but one can only hope that stays the case. I have not ventured out with the group the last two days.
Anna has been helpful in translating for me at the pharmacy and making suggestions as to what I should do, including talking to my doctor at home. This sort of thing has become a constant on these sort of trips that are incredibly interesting, sometimes exhausting, but subject to my body going into various forms of rejection. It is not the guide’s fault. It is not OAT’ fault. It is my fault for continuing to challenge myself with these fascinating trips. So, the question becomes, should I modify these challenges? Should I quit traveling to far off places and stay closer to home. There is a danger in slowing down, but the stress of discomfort and problems are affecting me.
Tonight is our farewell dinner for the Amalfi portion of the trip. I will have more to write later. We had a talk on the Mafia organizations peculiar to the Naples area. Since my hearing is way off due to this congestion, I could only take in the slide program that accompanied the speaker’s presentation. There was a good deal of repetition about the characters in the Sicilian Mafia, so that was helpful in understanding the comparisons.
Anna led us on another long walk to the restaurant. It was almost all uphill. She could be a bit more sensitive to some of us older folks who struggle with meeting some of her expectations. We had wine and enough pizza to last for a year. Myriam asked for a cab to ride back to the hotel. Four of our group lucked out with the cab. Walking back, however, was not so bad because it was downhill.
With all of this allergy stuff going on with me, I am dreading the flight home, but 3:30 AM will come soon and the “fun” will begin.
Note: The last two days of this trip did not go well for me because my sinus and ear issues. Therefore there is only one set of photos to align with these last two days.
![](/uploads/3/4/7/2/34723988/naples-view-of-mt-vesuvius_orig.jpeg) Mt. Vesuvius in the Distance | |
Thursday, April 6
Sociedade. Fundada em: 2024. Especializações: Publicidade, Marketing Digital, Mídia Digital, Social Media, Branding, Design, Conteúdo, Planejamento, Marketing e ...
Aposta esportiva é ❤️ aqui na Betnacional, a bet dos brasileiros. Site de apostas 100% confiável. Faça bet 365 futebol aposta! Apostas ao vivo e grande ❤️ variedade de jogos.NBA Ao Vivo | Bet Online via...·Só Futebol·Aviator·CassinoNovo
Aposta esportiva é aqui na Betnacional, a bet dos brasileiros. Site ❤️ de apostas 100% confiável. Faça bet 365 futebol aposta! Apostas ao vivo e grande variedade de jogos.
NBA Ao Vivo | Bet Online ❤️ via...·Só Futebol·Aviator·CassinoNovo
14 de set. de 2024·bet, PagBet e SimplesBet, entre outras casas de apostas, participou da BFEXPO 2024 para mostrar ❤️ a potencialidade do conglomerado e seu ...
VPN: A melhor VPN para acessar BetFair do exterior.... 2 Surfshark: Melhor valor
faire.... 3 ExpressVPN : Desbloqueador consistente de conteúdo 🍉 com restrição
BetFair incluído... 4 CyberGhost: Aproximando 10.000 servidores (800+ no Reino Unido
ra desbloquear
7. Um bookie que fornece jogos para aposta a e Jogos Para seus esportes ou casseino-
eria - outros produtos da 🍋 sua! Olasupo Badmos – Co fundador / Diretor De Varejo... A (
ng/linkedin :).
proprietários-de
Going through customs was long and time consuming, but I made it through without incident. I retrieved my luggage and then proceeded to have it rechecked and to go once again through security, which went well. I made it to the next flight on time, but ran into a problem with my seat assignment. However, after some stress filled moments, that problem got resolved. I got on the plane for the short flight from Atlanta to Charleston. I arrived around12:30 AM on Friday April 7, which was 7:30 AM Naples time. As usual, my troubles were not over. My luggage on the transfer did not make the flight, but at least they had it and said I would get it the next afternoon, which I did.
O Que é a 166bet?
A 166bet é a melhor empresa de jogos de slot machine online listada no mundo, oferecendo ❤️ jogos emocionantes e interessantes, como Caça-pesca, Baccarat, e apostas esportivas.
Quando e Onde?
A plataforma de apostas online 166bet foi recém-lançada e ❤️ tem sido extremamente popular entre os usuários há apenas dois dias. Ela fornece serviços e produtos de apostas online, especialmente ❤️ nas tabelas de probabilidades de apostas em bet 365 futebol futebol.
O Que Fizeram e Qual foi o Resultado?
Betway.co.za e visite o seu site
Conta.
Navegar para o meu
Conta.
Selecionar Retirar
Fundos.
Forneça-nos seus detalhes bancários e insira o valor que você gostaria de
Retirar.
Para retirar agora, clique em bet 365 futebol “Retirar agora”
Aqui.
bet 365 futebol
bet 365 futebol
Com o 20bet saque mínimo, você desfruta de uma plataforma de apostas segura e prática. A seguir, descubra como sacar seus ganhos com rapidez e tranquilidade:
Como Sacar na 20bet
- Acesse o site da 20bet e faça login
- Clique no seu nome de usuário
- Selecione "Saque"
- Informe o valor e método de saque
- Confirme a transação
O valor mínimo de saque na 20bet varia de acordo com o método escolhido. Por exemplo, para saques via Pix, o valor mínimo é de R$ 10, enquanto para carteiras digitais é de R$ 12.
Após confirmar o saque, o processamento pode levar de alguns minutos a 24 horas, dependendo do método utilizado. É importante observar que a 20bet pode solicitar documentos de identificação para fins de segurança.
Dicas para Saques Rápidos
* Verifique o valor mínimo de saque para o método escolhido
* Certifique-se de ter depositado o valor mínimo exigido
* Mantenha seus dados cadastrais atualizados
* Utilize métodos de pagamento verificados
Seguindo essas dicas, você garante saques rápidos e sem complicações na 20bet. Aproveite a facilidade e segurança oferecidas pela plataforma e maximize seus ganhos.
It was the travel day from hell, but I was home and seriously considering never traveling long distances again. That means the trip to France in the fall is at stake. I will take some time for the dust to settle before I cancel, but cancelling is a strong possibility.
I need some time to write a final reflection on this trip. All of these allergy issues truly marred a marvelous trip. I did get to enjoy Sicily very much and am glad I went, but in retrospect, perhaps I should have come over at the end of that phase. The Amalfi Coast is beautiful, but gets repetitious after a few days. I enjoyed the trip to Pompeii and the ruins from the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius. It was a cool day and I was having trouble with my hearing, but it was worth while. I particularly liked the villages of Maiori and Amalfi on the coast. The scenery was exceptional, but looking at homes built into the seaside cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean just got old. The walking was quite challenging for me and we had an inexperienced guide whose passion for her job was real, but sense of awareness quite thin. She was very helpful to me in getting medication for my allergies. Anna’s heart was in the right place, but the sense of knowing her audience and what to do about that knowledge needs some work.
PostScript:
Apostas Esportivas: Como Ler e Calcular Odds e Uma Resenha Completa sobre a Bet365
¡Olá, leitores brasileiros! Hoje, nós vamos aprender sobre apostas esportivas, especificamente em bet 365 futebol relação à leitura e cálculo de odds de apostas, além de uma resenha completa sobre a Bet365, um dos melhores sites de apostas esportivas nos Estados Unidos.
Leitura e Cálculo de Odds em bet 365 futebol Apostas Esportivas
As odds em bet 365 futebol apostas esportivas podem parecer confusas no início, mas após alguns exemplos e um breve guia, você estará gerando seus próprios valores em bet 365 futebol breve. Ao ler as odds, o sinal "+" indicará um underdog. Se uma cota for a seguir, +350, por exemplo, isso significa que foi realizada uma aposta no underdog, com o número três dígitos seguintes representando o pagamento se a aposta vencer, considerando que o apostador tenha arriscado R$100.
Bet365 Sportsbook:uma Resenha Completa
A Bet365 Sportsbook é legaal e disponibiliza um dos melhores sites de apostas esportivas em bet 365 futebol cinco estados atualmente. Nos seguintes parágrafos, vamos explorar os melhores recursos, como usar o sportsbook, ofertas de boas-vindas disponíveis, pontos positivos e negativos, e muito mais!
Recursos Primários e como Usar o Bet365 Sportsbook
Com uma interface de usuário amigável e recursos poderosos, o Bet365 Sportsbook oferece apostas em bet 365 futebol uma ampla variedade de esportes e ligas ao redor do mundo. Além dos mercados popularem não existem restrições sobre a criação de contas já é possível aprender sobre a funcionalidade de navegação intuitiva e boa aparência geral. Entre em bet 365 futebol contato conosco para obter mais informações.
Benefícios e Vantagens
- Disponível em bet 365 futebol cinco estados.
- Versão mobile e mesmo site oferecem funcionalidades completas.
- Varias opções bancárias.
- Registro no site permitido de qualquer localidade.
- Apostas ao vivo.
Desvantagens
- Apenas cinco opções de estados.
- O bônus sem depósito nem está disponível.
Ofertas de Boas-Vindas e Outros Bonus da Bet365
Actualmente, a Bet365 Sportsbook nem oferece um bónus de depósito nem um bónus sem depósito.
Agora que você tem uma compreensão geral da leitura e do cálculo de odds em bet 365 futebol apostas esportivas, e também ouviu uma resenha completa sobre a Bet365 Sportsbook, tudo o que resta é criar uma conta, fazer alguns depósitos e apostar nesses seus jogos favoritos. Você deve ter clareza de que esta indústria pode trazer algumas divisas mas também lembrar que ao se envolver com apostas onlines é necessário um certo tipo de consciência para evitar que a diversão se torne um vício.Bom Jogo!
Os Melhores Jogos de Cassino Online com Melhores Chances no Brasil
No mundo dos jogos de cassino online, é essencial conhecer os melhores jogos com as melhores chances de vitória. Conhecer os melhores jogos e ter uma estratégia pode ajudar a maximizar suas chances de ganhar e minimizar a vantagem da casa. Neste artigo, vamos explorar os jogos de cassino online que tendem a ter as melhores odds para jogadores no Brasil.
Jogos de Video Poker – Vantagem da casa: -0,05% a 2%
O Video Poker oferece algumas das melhores odds entre todos os jogos de cassino online. Com uma vantagem de casa variando de -0,05% a 2%, dependendo da variante, o videpoker é uma excelente opção para aqueles que desejam minimizar a vantagem da casa. Para aproveitar ao máximo as odds neste jogo, considere estudar e se familiarizar com as estratégias e regras específicas de cada variante.
Blackjack – Vantagem da casa: 0,43% a 2%
Blackjack é outro jogo com ótimas odds para jogadores. Com uma vantagem de casa entre 0,43% e 2%, o blackjack é um jogo popular para aqueles que desejam apostar dinheiro online. Além disso, conhecer as regras do jogo pode ajudar ainda mais a minimizar a vantagem da casa.
Baccarat – Vantagem da casa: 1,06% a 1,24%
Baccarat é um jogo simples com uma vantagem de casa relativamente baixa. A vantagem na aposta do jogador é de 1,24%, enquanto a vantagem na aposta do empate é de 1,06%. Assim, o baccarat pode ser uma opção interessante se você estiver procurando a melhor chance de ganhar uma aposta.
Em Busca do Maior Prêmio: R$ 23,6 milhões
Em 2024, um afortunado jogador brasileiro ganhou o impresionante prêmio de R$ 23,6 milhões no jogo Mega Moolah Absolootly Mad. Este tremeante recorde ilustra as possibilidades incríveis que podem surgir ao jogar jogos de cassino online.
Jogo |
Vantagem da Casa |
Video Poker |
-0,05% a 2% |
Blackjack |
0,43% a 2% |
Baccarat |
1,06% a 1,24% |
Ruleta Europeia |
2,70% |
Além disso, os jogos de cassino online como a €uro Roulette, o Pai Gow Poker e o Ultimate Texas Hold'em possuem modestas vantagens da casa. Estudar e praticar esses jogos pode ajudá-lo a aumentar suas chances de ganhar.
Escolhendo a Melhor Opção
Se quiser aumentar suas chances de ganhar em bet 365 futebol cassino online, preste atenção a jogos mencionados anteriormente. No entanto, é crucial lembrar que o jogo online é pra diversão. Saboree a experiência e estabeleça limites de apostas claros. Desta forma será capaz de divertir-se nos jogos de cassino online de uma forma responsável.
edora e,em seguidas espera local não paga Uma porcentagem das probabilidadeS originais
om base na posiçãode chegada”. Há compra as do 🤑 lugar separadas através dos mercados
ofertar parimutuel ou piscina ). Guia completo Para Cada ca Way - Techopedia
: guiam 🤑 o jogo ; W-each/betting um lugares se volta (20)cada– PLACE 105 mais 25 + 20!>
130; Se O seu cavalo terminou 🤑 2a