What is next? Capo d’Orlando!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today I am sad. I have to depart this beautiful place. I believe of all the gorgeous destinations I have visited, Capo d’Orlando and New Mexico now hold my heart, spirit, and soul. I love it here. I have made wonderful friends just walking about with Mr. Bear, and the view from my Airbnb is incredible, both night and day.
On my first day in Capo d’Orlando, Mr. Bear and I met Charley and Titti at the small grocery store close by. When ordering at the deli counter for cheese, olives, and meats, I gave it a brave go, but I was completely lost. Pounds make perfect sense to me, but an etto? I learned a hectogram—one etto—is 100 grams, meaning a quarter-pound is approximately one etto. Armed with my new knowledge, I attempted to order: “Un etto, affettato molto fine, per favore.” (A quarter-pound, sliced very thin, please.)
Charley stepped in with a smile and asked, “English?”
“Yes!” I replied.
He kindly asked what I was trying to buy and completely took over the ordering for me. Then came the typical, friendly travel questions: Where are you from? How long are you here? It turns out he has deep roots in the USA but has lived here his whole life. He and his partner, Titti, run an incredible school teaching refugee children English and Environmental Studies. Their wonderful organization can be found at Joy for Children. Next on my list was finding a nice bottle of wine. “Perfect, we’ll take you to our favorite," Charley said. Without a second thought, off I went with Titti and Charley to a wine shop nearby. We arrived at the funkiest wine and cheese shop, Enoteca Collovà. Since 1995, Enoteca Collovà has represented one of the most important hubs in the local world of wine.
Before parting ways, they made sure to point out Tentazionia, for best granita - semi-frozen Sicilian dessert made from sugar, water, and fresh flavorings. It is churned just enough to achieve a unique crystalline yet creamy texture, top with real whipped cream, and it is traditionally served with a warm, fluffy brioche. This wonderful delight is traditionally eaten for breakfast here!
Exhaustion was finally setting in by then, so I headed back to MareBlu—my incredible beachfront Airbnb—for a peaceful nap right on the shore.
May 22: Another Beautiful Day in Capo d’Orlando
The next morning, Mr. Bear and I headed out for our daily walk, this time toward the center of Capo d’Orlando.
During our walk, Mr. Bear decided he desperately needed sunshades because the Sicilian sun is so bright it hurts his eyes, so that became priority number one. In the cute town center, we discovered the sweetest children’s shop to source his tiny BamBoom sunshades: Sanitaria Antonella Germanà.
During our beach walk back from the town center, I dipped my foot in the water. The sea here is as cold as Maine, yet there was a brave local man going for a full swim! Along the way, I spotted a sign showing the sister cities of Capo d’Orlando: Culver City, CA, and Fremantle, West Australia. We passed an outdoor gym overlooking the beach and rows of quiet restaurants just waiting to open for the upcoming summer tourists. Moving along, Mr. Bear and I discovered a very typical local shop where household items are sold—carrying everything from massive washing machines and kitchen mixers to Yankee Candles!
Mr. Bear and I headed back to our beach retreat to enjoy our delicious picnic on the sand and prepare for our sad departure tomorrow. But my feet continue to be so happy with my last minute packing decision Taos Star Sneakers. was an absolute lifesaver for our long daily strolls.
But wait, we’re still in Sicily... let’s see what we discover next in Messina!
No comments:
Post a Comment