Life in Caltanissetta

They have two goats, a bunch of chickens, some ducks, two geese, three cats, and two dogs. Feeding them every morning is pure entertainment. It's an all out brawl! 

The day after the festival in Montedoro we had a relaxing day at the beach in Licata, a seaside town on the southern coast. It was fun to get to know the family more and just enjoy life. This is what I call wwoofing.

The coming days I familiarized myself with the farm, animals, and one of the first jobs I did was help them make two new vegetable beds. It is very interesting to me how different the composition of the soil is. We had to dig about 6 inches into the ground and then fill the bottom up with a bunch of rubbish (sticks, bark, etc) which would then act as a good source of humus for the plants. This is a time tested method here in Sicily because in a lot of parts the soil is sandy and not rich enough. Also, we had to get some manure and compost trucked in and then layer it.

I can make very basic conversation with Francesca but other than that the family only speaks Italian, which makes for a totally unique experience. I love it though, hearing the kids talk & sing, and I can't help but laugh when I hear them whining in Italian.

Coolest cat on the planet. Look at him! He's like a little snow leopard. Leo is his name.

For the first time on this journey I can imagine myself living here, the vibe is precisely my style. No hurry. No rush. Sit back. Enjoy life. Want a break? Take a break. Afternoon nap? Sure. Everything closes down in the middle of the day. Why? Because people take a break and relax during the hottest part of the day. What is the point of being so busy you can't even stop to savor the beauty of life? 

 Chillest of naps with this little dude.

Letting the almonds dry in the sun.

I harvested some almonds for the first time, and it was the first time I've eaten one right off the tree. I was determined to get it open with my hands, and it drew blood! But it was well worth it. The flavor had a rich almost juicy almondy-ness that is just not present in store bought almonds.

The food is AMAZING. I absolutely love the simplicity of it. Almost everyone has their own garden here, meaning most of the food comes from either their own garden or is locally sourced. The way food was meant to be eaten, local and in season. Strawberries and melon in winter, shipped half way across the globe? Never. That doesn't make sense. Two meals out of the day are homemade and it always ends with some fruit from the garden or locally sourced. A fig straight off the tree now tops mulberries [better than any strawberry, rasberry, or blueberry] as my favorite fruit. Simply sublime. Tomatoes left to dry in the Sicilian sun and then mixed with garlic, herbs, and their own olive oil puts the word flavor to shame. Oh my goodness thats beyond flavor. Homemade bread made from non hybridized Sicilian wheat [the original wheat, not some scientifically manipulated wheat that is in all the supermarket products], ridiculously good. Pistachio gelato made from pistachios from Catania, Sicily. Unreal. Oh and almonds right off the tree crush any almond in the supermarket. And don't even get me started about the fresh pressed olive oil...

Working in the intense heat, and this journey as a whole, has really enhanced the simple things. Shade, wind, the feeling of cold spring water going down my throat, a good nourishing meal, local fruit like watermelon that works as an internal air conditioner (that's what I mean when I say eating local food and herbs helps you adapt to your environment, in this case watermelon's high water content hydrates and cools the body, it's obvious why it's only in season during the hottest months), a conversation with depth, a refreshing nap, being with nature, animals, and so on.

Nothin but fun times with these kids.

I found an internet point in the city and because I've missed my music so desperately, I took my video camera and recorded some songs, so now I have like 8 songs I can listen to via my video camera speaker! It's been so nice. 

Photo cred goes to Teresa.

My first Italian feast was the first Sunday at Salvatore's parents home. What a culinary experience. As we sit down they bring out bruscetta, pizza, their own sun dried tomatoes, and all sorts of grilled meats. I'm going at it and little do I know this is just the pre-appetizer course!! Everything is scrumptious. My mouth is watering right now thinking about it. Next up, a big plate of pasta. Sauce from a can? Not in a million years here. It continues, and they bring out a fresh tomato salad, and an olive salad with vegetables. Not too many things make me happier than a lot of good food. Next up, the meat course! Lemon & herb chicken that was to die for, and barbecued chicken as well. I feel my stomach stretching into the outer realms of my belly, and they say Aaaaandrewwww, pointing to the food, and well, how can I say no to more authentic Sicilian food? If that wasn't enough they bring out a huge layered tart with cannoli's surrounding it! Apparently it was someone's birthday. After that feast I saw a dude slowly slip away from reality into a food coma, and a few others as well.