Piazza Armerina

Bath cap I gave to Teresa my last day with the family. Hah. 

It worked out perfectly (I seem to be saying that a lot, just a side effect of living in the flow I suppose) that Salvatore and Francesca wanted to check out Vittorio's (whom I'd be staying with next) farm so they made an entire day out of it to explore the town of Piazza Armerina. 

We headed to his shop first and I met the classy Vittorio. It is located at the world famous Villa Romana del Casale, where he sells natural botanicals, skin creams, bath salts, shampoos, etc that he makes with wild herbs, the best sea salt in Europe from Catania, and other local goodies. Awesome sauce.

The rest of the day we explored Piazza Armerina. What a town. 

Mr. Fluff! 

Piazza Armerina

Vittorio recommended a certain restaurant we go to, and it was some of the best food I've had here. It was all home cooked Sicilian food. I got a lasagna but it was made with my new favorite vegetable. Eggplant. And then some crusted fish, roasted peppers, and potatoes. 

Next we chilled at the park for a bit during siesta hours. I was taking pictures like crazy because I didn't know when I'd see the kids again. 

So free. Kids are the ultimate teachers.

 The shirt I'm wearing is one Salvatore gave to me. It's his band logo. 

I love Salvatore and Francesca's family, and already miss so much. Pulling the kids around on the skateboard, learning new dances, teasing the cats, Damiano saying "varyyyyy varyyyy goooood," Francesca saying "Bonappetito" (so smooth), the food, the epic festivals, cruizing the twists and turns of central Sicily listening to Caparezza (think Italian rap/rock), the kids saying "Andrew, look me!" And so much more.

Later in the afternoon we met up with Vittorio and headed to his home. Vittorio looked at me and said, "you ready to go into the wild?" Of course! We drive maybe 10 minutes, come to a dirt road, and continue on that road for another 10 or so minutes through the forest. His house is on the side of a mountain. And just to give a description, when I say mountain it's not like Mount Everest but it ain't no hill either. Mattias stayed a couple days because he was interested in house sitting for Vittorio later in the year, and where did we sleep? A homemade tent! Think a white square tent with a tall ceiling, and two twin beds pushed together with a white net over it to keep the bugs away. There is a metaphor in the location, it's like teetering on the border of nature and city. Close to the city, but fully immersed in nature.