ST. TECLA, SICILY, 22nd August 2011 A Late morning start and my cousins Guigliemo and Tony came to pick us up and enjoy a day together. Our first visit is Tony's father Nello who I have not seen since 1974. A great surprise for him and thanks to Tony it was great to see my Uncle was in fine form. They took us out for lunch to try Pane Condito, which is carbohydrate heaven. hmmm thinking of the massive wheat intake... I am out of control and I have given up unt...

ZAFFERANA, ETNEA, SICILY. 21st August 2011. Finally a rest day is welcomed, but of all day the day has arrived that my partner Peter arrives in Catania. Breakfast at home and a late di Mandola is a refreshing change of granita with biscotti della chocolata. So time to pick up Peter and welcome him into the mad world my cousins live in. After we collected Peter and welcomed him with hugs and a kiss, he seemed so tired. Peter had not slept through his flight. Re...

CALTAGIRONE, Sicily, 20th August 2011. As usual breakfast, granita and briosche, before Saro and Pina take me on a day excursion to Caltagirone. Caltagirone is known for its wonderful ceramics and the potters were world famous in the Middle Ages. Here we visit the Clorful Majolica ties which decorate 142 steps of the Maria Santissima de Monte staircase. Finally we made it to the top to recieve wonderful views. I would hat to be the person living along the stair...

MT. ETNA. Sicily. 19th August 2011 A granita and briosch begins the day before spending some time with cousins Giovanna and Saro by the pool at The Palace Hotel in St Tecla. I enjoyed my simple lunch with Giovanna, Saro and their family, today its trying out something different. Spaghetti alla Norma with a tomato base, fried eggplant and finished with grated salted ricotta cheese. After lunch I cut Paola's hair. No charge of course. Nello, Vera, Federica and ...

ISOLA BELLA, TAORMINA, 18th August 2011. Today the morning starts with a Cafe Late, before being picked up by Marissa, Vera, Simona and Federica. We head to Taormina to enjoy the day on the beach at Isola Bella. Lunch was Panini with Procuitto and Provolone. After lunch a walk to the top of Isola Bella where we had to pay €4 for a view. What a rip off! After lunch and working on the tan, my cousins drove me up to Castelmola to recieve panoramic views all aro...