Italy

In the summer of 2010 my family and I finally made the trip to Italy that we have been talking about for years.  It always seemed that something always came up that kept us from making the trip.  I was so excited and could not wait because this meant I would finally be able to see relatives I’ve never met before!

The only part of the trip I wasn’t looking forward to was the 9 + hour flight…I am not fond of flying.  However, I quickly over came this fear because I didn’t want to let anything stop me from making the journey.  The plane was wonderful.  We were given meals (I opted for the Vegan meals) and I watched tons of movies, listened to music and played games on the little televisions each person had in front of them.  I was so thankful that I had all of that to keep me occupied!!

My aunt, uncle and cousin picked us up from the airport and brought us to their summer house in Acquaviva, Sicily.  The one thing that frustrated me the whole two weeks was that I do not speak or understand any Italian.  Being 100% Italian I am so ashamed to even admit that! My mother always told my father to speak Italian to my brother and I while we were growing up but he never did…As a result my brother John and I were left having my parents translate everything for us.

My Uncle Gaetano is a very energetic man for being 70.  I couldn’t believe the energy he had while taking us to various places!!  Italy was simply gorgeous.  The town we stayed in was so cute.  Every single person knew each other, which was one thing that really made me enjoy it so much.  Everyone is so kind to one another and even people we didn’t know invited us into their homes for a refreshing drink or snack since we were out walking in the extreme heat.  That kind of hospitality is something that seems to be lost now a days. 

I’ve included some pictures of the various places we visited…..One of the funniest memories I have is when we all went to visit my dad’s friend Vito in Bagheria.  The plan was that Vito was going to take us for a boat ride.  Everything was going great.  We all were having a wonderful time getting plenty of beautiful pictures of the sea when all of a sudden the motor began making this loud buzzing noise. Vito turned the motor off and when he attempted to start it up again nothing happened.  Mind you their were 7 of us stranded at sea at this point.  Luckily Vito’s cousin was the coast guard so he was able to call him and have us towed!  The funny part is my mom hates boats.  She only went with us to be a good sport.   Figures the first time she decides to go for a boat ride something goes wrong.  That was definitely an experience we will never forget.  Even to this day the boat story comes up when we talk about our trip to Italy and it always brings laughs!

 (Before going out to sea)

 (Coastguard towing us back to land)

 (Ancient ruins in Agrigento)