With a few holidays to spare we packed up for a week’s visit to Sicily, our first stop being Catania. The landscape and how the light touched everything in its path. To the clean air and clear blue sky with no trace of dark clouds in sight as we are used to. It would have been a shame to let that moment pass without taking it all in. I knew i wasn’t home but wished this was it- that was how i felt the moment we arrived. And that was even before we had anything to eat!

Before you go further: This post doesn’t deeply delve into places to visit and eat as we were only there a short time. I am working on updating this on our next visit.

We stayed at a little hotel overlooking the beautiful Gardino di villa Bellini. Vincenzo Bellini was a well known composer celebrated for his works such as Il Pirata among others. Homage is paid to him throughout the city from monuments to the Catania airport which is also named after him.

Settle down, we will eat soon!

Having been starved from our delayed crisps and sandwich serving low cost carrier (not that sandwiches and crisps are a bad thing but when you want a warm hearty meal a sandwich is just not going to cut it)! We decided to head straight to the closest best selling arancini restaurant we could walk to. As luck would have it, the place with the best arancini in town was a minute’s walk away- Savia is the name of the restaurant. Our waiter was Gaetanno- who was ever professional, pleasant and attentive with just enough charm to make us want to order more and it made the exchanges ever more interesting when little Jenny kept blowing kisses.

While waiting for our order we all had an almond drink. It was sweet and creamy, chilled and refreshing. It made me wonder what in the world is my store bought almond milk made of because it tasted or smelled nothing like this!

Voglio solo arancini (i only want arancini)…

Now this is where my emotions got out of hand! Remember how i bragged about having made arancini for a few years and knew what i was doing? How i went on to tell you all the mistakes i had made and felt all proud of myself? Well, i was feeling a little bit small now.

We opted for one of each type of arancini: with pistachio, ragu, and Catania (made with parmigiana). The ragu was familiar to me as that’s what i’ve been making at home all along. Then there was pistachio which was just mild enough to keep me going. But then i bit into the arancini alla Catania and all hell broke loose!!! I feel i need to take a minute and just relive that moment in my head again…

There was a fresh scent of basil with aubergine, it was like nothing I have ever had! All the flavours complimented each other with none being overpowering. If you consider that the arancini is fried and the aubergine is double fried you would expect to be almost nauseated but quite to the contrary. I had to have one more and so I did. And while I devoured this work of art I thought to myself: “why didn’t I think of this? I make parmigiana at home all the time, so why hadn’t i thought to incorporate that into the arancini?

Drink me

To escort the arancini on its way Gaetano suggested some ice tea with a scoop of lemon sorbet! I thought “it wont be a big deal and what’s so special about some tea with a scoop of lemon sorbet?” It arrived, i was parched from the heat but curious me decided to start off with a sip. You know… just incase i didn’t like it. I will tell you this, i have never enjoyed being proven so wrong. Like seriously, can I meet the people in the kitchen and bar? Who comes up with this stuff?

You have no idea how smooth this sorbet was, no hard ice crystals and it screamed of freshness from the unmatched flavour of the southern sun kissed citric fruits. Each restaurant has their own recipe with some drinks having an almost floral scent. I’m telling you this is something you will have once and unfortunately be craving for every so often.

Sweeten me up

We then ordered the cannolo; one look at that little bad boy and I was sold! The ends were dipped in slivered pistachio and the whole dessert dusted with just enough icing sugar. One bite, I couldn’t believe this little temptation was filled with ricotta cream. The cannolo shell didn’t leave any hint that it was deep fried.

Just when we thought dinner was done Gaetano walks over with complimentary coffee and housemade almond cookies. I don’t mind a freebee as much as the next girl- but this left another good impression on me. I felt like they were also showing appreciation for us having stopped by.

Savia had some absolutely mouth watering dessert options to choose from and competition was close as there was another store located nearby that also sold desserts and other ‘souvenir worthy treats’.

Walk it off

After a good coffee that seemed to shake off the fatigue; we were off to see what Catania had to offer.

There is a lot to see and do in Catania, a lot of which i sadly couldn’t do as we were only there for 2 days. However we put in a good number of hours walking around before and after meals. The weather was just so good it was a shame to pass it up.

Catania is known for its rich history, culture and contribution to art, music and architecture. The adventurous historian in you can enjoy the Catania heritage sites protected by UNESCO and read more about our amazing trip to Palermo.

I wish oh so much i had visited the fish market which i also hear is worth a drop by. We intend to visit this little treasure again so stay tuned for an update on this post. Thanks for stopping by

Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, food, theatre and scenery; Palermo lies further up the island- 3 hrs drive from Catania. Sicily doesn’t escape its association with the Mafia but as you may or may not know there are remarkable people who chose to stand against it and one of those was Giovanni Falcone. He was a judge and prosecuting magistrate who took it upon himself to try and root out corruption within the system. On the A29 motorway near Capaci where he and his wife along with other brave men lost their lives stands a monument in homage to their unforgotten sacrifice.

Before you go further: This post doesn’t deeply delve into places to visit and eat as we were only there a short time. I am working on updating this on our next visit.

However there are unpleasantries everywhere you go. Sicily will beacon you to it’s beaches, food but what’s not spoken off enough is how warm and welcoming they are. And when you’re not busy socialising with the locals while having your pick of fresh fish, or why the arancini should be shaped one way over the other. You should be licking your way to the bottom of a gelato cone.

Wow me…

A scoop of ice cream in Sicily will absolutely change how you look at this work of art again. Sicily has its history merged with that of the Arabic. In fact, It’s said that ice cream was copied from the Arabs. And I’m so glad it was because they took it to a level like no other. Apart from almonds, Pistachio is Sicily’s beloved nut. And you will find it in appetisers, mains and of course in dessert. Dare I say, your cannolo and ice cream would be lonely without it.

“Prendi un caffè con me” (have coffee with me)

When you hear coffee and Italy you think espresso, cappuccino and the list goes on; but you wouldn’t associate it to ginseng. And THAT my friend is what has taken the coffee lovers world by storm for quite sometime now! It’s served in a shot glass and is almost the serving of two espressos. However, it’s sweet and not with a hint of coffee but chocolate. It still escapes me how this has gone unnoticed to us tourists for so long.

Mediterranean diet? Eh ehm …

Gone are the days when all we knew about Italian cuisine was margarita pizza and spaghetti. But did you know they also make fried appetisers with chickpea flour? Which was so delicious my little one kept reaching her little hand across the table for more. Little balls of fried mozzarella also make the cut should you order some ‘antipasto caldo’ (warm appetizers). And don’t get me started on the arancini because that just needs a whole post of its own!

Sicilian hospitality

A few of the restaurants we wanted to go to didn’t have a baby chair. So one of the owners at a restaurant we had previously dined at offered us their baby chair. And she did this knowing we would be going to eat at another restaurant and not theirs. Now THAT in my opinion is hospitality, plus it doesn’t hurt that they make a mean pizza with aubergine as pictured below. Should you be interested it’s Ristorante Sariddu.

As we walk down the streets, it’s hard not to pay compliments to the beautiful homes with little pots filled with flowers and herbs hanging off balconies. A gust of wind blows fine grains of sand over our feet as we leisurely make stride toward the beach. Young lovers relishing the sunset view; probably oblivious to passersby or music from restaurants filling the streets.

The pier is filled with families, lovers and clusters of friends. It’s hard to miss the elderly couples. Some I must admit; filled me with hope and admiration from how invested in each other they seemed to be. I’m a sucker for romance, what can I say. They walked hand in hand stealing glances at each other, a seemingly spontaneous peck here and there. The only thing that gave off their age was their hair and posture. And what a sight to behold!

Something that stuck with me was how people seemed engaged in each other and not entranced by phones which was refreshing. We made our way into a gelateria- that came highly recommended by a family friend. Standing there watching the server scoop gelato from the ice tins, carefully piling the different flavours. I could almost feel my hands twitch from excitement and impatience! And no, this was the second time we had been there that day.!

It’s cold, it’s sweet, it’s …

Soft and creamy, with just enough sweetness to deceive you that a few more scoops wouldn’t be that bad for you. There’s no mistaking what flavour is what as I carefully think up another excuse to walk back into the store for more later.

“I felt like a child lost in my ‘simple pleasures’. Lick and scoop with no care in the world of who was watching or the melted gelato streaming down my chin.”

I looked on, puzzled- as they stuffed scoops of gelato between a fresh round of brioche. I have never seen this before, but apparently, that’s a thing here. Being the boring creature of habit that I am (yes, I know this doesn’t coincide with being a food blogger) I choose to stick to my ice cream cone oblivious to all else. 

I felt like a child lost in my ‘simple pleasures’. Lick and scoop with no care in the world of who was watching or the melted gelato streaming down my chin. We giggled and cheekily ran around digging our little colourful plastic spoons at each other’s portions and I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard! It felt more than good, so good I can’t put it to words. I wish I could pack up those feelings and flavours and somehow ship them to you. But I guess there is no choice but for you to go there.

A few miles down the road, strategically parked by the seaside. With easy access from beachgoers and motorists was a small white van with big bold letters reading: ‘granite e gelati’. Ahh Sicily, the beautiful land that just keeps giving!!!

My almond milk is better than yours!

When did almond milk become an option for dessert? A long time ago that’s when. A very long time ago but I am glad I got to discover this later than never at all.

If you are an avid chef’s Table buff then you have probably come across the episode based on Caffe Sicilia in Noto. Pastry Maestro Corrado Assenza makes his debate on how crucial it was for him to play his part in saving what’s left of almond farming in Sicily. And, the importance of the fresh produce used in his delicate and elegant desserts that reek of passion and love for classic and progressive Italian desserts.

The almond; milk or paste made from it is like nothing you have probably had elsewhere. The right vocabulary to describe it escapes me, so I will leave it at this: “Go over and give it a try”.

Cannoli

A well-known Sicilian pastry is what Fran will not leave here without. A light golden crisp pastry with a sweet ricotta filling of different flavours (alternatively) dipped in chocolate or nuts. I bet if I would have had cravings for this stuff during expectancy I never would have heard complaints from Fran over trips made to fill up on these little addictions.

The food there is an expression of love and passion but most importantly a true homage to Italian traditional cuisine and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Take a few days, or better yet a few weeks- book a flight down to this unforgettable island and make sure to have your fill before you leave.

Sfincione

This was a surprise and a very good one!!!! I love bread but even I have my cautious moments. I know I know, what’s the point of travelling if you are always going to play it safe right? Well, pass me a simple bruschetta with mozzarella, tomato and basil and I will not hesitate. Do you want to be generous and top that with some fried eggplant? I will be more than happy to chow it down. But a slightly crisp foccacia-like bread with a tomato sauce spread and caciocavallo cheese cooked to perfection then sprinkled with oregano? You need not sell this too hard as I will rip it off your hands! I was blown away!!! And of course, I had to try my hand at making Sfincione so don’t forget to try this.

Panelle

I have a ‘thing’ for chickpeas, so much so that it has happened on many many occasions i patiently boil them only to snack on them before they could play their role in whichever recipe i was up to. Panelle is simply a fried fritter made with chickpea flour, salt and herbs (in the case of the restaurant where we were, it was fennel).

This was neatly stacked between a soft light bun and that was it. This is definitely something I would include at a barbecue and is a great alternative to snacking on french fries. But who am I fooling as they are all fried! Pack a few for road trips but I must say they are best eaten hot. I like to bite into the soft bun, run into the crispy fritter layer and break through to the soft and perfectly salted core.

I almost forgot the iced tea. Well, it was an iced tea with a scoop of lemon sorbet. I cannot stress enough how much you must try this when in Sicily. We had some in Catania too and it’s one thing that will not disappoint wherever you go.

Sight see

If after all that eating, you can manage to stand up; then take a walk through the city.

There’s the Ballaro market which has everything from food stands with delectable sfincione and panelle. To a seemingly endless option of fresh fish, vegetables and even clothes.

Vergogna in Italian means shame. Piazza della vergogna apparently earned the title due to the figures all being naked. However, some historians would argue that it is because of how much the Palermo senate had to pay for it.

There is more…

The rambling will continue as we intend to go back very soon to finish what we started so stay tuned!

For Fran, Torre Annunziatta is home. Situated by the sea in Naples- south on Italy. It was once flourishing in ironwork, food production and highly regarded for pasta. After you get past the grafitti, posters and flowers in remembrance of lost souls and shrines of Mary every few hundred metres on sidewalks. And dust off the repetitive broadcasts of why you’re better off taking off your helmet if you’re not riding your scooter. Then you get to experience a place that’s anything but a sleepy town also known for Oplontis. Where villa poppaea is situated.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted, blanketing the thriving Pompeii. It’s destruction spread onto the neighbouring once luxurious villa. Which is thought to have either belonged to Poppaea Sabina the second wife to Roman Emperor Nero; or to her family.

The villa features, gardens and entertaining rooms. Paintings of large shade trees and birds which have lead archeologists to believe there were probably apple and lemon trees in the gardens.

If you happen to be visiting Pompeii then Villa poppaea is also a place worth seeing.

Before

And like any other day, the sun set upon Pompeii, the prosperous Roman occupied city on the Mediterranean port. The marketplace, bustling with hungry traders and determined consumers scrambling for the best deal. Aristocrats went about their usual pampered routines. Which apparently included: massage after a workout to be followed by steaming and a cold splash to tighten the muscles. Street musicians entertained the underprivileged, while children probably danced along on the cobbled stone pavements. As the wealthy enjoyed various acts of pantomimes behind marbled floors with walls lavishly painted and decorated with mosaic art depicting their opulent lifestyles. The cooks and cleaners might have gone about their chores gossiping about this and that. And not too far in the distance; the sleeping giant slowly woke from his centuries old sleep.

And so it began

Meanwhile, the grand Vesuvius deceivingly dormant; loomed over unsuspecting occupants of Pompeii as the unfathomable ‘brewed’ beneath. The sunny skies would soon be shadowed with scorching ash and debris from its eruption. As it spewed as high as 12 miles into the sky, for a continuous 18 hours. Consequently ravaging everything in its path, with no one surviving its wrath. The whole city along with its occupants were buried in a 20 feet rubble. No one is said to have survived.

What was left behind?

It is hard to imagine the horror they faced in those final moments. Or the haunting memories forever engraved in the minds of those deemed lucky to have lived close by the two obliterated cities.

But as you walk along the cobbled paths, you will notice the systematic order of the buildings. You may also be able to picture what their daily lives may have been like e.g from the architecture: atriums with gardens and columns bordering it from the rest of the house.

This was a style typically used in the construction of affluent households. To further support this are painted and mosaic illustrations of seemingly day to day activities; depicting a range of emotions from: love, lust, anger and even jest.

What stayed with me was the man referred to as “the muleteer”. He is seated, seemingly hopeless and hunched over himself. With hands covering his face as if to protect himself from someone or something. What ran through my mind was that perhaps he didn’t know what to do and thought he would sit and hide. And that perhaps it would all come to pass, his remains can be found in the Pompeii granary.

We also get a sense of how they lived through the buildings still intact including: baths, bars, steam rooms and government structures. A study into what they ate is continually underway but we can get an idea from the images on the walls.

There is more

A vast majority of the art and artefacts unearthed from Pompeii can be viewed at the Naples National Archeological Museum. Included in those finds is a 5 metre mosaic of Alexander the great staring down at his defeated rival King Darius of Persia. To get an aerial view of Pompeii you can go up to Santuario di Pompei. You would need to pay to go up the roof.

Pompeii is a UNESCO world heritage site and the most visited archeological site in the world. As we speak, excavations are continuously being unearthed.

The old and new

The current Pompeii may not beacon you with riches but there is still much to do and explore. What with their tempting gelato, food stands with rum baba and arancini. When the sun is out you will not miss to see hordes of tourists from bus tours dropping by on their way to Pompeii with some also making their way to the ruins of Villa Oplontis and Herculaneum.

Slowly fading away, again

It has been years since the last eruption of Mount Vesuvius. And unfortunately throughout those years the climate has rapidly been changing. With an increase in torrential rains and temperature, tourism and neglect. The lost city of Pompeii is before our eyes; slowly crumbling away.

“Resto, resto a letto”(it means: “stay, stay in bed”) it’s a line from one of my favourite songs (pigro) by Pino Daniele. When i close my eyes, everything almost becomes a blur save for that melodic voice that seems to bring down all these walls i endeavoured to put up. He was an acclaimed singer and song writer who’s music varied from Italian, blues and even jazz. A voice synonymous to no other- he was the pride of Naples.

A city that is chaotic, vibrant and bursting with energy. It’s the regional capital of Campania located south of Italy with the historical city centre being considered a UNESCO world heritage site. So having lived in Switzerland for 2 years before moving to Naples; i must say the warm weather was very much welcome! Then of course there was the food, the people and overall vibe that will at some point rub off on you.

There are so many things to love about this place. A lot that you will never get to explore, enjoy and even fall in love with – if you don’t decide to close your ears to all else and take a chance to visit this historical and culinary rich city, pregnant with ‘life’ as you may have never lived it before!

There are places you will visit and they will remain with you for whichever reason. Naples awoke a hunger in me to live. Not the way we have seemingly been preconditioned to. I mean getting out of my safe place to discover places, food and people. Getting ‘full’ on simple aspects of life like taking a 30 minute drive from Torre Annunziata to Naples to meet friends at a gelateria. Then stand outside leaning on cars or sitting on stairs cases as we fill the cool evening air with laughter and conversation about things i can hardly remember. But i remember those moments and how they made me feel.

“Naples awoke a hunger in me to live”

One time Francesco’s very good friend Alessandro invited us over to a restaurant where his friend was performing. At first glance of the outer appearance i was disappointed. But like many other restaurants and homes in Naples, looks are deceiving. It was a small space of about 20 tables, mellow lights and a small stage at the front. I remember drinking wine while filling up on plater after plater of friturra (an assorted plate of fried appetisers: arancini, croquette among others). And from time to time nudging Francesco for translation. Later that night, we of course passed by a pasticceria for dessert which was a cornetto stuffed with your choice of chocolate bar. Then into the car we drove back and i remember feeling so glad i hadn’t chosen to stay at home.

But there’s more to Naples than the Vesuvius and margarita pizza among many other things they are known for. And while you may argue that it cannot compare to Rome or other cities flocking with tourists, i insist that it has it’s own charm. It may not have the Vatican or Spanish steps from Rome, the artistic collections in Florence from the most celebrated Italian artists like Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci but these are some of what Naples has to offer you:

Museo di San Martino

This museum houses the ‘Veiled Christ’. A sculpture of Jesus laying on his back with a shroud over his entire body and is overwhelmingly realistic.

Museo Archeologico Nazionale

Is a treasure chest with pieces dating back to the 17th century and a connection to Charles III of Bourbon. According to the museum the collections “were enriched with the acquisition of finds from excavations in the sites of Campania and Southern Italy and private collections”.

Palazzo reale di Napoli

Is a palace that goes back to the 16th century when it’s construction began. Everything has been so impressively preserved it feels like a whole new world as soon as you walk through its doors. Their website is currently non-functional, the above link takes you to the Ministry of culture website which gives some background information on the palace.

Catacombs of Napoli

I have yet to visit as I am not a big fan of dark tourism. However, others may deem this a place of solace. Why? I guess death can also be interpreted as the dead gaining freedom from earthly bondage be it material or other. Should you visit please let us know how it was for you.

Duomo di Napoli

Is the main church of Napoli and an extraordinary work of art.

Napoli sotteranea

Napoli underground is 35 metres deep with a history of life 2400 years ago, do i have your interest piqued now?

A few more bits to help with your visit:

Okay, but now can we talk more about the food?…

Where do i start? Because i really want to get your whet your appetite. I’m a sucker for sweet things so let’s start there.

Oh, you sweet thing…

In almost every neighbourhood there is a pasticceria (pastry shop). It could be a fancy one or not but there are certain options that are to be obviously expected- and those are? Rum baba (my all time favourite), this is a soft pastry shaped like a penis/microphone (i kid you not) or champagne cork drenched in a rum syrup. Eh ehm my friend Evija thinks its shaped as a mushroom, what do you think?

Then you have your other usual suspects like the cannoli, sfogliatella and more. Where can you go get some? Head off to Gran Caffé Gambrinus. In the mood for some gelato? No, i mean some really really mind blowing memorable getalo that will carve a place in your heart and never leave? Then head to Gelateria del gallo and you will not be disappointed.

And like pizza, coffee here is a religion- this is not the place to make bad coffee. Be adventurous and try the ginseng coffee. Yes, I know; i know you probably wasn’t expecting that but it is a well known secret. I’m scratching the back of my head trying to come up with the right word to describe this…………….

If it’s a warm sunny day then try some caffe shakerato. It is an upgrade of iced coffee (depending on how and where it’s made). Some taste so good i could swear they added a dash of cream and hazelnut syrup in there.

Better than a croissant? No way!

Oh yes way! And while we’re still on the topic of coffee. Please do not start your morning with toast because it’s unforgivable. At least not when you’re here. Go to your nearest cafe and order a good shot of espresso and a cornetto. It is the more fragrant, less buttery and flaky version of a croissant. When in Rome …. you know how it goes. I have tried to make some at home but instead came up with these super soft and ambrosial orange buns for those cornetto craving moments. I once had a cornetto from a cafe conveniently close to Fran’s home in Torre Annunziata. And since then, i will not have anything else for breakfast when there. It had a mild scent of orange, with a smooth chocolate filling which when paired with a good cup of cappuccino was the only worthy way to start a morning.

I have been known to overindulge. By that I mean having dessert for breakfast, the culprit being the famously infamous graffe Napoletane. This is a donut-shaped pastry made from flour and mashed potatoes. It is then deep-fried and rolled in a generous amount of caster sugar. If you want to be really naughty you could have one with a chocolate filling. However, be warned as you may end up having more than one.

What else?

Naples is known for it’s widely acclaimed and savoured San Marzano tomatoes which are grown on the foothills of volcanic mount Vesuvius. (Rumor has it that it’s the rich soil, sun and air from the sea that give these tomatoes their inimitable characteristics). It also boasts mozzarella di bufala which most love to enjoy fresh. Served with tomato, basil, a light drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If soft and milky isn’t up your alley then you have the option of mozzarella affumicatta (smoked mozzarella) which i am getting emotional just thinking off.

Yes, we couldn’t leave without mention of Pizza. The typical one in Naples is quite soft and elastic. Has raised edges with signs of charred dough from baking in an extremely hot stone oven. Your usual topping is mozzarella di bufala and tomato with fresh basil leaves. Somewhat like a Napoletana pizza but NOT quite!

It’s the holy grail of pizza!

Let’s get one thing straight, pizza Napoletana is not just pizza, it is a huge deal! Big enough that there are specifications you must follow in order to call your pizza Napoletana. What are they? The dough has to be made with soft wheat flour type “00”, topped with either San Marzano or Roma tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala campagnia which is also DOP (Protected Designation of Origin”) protected. You would have to stretch it by hand maintaining a height of 1-2cm on the border and not over 0.4cm in the centre. After which it must be baked between 60-90 seconds in a wooden fire oven and not more. Pizza Napoletana is highly regarded and was included in UNESCO’S list of intangible cultural heritage.

But there’s more

However pizza evolved decades ago into pizza fritta, meaning fried pizza which is inexplicably decadent! Made well, it will have a light golden thin dough. And when you bite into it a stream of tomato mixed with milky mozzarella flows over. I like to smuggle in a leaf or two of basil for a fresh and peppery scent. You absolutely must try this succulent street food before you leave. And my other guilty pleasure is served in a paper cone. Heaped with golden crispy battered fried seafood and something i cannot get enough of: fried dough. How something so simple could be so delicious is beyond me.

Iconic pizzeria’s to visit are Sorbillo, but prepare to wait a while if you don’t make it by the time they open their doors. And please don’t think of straying to the tempting stores close by for souvenirs. Why? Well, once your table is ready and you’re nowhere to be found it’s back of the queue for you. I’m almost sure no one else will be willing to let you skip the line- sorry. Now if you thought good food is synonymous to high end interior design then this next place will prove you wrong. It also goes to prove that you can choose one thing, do it so well and people will see the value and appreciate it. This place is Pizzeria da Michelle, it’s a small humble restaurant in a busy chaotic city centre that has only 2 (marinara or margherita pizza) options in their menu.

Nope it’s not over yet. Come over in Christmas and you will will get fattened from the hours on end lunches and dinners which end in Neapolitan Christmas cookies that are worth losing a tooth for.

It’s hard to pick just one that i like to dig my teeth into. There’s brutti mi buoni (which means “ugly but good/nice). They are made of nuts, egg whites and sugar. If you prefer something more chocolatey there’s Mostaccioli which are tough as a brick and oh sooo good!!!! Made with a spice mix, usual cookie suspects: sugar, flour and its all then dipped in fine chocolate after baking. So pack your bags and consider the possibility that you may not want to go back home.

Decades ago, while flipping through a novel you might have run into an ad here or there. I was in my teens and lived what seems like every waking moment reading one romantic novel after another. I could never seem to get enough. Then one day I came across an advertisement featuring a woman with her back to the audience seemingly lost in thought. Showing off this long dark and luscious mane that went all the way down to her waistline. In front of her were shrubs against a wall with yellow, orange and what seemed like purple flowers. The caption read: “she’s gone to Capri and she’s not coming back”. 

This post does not delve into where to go, what to do and where to eat or stay. It’s just a short ramble of my few hours there.

I kept wondering why?

The words stuck with me, intrigued me to a point of obsession for a number of days. I missed the point that it was a cigarette ad. I just wanted to know what it was about Capri that was so captivating that she didn’t want to go back? What was so special about it?

The more I read about it the more absorbed I became and made a promise to myself. I would one day visit this place that had filled my mind with all soughts of fantasies.

I had unfortunately not considered one major detail? We would need to take a boat so that means garnering the courage to face my fear of large water bodies. Cut a long story short, it was worth it- even thought the visit was only a few hours long. 

It goes without saying that the island is picturesque. And yes, it can seem like a rich man’s playground. As you walk through the narrow streets it’s hard to miss faces of celebrities plastered on restaurant doorways. A little temptation perhaps of who you might have a chance meeting while dining with them. Would i live there? I don’t think so.

Why? Because it’s chilled out; and in my mind- the place to spend a few days relaxing. It’s too far from other places and the idea of travelling by boat every so often is far from appealing. But then again, perhaps it might just be the place to retire. Would i go back, definitely because a few hours was absolutely not enough!