Time to Say Goodbye

And just like that, my time in Sicily and my month in Italy has come to an end.  It always amazes me how quickly the time passes.  It practically feels like I just arrived, and now here I am, at the end of my last full day.  I can’t complain one bit though, I have truly had an amazing adventure.

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So I started today outside in the sunshine, as I have so many mornings here on the farm.  It is such a nice and peaceful way to start the day.  Halfway through my cup of tea, a car pulled up, and it was Irene and Mario, bringing over a huge tray of my favorite pastries.  They wanted to make sure that I had one more cartoccio (or maybe two) before leaving Sicily.  (And also, they came over ready to cook.  They wanted to give me a true Sicilian style barbecue as my sendoff.  SO thoughtful!)

cartoccio. . .basically Sicily and God’s gift to me

Mario got the grill going real hot, Pino ran out for some more wine (and I seriously wish that I was joking), and I did what apparently is my special talent here in Italy. . .I ate.

I tried my best to help with the cooking, but the relatives would barely let me touch anything.  They are so generous in all that they do, and they truly made me feel so very loved and taken care of.  To be honest, I have kind of felt like an Italian princess all week.

Mario and Mario

Today’s feast?  Barbecued meats – stuffed meats, meats stuffed with meats, sausages – basically anything that was a part of the meat group was on the menu.  And of course, everything was delicious.  I swear that everything that I have eaten on this trip has been my latest favorite meal.

The funny thing about today’s lunch, was that it was actually supposed to be a “light lunch” because we had dinner plans as well.  Well, we all know how that light lunch thing goes in Italy.  Anyways, rounds of meats, breads, cheeses, another good lot of wine, and a platter of cartoccio later. . .we were stuffed.  But there’s always room for a little Prosecco, right?!?

With practically all of the food and wine finished, it was time to clean up and get ready for dinner.  (I wish I was joking.)  The nice thing about these long lunches, is that they are long and relaxing.  The downside is that you basically need to be ready to eat again right away.

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Tonight was set to be yet another feast.  Irene had heard that I had never had some of the famous little savory pastries from Termini Imerese, and so she insisted that we plan a dinner of them – tiny little fried and baked pockets of cheese and meats?  Sign me up!

Pierina with a giant tray of the famous Sicilian arancini

tiny little sfincione

Irene with her favorite – bolognese stuffed brioche rolls

They loaded up my plate with one of everything, and then they all sat in eager anticipation to see what my favorite would be.  It seems like everyone had a different favorite, and was hoping that I would pick theirs as my winner as well.

My winner?  The bolognese stuffed brioche roll hands down.  (Which Irene was delighted that I chose her favorite.)  And me?  Well, I couldn’t be leaving any happier.  This whole month has been such a wonderful adventure.  I have been to so many new places, tried so many new things, and lived every single day.  This trip has truly been la mia bella vita.