#247: Sicily and I – the first 18 Days

Now I am 18 Days of Sicily and what are my findings? Sicily is worth a visit, especially for someone with child, Children and whether alone or as a family. I especially with my Principe alone are only helpful, taken very friendly and open-minded people. I know such’ a hospitality only from the Balkans. And I love to travel and maintain, I've seen a lot, especially in Europe, apart from a bit of North America.

I even have a subjective feeling, I am not an issue for thieves. I speak only of, because I before my trip several times in front of car thefts, Handbag thefts and thefts have been warned in general.

And the way you eat is made to all impossible Gusto and desires of young consideration. Like yesterday a pizza without cheese and tomato sauce, but with bacon and salami. The main thing is eating the child. Also Agroturismo Montalbano the Nonna was very keen, that the sick child eats. I have rarely – and we were the only 2 Guests – seen such a richly filled breakfast table. Starting with the freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade jams, Cake, Pies, Biscuits, Biskotten, Bacon and salami, Cheese and I'm not sure, if I did not forget anything. Damage, that the restaurant had closed for the evening time, I would like to try it extremely.

Of course, I would also like to go in the evening swanky, with wine and fancy food and I'm sure, that it is possible to Sicily. Add Castellammare there were great restaurants, which are frequented by locals in the area and my 3 Trips there have also paid more than, only one drinks stop with child just a glass of, for the fish dishes I have compensated. And that my Great became ill, it can also nothing.

Also visits with children may run (?) different from, and I can not say, because both children find old stones cool, Churches and works explained and if I get it now alone (the Public) would do differently, I do not know, for that I am perhaps too long with child on the way.

#246: Sicily and I – the glass must be half full

… because I can not fly! After last night, they began to 1:45 felt and lasted half an hour, I thought, well then it will probably not be and have prepared myself for a return trip, but that was before the phone with our best pediatrician (on the spot), the prepared me mentally it, that I can not fly and will. Infection, Load, etc.. usf., but he gave me a few tips, I could do the, make it the pustule beside me feel better.

Inotyol for example,, I always have along, I can lubricate the pustules, so that they dry out faster. Antihistamine also so I get up and persevere with Mexalen, Parkemed or Neureflex.

Great is our WhatsApp group “Group of children”, where the former Mamas Mamas and out of the house with their experience and above all encouragement to offer support. Drive today in a erborista, yes there are specialty shops as well as pharmacies for herbs, to me a white Heilerde (Tip of S.) and globules D12 (Tip of E.) pick up, if everyone then no longer helps, I drink a Coke Zero and hope for the helicopter, who then brings us home 😉 (the fantasies could be lack of sleep).

I see the glass half full, remains me also no choice!

#245: Sicily and I – what can i say

What can I say, since 2 Days is my 5 year old Big sick with the Feuchtblattern. The first 3 Days were back then with my princess a bad trip and I have at that time a vaccine for this disease children desired. Today there is one and I wanted to get vaccinated before my junior, because we start in September with the school and … and now it is too late and that then also in Sicily.

Because there is not on our white tincture Sicily (Cutimix), which also are so soothing. For the fever and the itch I am well equipped – I brought from Vienna – but this very itch pain are additionally alleviated by the tincture. I was in 4 (!) Pharmacies and no one could help me, I Babyremen, Get zinc powder for the butt and finally now Zovirax, because in the third pharmacy a very helpful pharmacist has just recommended me this, after it has found in the content tab nothing.

This helpfulness and openness is the, that helps me, half full glass that. At the pharmacy, I was already built very close to the water, after he had thrust straight back, and the lady without fear approached both him and me and received. Or the neighbor of our Agroturismo, after we have inadvertently explores his property, are 2 large dogs barking running towards us (mine is already on the outward journey the sign “Private property” noticed) and the owner came back parts:, of us then not only kindly re shown the way, He has equipped us with oranges and tangerines and noted, that whenever we need something easy to get.

Now I'm waiting times from the next night, and then we will see, if I come home yet previously, or whether we travel further. Depending on, whether the glass just half full or half but … is.

#244: Sicily and I – full of impressions part 2

Another veritable adventure was my visit to the nearby Terme Gorgo. It started once with it, I have entered my precautionary route in my navigation, because it is indeed only a 28 minute drive acted, but what you already know … Well, and then it was not 28 Minutes but over 1 1/2 Hours. I landed in the first route guidance in the middle of the vineyards Alcamo on a path, which led to a farther agricultural road. My Goal – Train Station Alacamo – was, according to my Navis in reality a vineyard, where around a few sheep grazed. Then I gave a another destination, a road, which should be close to the Terme Gorky and so I went on a few detours to Alcamo in, to be passed over a road, who was just at least so therefore marked as construction. But since I have already adjusted myself in my driving style the Italians good (finally, in Palermo, I'm on the sidewalk on a one-lane one-way street with 2 Counterparts and 1em auto emerged beside me as the winner) I am of course (!) driven on this road and of course (!) 4 other italian cars for me. After about 20 Meters have I cursed myself (the 4 Cars behind me probably me), as the road beside just wide enough for my Ford Fiesta and the section 1 Meters was dug deep. 50 – 100 Meters met me a wider car (on my Trail), but had the opportunity (I still do not know how) to find a job, to stand next to me and tell me, it down there “Closed” is. So I took a driveway a few meters to turn around and wanted to give the cars behind me the opportunity, to do the same to me. But Italians are now not even Italians, if they did not know better (especially when driving), So they went bravely continued, and I turned around and the best part was, no one came to meet me.

So I decided on the Navi to whistle. Who needs such a damn, I with my odyssey some old rusted characters (what would have been warning enough to be) had seen, which referred to the terms Gorki. The starting point was then the Motorway, where I ago 1 Hour and 20 Minutes'm already left for the first time and then from there it was really just more 15 Minutes …

Well, and then, then came the real surprise, a building from the 70s – allegedly in these terms Daedalus already have bathed – that has not seen a renovation since the 1970s. But we are prepared to not let us scare times, maybe it's just from the outside so. And they build indeed just … Indoors, it is just before 12 Clock, everything is still in the 100-year sleep. No coffee, the engine is not yet warmed up, but I could have from a thermos flask (for free), the pool outside is admitted even halfway, it is just everything for the 14. 2 prepared. I hope, that the water is cloudy due to the sulfur, that you can not see the cracks and wild Farbübermalungen. The images for Balnea therapy look nice and my multiple question, whether they have to really open … nods felt the 100th man to, I can gladly make everything today. Junior and I seem to be the only guests. So I take the Balnea therapy, is a sulfur bath for me and him, in an oversized bathtub in a room for two of us alone. On the way there we meet more people, the thoroughly scrub the floor and clean everything (for whoever). We get a room assigned and screams 1970s Schick just as accommodating, but still people are there to make ravishing in their efforts us all right.

And what can I say, we two had a lot of fun, have set the space under water, have been able to abate water, as we wanted and time for us to put us both. It does not always have a water slide, it has completely enough for more than an hour to spend us an oversized bathtub in a thermal water. It is rather the, what you make it. “The world belongs to the brave” #mytrip_tosicily

#243: Sicily and I – full of impressions

The last days were full of adventures and experiences, who have impressed me deeply. Above all, getting to know Louisa and Mauricio, who rented my apartment in Castellammare del Golf. House Madrice, is central not only to the position, it is primarily the Owner, give you the feeling, that is the heart of Welcome.

Luisa operates in Alcamo a private kindergarten, of the 8 Clock in the morning to 8 Clock is open in the evening and take care of children under one year, because it is simply necessary. Not only, that he is very spacious, Crib, Lounge / Creative room and games room with bouncy castles and climbing frames, In summer there is a small open space. Of course there is not the green open spaces, as with us, but out of necessity a virtue is made and each corner is used. The boxes are packed with cars and toys. There are theaters and sometimes even cotton candy (not today, unfortunately, ;)). A kitchen for breakfast, Snack and lunch and snacks in between. Pushchairs, Maxi Cosi, Rockers and the toilets are prepared for the little ones. If you often in cities like Alcamo sees the houses from the outside, expected not such spaces inside. When we order 3 Clock arrived, were already many children picked up and the rest – up to Carlotta – sleeping, because most children up to 4 or. 5/6 sleep. It is a completely different sense of time here. There was Louisa fascinating, such as children in our nursery schools have bedtime or. Ever go to sleep at night. Carlotta was fascinated for the Junior, how can that be otherwise, when a man appears, of a pretty young lady, the cold shoulder (This seems to work even at this age.)

I was so much warmth simply blown away. Not only, I was just invited so and got to play my little Big, his pants was a simple affair quickly repaired the nearest Schneider (its button on the jeans was broken) and I was introduced to the art of coffee making in their above-situated apartment. We have agreed means of an application on your phone, it has first installed this week on the advice of your daughter, While I understand some, but with the saying there is such a thing. I can only say: Thanks Louisa!

#242: Sicily and I – the living

Driving in Sicily is not for the faint of heart, even if only 2 Traces are displayed, it can happen, that at least 3 Between drive cars including dual companions before one or Palermo are these 3 Vehicles then just next to a. In general, the driving is like here a, “Show, what others are doing”, I rarely so many useless red, flashing or green traffic lights have seen. Of course, the cars have here all a few scratches or dents, which I attribute but more to the parking, since there is no parking, seems even remotely too small, Not because the one is then stop only half indoors, parallel in the second track or just to the millimeter inside. Accidents I've (knock on wood) seen, and all rare expensive cars (whether the Mafia are?).

This is disappointing anyway with the Mafia, anywhere you see cordoned Villas, give at least subjectively feel, that someone could live. My next experience was almost yesterday as a more senior elderly – very well maintained – Man with expensive long blue cashmere coat came to meet me, accompanied by two young men in leather jacket on the one in front and the other behind him none has directly addressed.

Well in February, it is also a bit colder, not under Tags, since it is in the sun with the 15 City (once even 20 City) very pleasant and we have already eaten a few Gelatti. However, at night in the apartments, to keep the cold (sensational summer), a major disadvantage, particularly, as many apartments regulate their electricity or simply have too few Heizmöglichkeit. And thus I have so far had very few pleasant nights, because a place is probably really more likely to recommend, but I like it just, when I get on the surrounding markets some fresh bread and fruit and vegetables, a quality, I really miss getting back in Vienna. Also Fleischerein are everywhere around the corner and the fish markets bring from 8 Clock in the morning fish from the fishermen. Good Austria has no sea, but sufficient farmers, Farmers and Gärtnerein. And I'm lucky, I have the nursery Ganger in my area, where I always get my vegetables, or a farmer, the biweekly comes into the house. But the diversity, the ambience of a market can not be replaced.

#241: Sicily and I – Ragusa

Ragusa was until now my personal highlight, a city in rocks built between rocky gorges. Alone should be added to get there you have no fear of heights. Ragusa Ilbla the lower city, which is accessed mainly by stairs. It works its way up slowly and then eventually arrive at the Duomo.

Then you go slowly back down and comes to a public garden, the buildings are the further you get away from the Ibla, the more the city gets its baroque character. From the public garden extends an expansive view of the surroundings of Ragusa, which is dominated by agriculture especially. We also went around, mainly because the design is impressive and reflects much of the, has to look like an ideal typical Italian town.

But impressive is the post office in Ragusa, not because of the architectural design, but because of the work ethic. Since I needed Stamps, yes i know, who writes today (!?!), I went to the post office open in Ragusa. We write each vacation one or more postcards, although they always arrive until sometime, but wrote me a lot of love and spelling mistakes. In any case, in this post office NOTHING was going, but both switches open and I went to the counter with the letter characters, whereupon I was referred to the switch for the money. The second switch happened sometimes not much, she looked with a serenity in her book into, if she had the stamps. The 0,70 Just out of € Stamps (!) were, she asked me, if I really wanted to Stamps. On my affirmative answer again was surprised to see the question and the second lady, whether they had any, only they wanted to ignore clear, So she got up, to go slowly in the back room. She spent at least 5 Minutes, then with a HALF (!) Come back sheet – demand is not very fast. Put it on, and took the time being once the 0,25 € postage stamps, thereof 4 Piece, because i 4 required. Scanned it and asked me, if I really 4 Required stamps for Austria. With a beaming smile I just nodded, snotty because now I can not even respond to Italian. So she opened the 0,70 € yet again and got me 4 Piece to then scan them to me and finally for sale. I think, I have therefore identified the most exciting part of their daily work, as she savored it.

#240: Sicily and I – Known

Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's a beautiful, idyllic town, which there is little notes, that it was built on schedule, strictly on a rectangular grid and everything with light travertine. That they start the 18. Century was built, is evident from the baroque construction. It is to me personally almost too smart and too straight, than that it affects me personally. Fast so, as if the architects have deliberately put the city in the most beautiful clothes, without regard to character or personality.

Hingegen Noto Antica, the city proper was 1693 destroyed by an earthquake and thus built up again elsewhere. It is located a few kilometers away and wants to get you drive at a monastery “Santa Maria Arch” past, that since the 18 Century is no longer used as a monastery. The monastery acts, like an old 2nd world war film from the ride there and the panoramic views you get the feeling, that equal a few German SUVs could come around the corner and the monastery would be the scene of a liberation of.

Noto Antica also ideal for climbing and exploring. A watchtower seems to be still recognizable and compared with a necropolis was found, a city of the dead in the Middle Ages. In summer, this place seems to be a popular destination for Sicilians, because open grills available. Something macabre, considering, where eaten.

If out of season so we are also driven to the beach and Lido di Noto is probably one of the few sandy beaches (Vulkaninsel!). With 20 Degrees and sunshine can not go into the sea to, but sitting in the sand and enjoy the sun.

#239: Sicily and I – Etna and the surrounding area

Catania I'm less enthusiastic, and I especially recommend the La Macceriella the fish market to eat. Before that you should definitely go to the bar next to it to drink an aperitif. I have rarely eaten so good fish. And the Dopo Teatro near the opera is mainly visited late at night by the Italians, to still eat fast Panini, everything is freshly grilled and fried the sausages over the pistachio rissoles. And coffee you can drink everywhere anyway, that will probably be the, what will be the worst, when I come back.

From Etna we have unfortunately seen little, as the road was closed at Etna South, due to heavy levels of snowfall and the other road was passable only with snow chains, what now not so was one of our standard equipment and I also wanted to buy any from street vendors. Nevertheless, we are stopped on the street and climbed into the lava, to collect stones. And if you go to Taormina, you can get beautiful views of Mount Etna, when he comes out again from the fog. The Etna is the only mountain world – allegedly – a ski slope with views of the sea.

Taormina is really a beautiful place and must, especially in the early summer of Isola Bella a hotspot Sicily be. In the Greek theater there are operas and the view is absolutely stunning and was also one of those moments, where you can breathe deeply and let yourself fall in a moment of tranquility and beauty of the moment.

#238: Sicily and I – Catania

Now I'm almost a week in Sicily and I must say, the island and I are not really warm to each other. Maybe it's because, that we do not have as much luck with the accommodations. In Catania, our apartment was a room, which was not really warm in Syracuse, although it is a real apartment, for the flow is throttled by the landlord, so that we alone on the first night at least 10 had to run down times, the backup switch again (more than two electronic devices can not cope with the circuit and hot water alone already consumed 3/4) and since today swims the bathroom, if one uses the flushing of the toilet.

And yet it is not alone. Maybe it was because, that I first met at Catania. The second-largest city in Italy, which allows it to expire so many beautiful old houses. In the old town there are more than a dilapidated ruin, you realize just, that Sicily is the poorest in Italy. Between the 30. January and the 05. February is commemorated throughout the city of St. Agata. At any corners are altars, which are worn by young men and accompanied with a loud brass bands. It's almost as, that one hopes, that they now also solves all problems, so enthusiastic and passionate is celebrated the day of worship here. Even the churches are well attended. This ritualization leaves a strange aftertaste in a city, the much more pressing problems has to solve.