Favignana, a Gem in the Tyrrhenian Sea

Something drew us here to this precious gem of an island just twenty-eight miles from Trapany, Sicily (Aliyah hates it when I say things like, "we were drawn here"- like something deep and very cosmic is gathering like a storm, pushing us from some ancient source)-(I counter with my standard, "Lower Merion kids are strictly mechanical writers- and like that, the ball keeps rolling). Sitting in the hydrofoil excursion was a lot like taking off in a jet, and for me after my horrendous experience on Lufthansa flying over here, extremely more comfortable. The water here is crystal clear and the rock formations are spectacular with many secret passages that can be explored. At the top of an extremely high mountain is another Norman\Muslim fortress, so tomorrow, God willing, Aliyah and I will rent Vespa's and conquer the top of it. There is no cable car, so that is how it's done here. There are some cars, but Vespas and bicycles are the most popular means of transportation. Of course, at the dock the luxurious Italian and French mega yachts tie up here for the night. (I am now dressing like the Captain on Gilligan's Island)

We spent most of this glorious day basking in the sunshine watching the fisherman come and go. This is the tuna capital of Italy and every little bar\cafe and specialty shop has everything tuna or (tonna) for sale. I saw a truck unloading some frozen ones onto a forklift one at a time. They were all about the size of a queen sized mattress, but longer. However, I wouldn't want to sleep with one! (These kind of statements are supposed to be funny- I invented a thirty-six year teaching career out of them, constantly asking my kids, "Did you get it, did you get it?", until they screamed in utter submission, "Yes, yes, please stop, it wasn't funny, please get back to the lesson, please, we can't take it anymore, teach something once in awhile!") I guess only Tina Fey thought they were funny, so "Up Yours" Italian Style! with a few other silent Italian curses thrown in there.

Speaking of Italians and Italian curses for the fiftieth time; These Southern types are so full of life. Aliyah and I keep witnessing one funny scene or exchange after another. She is so happy that we came down here. I haven't liked the Sicilian food until I had an unbelievable tuna burger today, but the people keep us fully entertained. Maybe it is just more working class than the Tuscany folks, but they are much more like my family members to me, and, of course, everyone loves Aliyah like everyone everywhere else on this planet.(Once more, an Italian curse for you, if you do not lika my baby girl!) (And up your's again!)

We do plan to take the hydrofoil out to Marittimo, the furthest of the Egadi or Egaldi Islands in the next day or two. It is absolutely remote with only one set of condominiums for rent and a population of two hundred, but it is the best kept secret in the Tyrrhenian Sea. There are only paths there, not even suitable for Vespa's, so it is a hiking island only. I will let you know if I find the cave of the Cyclops or the lagoon of the Sirens or the bones from any of Odysseus's men!  Until then, Ciao until we Chow! (Did you get it, did you get it?)