Pippo The Plant Man

I'm back in Sicily! After an uneventful trip, including my luggage and I arriving at the same time, I have settled back into what feels like a very familiar and comfortable scenario. In many ways, it seems like I never left. The day started with a craving for a cup of Joe, better known here as cappuccino. We have visited this "bar" so many times that the man making the drinks remembered I like decaf. I resisted the "dolce" because I know I will have many opportunities to savor the myriad of pastries ever-present.



As we headed to the base to do some errands, a plant vendor on the side of the road caught my eye because of a long-sought-after display of magenta-colored bougainvillea for sale. Drop-dead gorgeous! I finally convinced Maryellen that her yard would be enhanced with this show of color. After selecting two (and some basil, a hibiscus, and a Mexican heather), guess whose job it was to plant them before we leave for the weekend? Jet lag or no jet lag, those specimens are already in the ground, reaching for the sun. Pippo was delighted with our American charm, our apparent interest in speaking his language, and abundant purchases, and graciously agreed to let me take a photo.

We made the rounds, stopping first to have a drink with Tony, Maryellen's auto mechanic, a true Sicilian gentleman who lived in NJ for many years. He understands it completely when you say "fuhgedaboudit"! Then on to Monika, Maryellen's hair stylist, a German woman who also speaks perfect Italian and English. I'm so envious of these bi and tri-lingual people. Maryellen got a haircut on the spot, so our spontaneity paid off in many ways today.

Our return home was complete with a visit from our friends, Rob and Jacque, who live across the street. So......let the games begin. I'm here again, and want to make the most of every minute, every day.