Caltanissetta

 I had the opportunity to get out of they city this weekend and go home with one of my dear friends, Valeria. Here she is pictured above. This girl has been one of my favorite people since I arrived in Palermo and we have become great friends. I'm so thankful she welcomed me into her home, even though I had to climb 5 flights of stairs to get there (the elevator isn't finished yet) and let me experience a few days with her family and friends. It was an amazing time.

I arrived by bus with Valeria's cousin (also a resident at RUME), Roberta on Friday afternoon. We stopped by where their family works. They make and sell cabinetry. A pretty cool place - and of course, the whole family works together.

She took me around the city on Friday evening, we went to an awesome pub called Muddy's, a classic rock and roll place. They played great music like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Twist and Shout" - that kind of stuff. It was great. We had a couple beers and then called it a night.

We went shopping on Saturday and I bought the most amazing stevalli, also known as boots :) They were having a sale - half price!!! I already had a pre-existing obsession with boots...seeing them 50% off...I just had to!!! Needless to say, they made a great addition to my italian boot collection...

Saturday afternoon, we had lunch on the terrace...somehow, English lessons always come into dinner conversation. This particular one was my favorite...but, first let me explain that in Italy, it's not as inappropriate to swear at the table/in front of your parents/etc. Anyway, Valeria asked me how to say "asshole"...that was followed by a buuunch of repetitions...by everyone...it was hilarious...especially since "asshole" is apparently really difficult for Italians to pronounce correctly....I'm pretty sure I even got to say "Ok!!! Altogether now!!! 'Asshole!'" Hahaha...oh my life!!!

The bus ride home was amazing. I am still blown away by how beautiful this island is. Sicily is such a special place. The people, the mountains, the weather, the sea. It is absolutely fantastic. I wake up in the morning and still can't believe I'm here. I am so incredibly blessed. There are these moments during the day, like last night, I was walking down just a quiet street with a group of girls in front of me and groups of girls behind me, and I was alone just looking at the balconies. Looking at the clotheslines stretching from one terrace to another. The moon was almost full and the stars were out. Just in that moment, I couldn't believe where I was walking. I couldn't believe what my eyes were taking in. I cannot capture moments like that to share...pictures don't do it justice. Neither do my words. It's something that is for me and for me alone...and I almost like it better that way.

I am so in love with this island.