After a horrible night's sleep (our hotel in Sicily didn't believe in blankets and the bedspread was lighter than our sheet - plus a horrendous thunderstorm), we were on the road before 10 o'clock this morning. Our destination was the airport in Catania. Lou's cousin had called to advise him that there had been flooding in Catania and flights had been canceled. We checked our flight and that was still showing on time. Figuring there could be flooding on the roads, we decided to head straight for Catania. Ciao Milazzo.
There was probably one spot on the autostrada that had damage from last night's rain. Otherwise all the lane closures - and there were many - seemed to have been there quite a while. One section of the road had grass growing between the cracks. Tell me they're working on that road!
At about 11:15, we were about 30 minutes away from the airport. We're the type of people who like to get to the airport early. But for a 5 pm flight that was even way too early for us. We were right near Taoromina but that was too ambitious for a quick stop. We decided to stop playing n Giardini Naxos and stroll along the beach.
Perfect choice. The sun was out, there were shops to look in, and unlike the last time we were there, many of the ristorantes were open for lunch. We spent about two hours then and then continued on to Catania.
Turned in our car, checked in our bags (I was so worried about weight and we were fine) and had time for a pit stop and a drink before boarding. The check-in attendant told us we'd be boarding at 4:20. At 4:10 we left the bar and walked over towards the gate. There was a crazy long, long line already. We wondered if we'd missed out on some instructions!
Once on the plane, Lou started chatting to the flight attendant. I missed the beginning of their conversation but the part where my ears perked up was when Frank told Lou he was born in Brooklyn to Sicilian parents and in 1987 his parents decided to move back to Sicily. He said he misses salad bars in New Hersey, of all things.
The flight was uneventful as was our arrival in Milan. Our airport hotel sent a shuttle to pick us up. Then the same shuttle driver dropped us off at a local pizzeria for our final Italian dinner. Last night to sleep in a hotel. Tomorrow night I'll be sleeping in my own bed.
This blog is not complete. I still have to finish my post for my hiking day earlier in the month. I have photos to post for days (like today) when I had wonky Internet. And I feel the need to give overall impressions which I'll do by category.
Until then, buona notte.
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