Woke up feeling much better. After breakfast, we hopped in a cab and then took the cable car up to the medieval town of Erice. It was beautiful! Old castle, Temple of Venus and incredible views!
Wandered through gardens and small alleyways, trying to avoid the tourists as much as possible. Found what was purported to be the best pastry shop in all of Sicily, and after picking about 5 or 6 items, Michael asked if that was good for a starter. N.O. I’m going until I’m done!
We found a little table in a garden area out back and sampled a few, and then decided to save the rest for the boat and after lunch.
We dined in a nice place situated in a former monastery. Yummy pasta and seafood all around. Some sample sights:
Headed back down,
and one group walked back through neighborhoods, while Michael and I took a cab back. We returned to the most scrumptious smells in the boat; Settimio had been at it again, this time making Genovese, which requires 6 hours of cooking meat with veggies and then serving the tender portions with a side of pasta.
Oh my! The sauce was incredible and I stuffed myself silly. Wonderful to have a chef right on board!
Next morning we set sail for San Vito Lo Capo. Docked – with help from a couple of he-men:
We explored town and purchased some supplies for the boat. Always fresh bread! Settimio cooked filet with cream sauce and peppercorns for us, and we toasted with some yummy Veuve Cliquot that Tay bought me for my birthday:
And we enjoyed some after dinner boggle:
The next day was chill…Lance and I rented a scooter and headed along the coast all the way to a national preserve. Turned around and rode back, enjoying the views and the quiet time immensely. Dinner at a place I researched, but was disappointing. No matter…Found a pasticciera that warranted several visits so we could try everything they had to offer. Such a great project!
Next morning was time to prep for new visitors. Spent time changing sheets, towels, washing and vacuuming. A bit more provisioning and I still had time to hit the beach for about an hour. Mom, Stacey and Jeff came rolling along the beach about 1 pm and after introductions and getting settled, we all enjoyed lunch – cooked by me! – and then had a long, 12 hour sale/motor to Filicudi, a small island in the Aeolian Islands, to moor and spend the night.
Next morning we disembarked and walked the 50 feet of the main street and then were ready to leave. It took longer to get off and on the boat than it did to see the town!
Headed over to Salina and checked into the marina. Had a lovely lunch at Porto Bella, which was right on the beach. Stellar octopus carpaccio.
Wandered through town and relaxed. No one felt like going out, so we had dinner on the boat, Chef Settimio preparing some pasta carbonara for us. Mellow evening and a good night’s rest.
Monday we all rented scooters and minicars and cruised along the road to the next town on the island, called Malfa. Was really fun being out and about. Wandered through the little street there and followed signs to a winery that produced olive oil as well, but they were closed for the season. Headed back to town and to the other side to Da Alfredo, for a recommended granita, as well as pane open-faced sandwiches. They were something else; topped with caprese salad, radicchio and fresh anchovies, grilled zucchini and salad, etc etc.
Mmmm good. Then dropped scooters back and headed to the boat for the killer 15-hours long sail/motor to Capri. It was really, really rough, but we have patches, wristbands and xamamina and everyone fares much better than two nights earlier. I still have to sit watch at my spot up front and eat nothing, but the sights are beautiful and by 11 I’m fine and headed to sleep. We arrive and anchor in the bay at Capri about 4 am. Phew!