Sicily - Luncheon at the olive oil farm. . . . . . . .

May 7, 2017 - Baglio Fontanasalsa, Trapani, Sicily

"I miei Ospiti sono i miei Amici". . . . . . . . "All Guests are my Friends" 

With these words, Marika Burgarella welcomed us to her "Baglio", a typical 

Sicilian antique structure from the late 1700's, where tradition and culture

ensures a visit will be a most pleasant one. Tastings of the farm's products
 introduced us to the world of delicious Sicilian olive oil, wine and honey.

After leaving the hillside town of Erice, a short drive through the wildflower carpeted countryside brought us here. . . . . . . . . 

I was thrilled at this sight - an attractive dining area in one of the old barns
 on the property - already set up for our lunch following a short tour through
 the olive oil processing area with a tasting in the courtyard.

The lunch was amazing and served buffet style - so many fabulous dishes of 
appetizers, vegetables, salads, and then bowls of steaming pasta with wonderful
 sauces were brought out.

This was the fresh homemade pasta, a lady was actually rolling it right in the dining room

 and it was then cooked for our meal - I loved how it was formed, and it tasted so good.

OK, don't laugh, or gasp in horror, we are definitely not accomplished dancers!

 We were coerced by the lovely singing guitarist Irene into getting up on our

 feet - by then somewhat unsteady from the free flowing wine served with lunch. 

Nobody else would dance so we made fools of ourselves but had 

a really good time. . . . . . and thankfully didn't fall over!

Children, grandchildren - this is what we old folks get up to when out of 

your sight!!!!

Later, in the attractive courtyard under an arbor, we were served gelato and Sicilian 

Marsala wine - I admit to pouring my sweet wine over the little bowl of gelato - it was the

 perfect final touch to a memorable lunch.

Ahhh, lovely Sicily, what treasures hide behind your  ancient walls.

Erice, Sicily - Part II. . . . . . . .

Venus Castle

The Castle of Erice was built during the Norman domination in the place where there was already a pagan temple dedicated to Venus.

Looking out across the beautiful panoramic landscape of the island.

The small cobbled streets were lined with shops, restaurants and cafes.

High above that magnificent blue Mediterranean Sea looking down on Trapani.

Here you can see the winding road our tour bus took up the hillside -  cable car

not running in early morning - however we did return by the cable car so

 had two very different journeys, both of which were spectacular.

The wildflowers were magnificent here.

Coming soon - the olive oil farm and a delicious lunch.

Erice, Sicily - Part I

May 7, 2017 ~ 7:00 AM Docked in Trapani, Sicily

On another clear and sunny day we awoke to find Sea Cloud, legendary windjammer

 the 'cruise ship of millionaires', had berthed next to us overnight.

  Sadly, she sailed from the harbor later under power and we didn't get to see them set

 the sails - I imagine that's a lovely sight.

The day was promising and for the morning shore excursion we'd signed up to
 visit the medieval town of Erice balanced on the mountain top above Trapani, 
the Egadi islands and famous salt pans visible in the distance.
 There was a problem with the cable car, not mechanical thankfully, just someone
 who didn't show up for work on time! We were bussed to the top around narrow
 hairpin bends - took the cable car back down later.

When it takes me two parts to post the story of a special place, you just know I

 was out there breathing in local color, history, and taking many photos to
 share with you! Erice was such a place and I loved it.

The early morning was quiet, a lovely time to wander through the winding streets.

The Gothic style Mother Church of Erice - construction began in 1312 - was 
breathtaking. I thought this the most beautiful church interior in Sicily. 

At its heart, true treasures await the visitor, 70 precious works of silver, jewelry,
 alabaster, ivory, paintings, frescoes, sculpture, coral, gold and silk embroidery from
 the 14th to 19th centuries. 

It is known as the city's museum and I could see why.

More later on this lovely morning in Erice. . . . . . castles and wildflowers, views across 

the Mediterranean, the olive farm for a most memorable Italian lunch!