Sicily Day Trips: Ficarra Birthday Lunch

 

This birthday was a significant one, 62 - I am eligible for social security! My benefits start in December, which is nice, but being pension-eligible does tend to make one feel a bit old. However, since moving to Italy, I feel at least 15 years younger, so that is really not bothering me. My seaside Sicilian life has provided the health benefits that I had hoped for. Yay! Since I am feeling younger, I have decided to redo my 50s - because I can - LOL!  

My friend Lori said I look carefree in this photo. I am feeling more energetic!

While life always has its ups and downs, my 50s were particularly challenging, as my mom died, I dealt with a scary illness, and I lived through our shared trauma of the pandemic. In addition, I moved 3 times, including Across the Pond to another country where I didn't speak the language. As well, I lived on the road, out of a suitcase and backpack, for over two years. While a lot of that last bit was fun and full of adventure, it also presented its difficulties.

Those who have known me a while will know that I am usually on a cruise for my birthday. It is my favorite birthday treat. This year that was not possible, but I still did something fun. My good friend Bruno offered a day out to one of the mountain towns in our region. We went out to lunch at Ristorante al Boschetto, known for its seasonal home-style cooking. Since Emily has returned home, it was extra special to have her join us.

Ficarra is a village located in the Nebrodi Mountains. It sits at 450 meters above sea level, and it is believed to be medieval in origin. 

View during our drive. I am always impressed at Bruno's ability to drive without fear in these mountains!

The restaurant is situated on beautiful grounds, surrounded by nature and gorgeous vistas.

Nearby were cork trees. I have never seen a cork tree before!

Restaurant interior was warm and inviting, with some cool decorations. Also, great service!

The food, incredible! I did not get piccies of everything. Since it is mushroom season, a few of our antipasti featured freshly foraged mushrooms. We lunched in true Italian style. I am sure we were there 3 hours!

 The vibe and scenery of these old villages are fascinating to me. I love to photograph the details. The locals probably think I am cuckoo. 

The last photo is a view of Naso from Ficarra. For Americans, Naso is famous for being the ancestral hometown of Lady Gaga. 

Back at home for the day, Emily gave me a present from Norway and France, and Mother Nature gifted me a full moon. 

It was a lovely birthday!

Updates John and Emily

The hematoma in John's incision turned out to be a larger problem than expected. At first, the surgeons thought they might have to perform another surgery to address it. However, they decided to first try a wound vacuum. Fortunately, this has been working very well, and they are talking about releasing him next week to return home for the 'waiting period'* between the temporary prosthetic and the surgery for the permanent prosthetic. Right now, John is continuing with antibiotics and PT while the bureaucracy works through making arrangements for the following at home: 1) a wound vacuum; 2) a nurse to manage the vacuum and bandage; 3) a visiting home health care aide. 

* During the minimum 2-month waiting period, John will be confined to the apartment, as he will not be able to bear weight on the leg with the temporary prosthetic. However, he is very happy to finally be heading home.

Emily is back home earlier than expected, as her probationary period with Costa did not work out. I won't get into the details, because that is her story to tell, but suffice it to say she was functioning in an unprofessional environment. Despite these challenges, she found that she really enjoyed ship life, made friends from many different places, and had some awesome travel experiences. I asked her to share a few photos from her travels.

Emily's favorite spot on the ship, the "crew beach" (deck 4). Forth Rail Bridge, Edinburgh.

Inside St. John's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh. The dog was one of Emily's favorite pictures from the Favolosa, preparing for excursions dispatch, Hammerfest, Norway.

An early morning in Alesund, Norway.

Fall colors, between Hellesylt and Geiranger, Norway. The Stalheim Hotel, about 30 minutes from Flam, Norway; the flag posed for me!

The main square, Kristiansand, Norway.

Norway is full of great views! Emily has decided she is quite fond of Norway.

The highlight of Emily's travel experience was seeing the Aurora Borealis several nights! She said it was so beautiful that it made her cry.