More family time with Pasquale and company...

Maria and Michael preparing the fish.
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Noel and I needed to go to the bus company (Labisi) that we have chartered to take the students to Segesta and Selinunte on Sunday, the 26th. I had arranged with them to hold our reservation until we arrived in Palermo to pay in cash. Pasquale, above and beyond the call of duty, insisted that he drive us there rather than leaving us to find a bus. He picked us up at 9:15 and took us to an ATM so we could withdraw the cash, then on to Labisi.

No one at the office spoke English, so between Michael, Pasquale and me, we were able to determine the route, the pick-up time and place, and pay. Pasquale then took us out for breakfast (pastries and coffee), then Noel headed off to take care of some errands and Pasquale drove us back to the apartment to gather the boys and head back out to Altavilla.

Vincenzo.
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Vincenzo and Marzia were there with Marzia’s dog, Golia (Goliath – a joke since the dog is quite small) who was suffering from the results of a bug bite and was on antibiotics. Also there were Marzia’s cousin, Evan, and his fiancé, Daniella. Pasquale had to head back to the office.

After a wonderful lunch (pasta, caponata, fried eggplant, cheese and fruit), we played cards and then went down to the beach. Jeremy was too sunburned to be in the sun and my swimsuit was in the laundry, so he and I relaxed under an umbrallone while the rest of the troop swam.

Luca and the remains of a good meal!
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After the beach, we went back to Altavilla, showered, and then dined on fresh fish (baked in foil with the head on), bread, insalata mista, various condiments (olive tapanade, carcioffi – marinated artichokes) and fruit. There was a lot of concern about Golia, who apparently had not been able to “fare la caca” – take a poop, for several days. Vincenzo and Marzia took him back to her family’s home, then returned to help transport everyone back to Palermo.

We all went on a passagiatta (evening stroll) around the Palazzo Normani and the Cathedral. We went back to the gelateria that we had visited two nights ago.

When they brought us back to our apartment, there was a large discussion about tomorrow (Sunday.) Because more students will be arriving, I had decided that I would stay at the apartment all day to make sure everything was “tutto fatto.” Pasquale was very disturbed by this --- he didn’t like the fact that I would be alone all day. We finally convinced him that I would have lots of company as the students arrived. It was agreed that he would pick up Michael and the boys at noon. Marzia’s family was coming for lunch (“pranza”) and they wished for us to meet them. I am sorry that I won’t be able to, but I am also excited to see the students as they arrive.