Last full day in Biancavilla
Last day here means a thorough wipe-down of everything, including the bathroom I don't use. The latter was unpleasant.
For a break, I decided to walk, and Joe came along. We ran into the monthly-elevator-check guy, and the ever-vivacious Mariella.
Off to Ai Maidda for a caffè and a sweet. Though it looked open, the door wouldn't budge. We kept going, up and around and back to v.V. Emmanuele, where I pointed out v. Dusmet as a shortcut to v. Cristoforo Colombo, up a short flight of sidewalk stairs. Up there would be Crispi, from where the tavola calda were bought for Ettore's party, and further down, Bar Colombo. Let's go there. Joe said, Nah; I'll just see you at home. Well ok, then. (I'm more of a walker than he is).
It's a gorgeous warm and sunny day. Outside Crispi was a table of uniformed guys, all having a beer (or two). I wondered if they just finished a night shift somewhere. The hospital is across the big intersection; that could be their workplace. I didn't really want to go in there solo for a caffè, so I kept walking.
I had my head in the clouds, thinking as I'm moving along, and realized I passed Bar Colombo a ways back. There are plenty of kiosks for caffè and snacks, but the mood was gone.
I remembered Bucolo pharmacy on v.V. Emmanuele, and seeing some pretty tea things in the window last night. I thought it would be a nice little momento to buy for Mariella. She has girlfriend tea parties. I also got ornaments filled with candy for the three women in the building. The clerk wrapped everything beautifully, even though the place was closing up for lunch. She stayed late to package it all prettily. I apologized for the delay to her lunch, and thanked her profusely.
Out onto the street, the City's Christmas decoration team was at work. Lights and decorations are setting up over the street, and the Piazza Roma has its tree. I don't know if we'll see it lit up tonight, but I hope so!
Home for lunch; leftover pasta, salad, bread, prosciutto. Finish the cleaning and last-minute sock washing.
I popped onto the chair, thinking about a nap, when we heard a light tap on the door.
"Matteo," Joe said, as he tiptoed to the door to surprise him.
Matteo told Joe for the millionth time, "Siediti qua," so he went to the recliner-ejector chair once again. After which Joe wrangled Matteo, who came running to my lap for protection and a hug, for about two seconds, before he went back for more.
I don't know why this moment in particular, but one of the sweetest memories from this trip is when I gave Matteo a glass of water in a Pyrex coffee cup (low, sturdy). He looked at it and said, huh... water in a cup! Ma dai... L'acqua in tazza! He took a sip, then fixed those big brown eyes on me, and asked, softly, Che tazza è la tua tazza? What cup is your cup? He wanted to see it, and smiled when I showed him.
Rodi came up and collected Matteo for his nap. Now Joe and I can quickly go over upcoming accommodations and make tweaks — Taranto looks more fun than I initially thought.
I contacted Davide, who wanted to meet us in Sicily and bring his motorcycle; I let him know we're leaving early, but will be in Calabria, Puglia, and Molise. He may meet up with us somewhere. I'm tempted to suggest Arco Magno, since it may be easiest for him to get to. But we're only there one night.
Elena calls up from the stairwell. "Kahren!!! Kahren!!!" Ettore opened his gift from us, and seems excited about the Stomp Rocket. I also bought a water magic Where's Waldo-ish interactive book, and a children's Star Wars book set. I hope we can read them together next visit.
Speaking of next visit, our friends Lynn and Daniel are trying to coordinate with us for a Sicily visit. This is too hard by text. I need to call. Maybe when on the road tomorrow.
Tonight we walked to see if Christmas lights were lit over the streets. Sadly, no. We continued on to Bar Cristal for a drink and the accompanying filling aperitivi. My phone rang. Mariella says Fina is at her house and wants to see us before we leave.
We walked in the main door, and Raky poked her head out of their door and said, come in, we have something for you. I ran up and got her little ornament gift and our unopened guanciale to exchange.
They bought us two ornaments; Sant'Agata and the Trinacria. Also a key holder with a Sicilian proverb, and a beautiful cutting board featuring an Orlando illustration lasered onto it.
Giovanna, Fina, Elena, and the kids tumbled in, and Mariella magically appeared (when did she leave?) with two panettone. We all invaded Teresa and Alessandro's place and ate. Ettore wanted Coca Cola, which Fina started to pour for him. Mariella said he'd be awake. "È poco!" she said, and gave it to him anyway, while Matteo proclaimed, "Bevo solo vino!" I drink only wine! He's three. Where does he come up with this stuff??
We bustled out as fast as we went in, going back to Mariella's kitchen to hang out with Fina and Giovanna. Giuseppe Greco joined us for a while, then Vincenzo came home and we gave hugs.
The Christmas lights weren't on over the streets or in the square yet, but this night shined brightly all the same. And the flame continues, warm in my heart.
They too are family.
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