Traveling to Sicily with the family has been on my bucket list since I married my husband. We were scheduled to go in 2020 when my son was 7 months but the pandemic hit and it was pushed back to this year. Honestly I’m happy my son was 3.5 years old, in hopes that he remembers some of this trip.
Unfortunately, the day we explored Nonno’s childhood and family properties, my bambino fell asleep in our bed and breakfast with a half eaten chicken nugget in his hand a minute before leaving.
My husband stayed back with him (since he’s stayed at and seen these places previously) and let me explore. It was such a fulfilling experience to learn more about the Sicilian roots of his family.
To get to Nonno’s childhood house, called Sangrioli, we had to hike on switch back overgrown roads. It was great to see the orange and lemon trees, the prickly pear cactus’, and other food producing plants.
Although Sangrioli is no longer habitable, it was nice to hear the family stories about Nonno’s time at this house, the dance parties that regularly happened, and how Nonno stood on the balcony. Using my imagination, I could envision Nonno doing these things, which made me smile.
After Sangrioli, we went to the very beautiful multi- family house of Pianistrello. Each level of this house was owned by different families (all related) who shared food, memories, and the beautiful view that looked out on the town of Fiumedinisi.
It amazes me how much work went into building this property. The family had terraced the mountainside to create orchards and made the gebbia’s and water system to keep the orchards watered in the dry months. Not an easy task!
This day alone made me love my in laws and their Sicilian heritage even more.
Today’s advent calender tea from Fortnum and Mason is Rooibos Infusion. This is a caffeine free alternative to tea traditionally enjoyed in South Africa. The rooibos brews a red color and is usually smooth to taste. I’ve tried many different rooibos teas and have only enjoyed one I purchased in Montserrat, Spain. Though this one is smooth and not that bad.
Have a wonderful Saturday and there’s only 16 more days until Christmas!
Rory, Tea & Me 