Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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Sicily
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Homepage,
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Sicily is the largest and
most populous autonomous region in Italy and has a rich history, shaped by
various civilizations that have inhabited the island over the centuries.
It was a pleasant
surprise for us, and seemed to be like "Italy on steroids."
The people here are more
demonstrative, more independent, a bit more loud, a bit more emotional, and the food
a bit more unusual and with strong local flavors.
Take a look below for our
stories and our VIDEOS are further down the page.
Map of Sicily
PALERMO STORIES
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Morning Cafe in Palermo, Sicily
Not far from our apartment and across
the street from the famous Piazza Pretoria was this small cafe where we
had coffee and pastry almost daily. This stunning woman was a bit of a
grump when we first met her. In fact, her nickname between us was "lady
no-smile." That is, until we gave her one of our Retire Early Lifestyle
hats. |
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Taverna Ponticello, Palermo, Sicily
We had no idea this taverna was
here... until we did. Walking past this corner eatery often, tucked in
an alley that led directly to our apartment, we overlooked this place
because it didn't really have a street presence. We simply got lost in
the chaos that is Palermo and just didn't notice this gem. Until... one
day we thought we might take this little alleyway at the left of our
apartment and find out where it led. Well, it brought us to one of the
best restaurants we experienced in Palermo! |
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The Basilica in Palermo, Sicily Dedicated to the Assumption of the
Virgin Mary
Palermo, Sicily has a few
basilicas, but the most famous is likely the Metropolitan Cathedral of
Santa Maria Assunta. It's a truly stunning building with a complex
history, reflecting the various cultures that have influenced Palermo
over the centuries. We arrived on a beautiful sunny morning to see this
massive structure which has survived centuries of invasions, plagues,
renovations and politics. |
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Pizzeria Sicula in Palermo, Sicily
Before we came to Italy, and
certainly before we made it to Sicily, we were told that the pizza was
amazing. We saw pizzerias everywhere, but I couldn't imagine eating
pizza more than once a week... maybe. As an ongoing meal choice during
our entire stay? Not a chance. I mean, how many pepperoni and cheese
pizzas can one eat? Our minds were about to be blown. |
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The Waterfront and Malecon in Palermo, Sicily
All over the world, port access in
a country has determined its historical and economic fate. It is no
different for the deep water port in Palermo, Sicily which has
experienced trade and commerce for centuries and through many cultures.
World War II was not kind to Palermo city and its port, but today this
area is modern and beautiful. |
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A to'
Casa Restaurant, Palermo Sicily
Billy and I love to discover hidden
gems right off the main streets, and A to' Casa is a funky jewel. It's
quirky, lively, friendly and also relaxed. The reason we came to this
little bar/restaurant, is because it was near the hubbub of the main
streets, but without the hassles. Let's take a look. |
CEFALU STORIES
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La Casa di Anita, Cefalu, Sicily
After only 5 hours of sleep the
next morning, and after a marvelous breakfast, a driver from the hotel
took us directly to the train station in Palermo. Here we purchased
First Class tickets on TrenItalia to Cefalu, our next stop. We walk a
short distance from the station - again down lots of steps – and get to
our apartment where we will be staying for 7 nights. The apartment is
gorgeous. |
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Gourmet Deco Grocery Store, Cefalu, Sicily
Sicilians love their high quality
food, and not far from where we were staying was this massive grocery -
even more varied than Lidl - where one could literally get lost.
Everything you could think of, and in all categories were piled high in
each section. |
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L'elite in Cefalu, Sicily
Cefalu is a beautiful Sicilian
beachside town with history recorded since ancient times. The Greeks,
Romans, Arabs, and Normans have all left their mark upon this city. The
architecture, the cuisine and the human DNA all tell a story. The allure
of Cefalu spans the ages. Well this night, we simply wanted to enjoy a
happy hour and the peacefulness that this lovely area exudes.
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Ragno
D'oro Restaurante and Pizzeria Cefalu, Sicily
Just an hour out of Palermo by
train, is Sicily's best beach, the town of Cefalu. Cefalu boasts a
dramatic backdrop with the Rocca di Cefalu towering over the long
crescent beach, and the crystal-clear turquoise waters and golden sands
create a picture-perfect scene. We had to go. |
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A Hike to Castello di Cefalu (Cefalu Castle)
Nestled on Sicily's coastline, Cefalu
is a treasure trove of beauty, with stunning scenery and an
international beach scene. It's where the beautiful people hang out. But
Cefalu offers more than just sun and sand. Atop a dramatic rocky outcrop
known as La Rocca, you'll find the intriguing Castello di Cefalu, also
called Castello della Rocca. While not a complete fairytale castle
today, Castello di Cefalu whispers... |
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Medieval Marvel and Beach Paradise
- a Walk to the Harbor Cefalu, Sicily
Cefalu is an international gem
that captures hearts with its exquisite beaches, rich history, and
undeniable charm. This upscale town seamlessly blends its medieval past
with modern amenities. Today, Billy and I are taking a pleasant
25-minute stretch from Cefalu's vibrant downtown area towards the
picturesque harbor. |
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The
Malecon in Cefalu, Sicily
The Italian term for a seaside
promenade is lungomarino. Cefalu is considered to have some of the best
beaches in Sicily, so this lungomarino - which follows the coastline -
offers attractive scenic views. Our apartment is not far from the sea,
so we saw these charming views daily. Have a look for yourself. |
CATANIA STORIES
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Our Apartment in Catania, Sicily
Leaving behind the charming and
historical town of Cefalu, we boarded a train towards our rented
apartment in Catania. The scenic journey unfolds surprisingly lush,
fertile landscapes showcasing the beauty of Sicily. Catania, Sicily's
second-largest city, has a rich history predating even the Greeks and
Romans. Today, it's renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture,
offering a glimpse into its fascinating past. |
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Bus Tour up the Sicilian Coast
Catania to Aci Trezza
To be truthful, we really aren't
tour people. However, a friend recommended this Sicilian Coast Bus Tour
that is a hop-on, hop-off ride between Catania and Aci Trezza, a little
over 9 kilometers away. This stretch of coastline is known as the
Riviera dei Ciclopi and is steeped in Greek mythology. After all, Greece
is just over 400 miles away, and at one time ruled what is today known
as Sicily. |
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Unveiling History at Aci Castello's
Norman Castle on Sicily's Eastern Coast
We were cruising along the
picturesque eastern coast of Sicily on a tour bus, leaving behind the
bustling energy of Catania. Our destination was Aci Castello, a charming
town guarding a hidden gem – an 11th-century Norman Castle. Steeped in
history, this castle was originally built upon an even older Greek
fortification, and it has undergone centuries of expansion and
reinforcement. The days of military might are only whispers of the past. |
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Billy and the Professor - Aci
Castello, Sicily
Billy decided he wanted his own adventure, and struck up a conversation
with a local. A very interesting stranger indeed. 90-year old Francisco
was just a boy during WWII. The Allies bombed his home town to
smithereens and eventually chased the Germans out of Sicily. Professor
Francisco was a living relic of that time period. |
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Saint Agatha's Cathedral and the Cathedral Cafe, Catania, Sicily
Dominating Piazza del Duomo, the
Cathedral of Saint Agatha stands as a testament to Catania's enduring
spirit. Sharing the square with the iconic Amenano Fountain, this
majestic building has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to
earthquakes and eruptions of nearby Mount Etna. |
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A Putia do Calabrisi Restaurante Catania, Sicily
If you are looking for an authentic
Osteria experience away from the tourist crowds in Catania, look no
further than A Putia do Calabrisi Restaurante. This is a local favorite
nestled outside the city center and it offers a legitimate Catanese
dining experience, perfect for adventurous FOODIES and curious
travelers. Definitely not-to-be-missed. |
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Catania Fish Market - Catania, Sicily
Catania's fish market, known locally
as "A Piscaria," is the heart of the city. It’s loud, it’s surprising,
and it’s real. You'll experience colors, fragrances, and shouts from
vendors that come together in a picturesque way. The Catania Fish
Market, or La Pescheria, is a vibrant and bustling hub of activity that
offers a truly authentic Sicilian experience. Ya gotta go see it. |
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Billy has an Interview on Italian Radio Zammu - Catania, Sicily
As we sauntered around, we came
upon some windows looking into a large room with a sign that said: Radio
Zammu. Cool. We have been interviewed on local radio stations all over
the US and in Thailand. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could get on-air
here too? |
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Le Muse Ristorante Pizzeria Acitrezza,
Sicily Taking a
"hop-on, hop-off tour bus" from the city of Catania, we proceeded up the
Cyclops Riviera but stopped at Aci Castello. This charming town guarded
a hidden gem – an 11th-century Norman Castle - but we had more important
things to do - like have some delicious Ionian seafood for lunch. Our
pick was Le Muse Ristorante Pizzeria in Aci Trezza, the next town up.
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Porto di Catania The Harbor in Catania, Sicily
Its proximity to Mt. Etna - the
biggest and most active volcano in Europe - has given the harbor of
Catania, Sicily a volatile history. While the story of the harbor begins
in the 8th century BC when Greek colonists established their city of
Katane, natural disasters frequently reshaped the coastline, including
the harbor area. The 1693 Earthquake and Tsunami leveled Catania but it
marked a turning point for the harbor. The city was rebuilt with a more
organized urban plan, and the port infrastructure was also improved. |
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Ursino Castle: A Sicilian Stronghold through the Ages Catania, Sicily
Coming here to visit the castle,
the entranceway inspired dreams of life in a castle, with Kings, Queens,
Knights, intrigue and people scurrying from room to room to serve the
Royalty. This castle was the real deal. I expected to see Knight's
armor, fashions of the Queens at the time, some castle-type furniture,
stories of trickery and manipulation with some physicality of the
fantasy that the entrance hall promised. Alas... there was nothing of
the sort. |
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L’angolo Dello Chef Catania, Sicily
This place doesn't look like much,
but it's highly recommended and is considered to be a "hidden jewel" of
Catania. Locals praise the excellent food, good prices and friendly
staff. Located right on the street, L’angolo Dello Chef offers an
original traditional Sicilian menu with a modern twist. Come take a
look. |
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Macelleria, Equine Meat Shop in Catania, Sicily
In the Mt. Etna city of Catania,
grilled horse meat is not just food: it is cultural heritage! To
outsiders, the tradition of eating horse – which you'll find all around
southern Italy – is controversial. So what's the big deal? Read on, to
find out more about this disputed source of protein. |
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Mooddika Restaurant Catania, Sicily
As you know, we are FOODIES and like to try out different
restaurants. Today, we wandered around the Historical section of
Catania, and just a few stone throws from the University of Catania, is
Mooddika Restaurant. It was a lovely day, and there were outside tables
on a quiet alleyway, so we decided to give it a try.
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Mt.
Etna Catania, Sicily
Mt. Etna is located on the eastern
coast of Sicily and is the highest active volcano in Europe. Dominating
the city of Catania, it has reshaped the surrounding landscape due to
its many eruptions over the centuries. |
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The Roman Amphitheater Catania,
Sicily
The amphitheatre of Catania is the
most complicated and largest of all the amphitheatres in Sicily. It is
one of a group of large arenas, which also includes the Coliseum in
Rome. By looking at what's been uncovered as a tourist attractions
today, you might not guess that this fact is so. |
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Pizza and Pasta Catania, Sicily
Eating pizza in Italy is not
similar to the experience of eating pizza in the US. It is nowhere
close. Not far from our apartment in Catania, and on one of our
well-traveled paths to the historical section of the city is this Pizza
and Pasta place. Simple and offering only outdoor seating, we thought to
give it a try. |
PALERMO VIDEOS
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The Walking Street in Palermo,
Sicily on a Sunny Morning
After some days to get used to
being in Palermo, and getting in sync with such a vibrant place, we end
up liking it quite a bit! We are walking down the pedestrian street on a
weekend where you can find people from all over the world. The whole
street is lined with outdoor cafes and restaurants, with scooters,
motorbikes, bicycles and foot traffic making people-watching very
fascinating.
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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Getting Local in Palermo, Sicily
We have our laundry hanging
outside just like the locals due all over Italy. You can see our
neighborhood, with tours of kids going to educational events in the
city. Billy is bemoaning our apartment here in Palermo – and with good
cause, seeing as how the bathroom was a death trap… But as long-term
travelers, we make the most of it and move on. Remember, Sicily is not
for sissies!
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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Going to Lidl Grocery Store in
Palermo, Sicily
Massive selections of excellent
foods available in this large German global discount supermarket chain
in Palermo, Sicily. For the pricing, one can eat very well at home. Look
for the DOP designation, as that is quality controlled, but you almost
cannot make a mistake in choosing. Everything that a Salumeria has,
except the butcher.
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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Our Palermo Mis-step! No Hotel
for the Night!!
We had a confusion of dates for
our hotel stay in Palermo, Sicily, causing us to be without a room, late
on a Friday night when Palermo is fully booked! Trying 5 hotels, (who
are also calling hotels and AirBnBs), even considering staying the night
at the train station, we are rescued by a Café Owner who drives us to
gorgeous Hotel Bellevue at midnight. This glorious morning, the hotel
manager is driving us back to the train station so we can continue our
journey to coastal town Cefalu, Sicily.
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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The Main Cathedral in Palermo,
Sicily
We are at the main Cathedral in
Palermo, Sicily. Battles were fought here over the centuries for the
control of this site of worship. Each new conqueror left their
architectural mark on this spectacular building – the Arabs, Normans,
Byzantines and the Renaissance styles are all seen. Inside (see link to
pictorial below) you will see a sun tracking line that runs through the
Cathedral. It was used to tell the time, the months and most importantly
in the Christian church, the date for Easter, according to the Spring
equinox.
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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More People-Watching in the
Historical Section of Palermo, Sicily
We are sitting in an historical
section of Palermo, Sicily where tour groups pass by and take photos of
the beautiful architecture. People watching is amazing as we get the
smallest glimpse into their lives as they walk on. Rental scooters zoom
by, there’s car traffic too. Billy tells you a story about how we lost
internet connection through our Italian provider but then we resolved
our problem! It’s a MUST to be flexible when traveling.
To view on
Rumble, click here. |
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Live Music in the Historical Area
of Palermo, Sicily
We are in the historical section
of Palermo, Sicily on a beautiful sunny morning when we are surprised to
find a scheduled music event. Young women are singing soprano to
keyboard background with bystanders watching. A glimpse into life in
Sicily. Enjoy! To view on Rumble, click here. |
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Wandering the
Backstreets of Palermo, Sicily
Sicily has GRIT. We’re walking the
backstreets where the locals live, work and drink. While it might look a
bit shady, we never felt unsafe in Sicily. People are warm and friendly
and they return our greetings. A little graffiti here, a little graffiti
there, we meander through this neighborhood where there must be a
half-dozen bars that open at night. Check it out.
To view on Rumble,
click here. |
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Live Music on our
Walk to the Main Cathedral in Sunny Palermo, Sicily
This sunny day in Palermo, we are
on our way to the Main Cathedral. Musicians are playing in the famous
4-square area of the historical section of the city. There are lots of
outdoor seating areas for restaurants, people walking, and scooters
zooming. To view on Rumble, click here.
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CEFALU VIDEOS
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Taking the Train from Palermo to
Cefalu, Sicily
Akaisha takes you along as we are riding the train from Palermo, Sicily
to the lovely and ancient beach city of Cefalu. It’s a beautiful day
with lush countryside to view outside the train window… that is, when we
aren’t going through tunnels (!) Akaisha tries to recover from finding
her reflection in the train window as we go into a LOOOONG tunnel… It’s
still a gorgeous day with sea views so enjoy! To
view on Rumble, click here. |
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Taking Things Slowly – Our first
days in Cefalu, Sicily
We are walking down the malecon by
the beach in historical Cefalu, Sicily. It’s an immaculate town that
tourists love with picturesque scenery all around. La Rocca is a huge
presence, there is a Cathedral, and this beach is where many invasions
of this island of Sicily happened. Hard to even envision that through
the calmness that is today. Billy tells a woeful tale of internet
connection in our apartment as well as grappling with digitized European
electric stoves!
To
view on Rumble, click here. |
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The HIKE! Going Up La Rocca in
Cefalu, Sicily
We are hiking up La Rocca in
Cefalu, Sicily. The hike starts out easy, but gets increasingly
slippery, uneven and unstable. The top is 270 meters up this long and
winding footpath. The views are staggering and sweeping, but at about
80+% up this trail, we decide that we can no longer continue. If you go,
wear hiking boots, bring a walking stick and water/snacks in your
daypack! Highly recommended! To
view on Rumble, click here.
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Coming Back from the Porto,
Walking through Quaint Streets of Cefalu, Sicily
Coming back from the Porto of
Cefalu, we wander around the renovated Medieval streets of stunning
Cefalu, Sicily. Ancient buildings are updated into attractive souvenir
shops and art stores. Cafes are everywhere. Enjoy the sunlit morning,
the Sicilian pottery and the glimpse into how “yesterdays” have moved
into the present. Cefalu is a remarkable international destination. To
view on Rumble, click here.
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CATANIA VIDEOS
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Our First Look at Catania,
Sicily’s 2nd Largest City, Catania, Sicily
Our Landlady, Katya, picked us up
as we arrived at the bus station in Catania and took us straight away to
our apartment. Knowing we’d be needing supplies, she offered to take us
to the large food chain store, LIDL, to get supplies. Going through some
backstreets, you’ll see the gritty historical city on our first day. To
view on Rumble, click here. |
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Our Apartment in Catania, Sicily
You get a full look at this 2
bedroom, 2 bath apartment we rented in a great location in Catania,
Sicily. Just down the street is a view of Mt. Etna, traffic below is
super entertainment, and a delicacy and popular street food – grilled
horse meat – is sold downstairs. To
view on Rumble, click here. |
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Walking the Streets of Catania
Sicily
It’s our first day and we are on
the way to Porta Garibaldi – an historic Baroque-style arch built in
1768 to celebrate the marriage between a king and a princess. But first,
we stop at a grocery to buy things for lunch, and view a tattoo parlor –
but Billy declines getting one. Look below for links to related stories.
To
view on Rumble, click here. |
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A Hurried Lunch in Our Apartment,
Catania, Sicily
It’s so easy to make wonderful
meals in Sicily. The grocery stores have freshly made pasta, tasty
bottled sauces, excellent Extra Virgin Olive Oil, grain breads, various
cheeses and affordable wines. Our apartment comes with the requisite
espresso machine where we simply “plop and drop” the espresso pods and
we’re ready to go! To
view on Rumble, click here. |
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A Walk through the Ancient
Open-Air Fish Market in Catania, Sicily
Billy takes you through this
centuries-old fish market in Catania, Sicily. Local families,
restauranteurs and chefs all come here looking for the freshest catch.
You’ll see swordfish, tuna, cuttlefish, shrimp, squid, octopus, and all
sorts of shellfish. There are even fresh and dried local herbs for sale.
The place is quite hectic with people shouting and buying their catch of
the day.
To
view on Rumble, click here. |
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Riding a Tour Bus up the Cyclops
Riviera Coast, Catania, Sicily
While Billy and I are not “tour
people” we decided to take this bus tour up the coast of Sicily from
Catania to Aci Trezza. This area of the coast – filled with lava rock
that has come up from underground fissures – is called the Cyclops
Riviera. You’ll see an ancient Norman Castle and The Faraglioni
formation. The coast is similar to the one in Oregon which also has
undersea volcanoes. Take a look!
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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The “Mafia” Restaurant in
Catania, Sicily
We are eating at the famous A
Putia do Calabrisi Restaurante in Catania, Sicily. It’s a place we
nicknamed The Mafia Restaurant and it is just electric! People are
waiting outside to get in and they keep on coming! Santina, her sister
Giovanna, her Father Ameda all run the front end. Mama is in the kitchen
cooking. No menu, no reservations. You come, and you eat what Mama has
cooked for the day – Just like home! It’s So. Sicilian.
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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The View from Our Apartment in
Catania, Sicily
We have a great apartment in
downtown Catania, Sicily. Billy shows you the entertaining traffic
downstairs that we see from our bedroom window. And there is a local
horsemeat grill selling this local specialty. Mt. Etna is just up the
street from us, as well as the main street which leads to an upscale
shopping area and the historical section. All from our apartment window!
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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A Sunny Sunday in Catania,
Sicily – Live Music!
Walking through the Historical
Section of Catania where there are restaurants with outdoor seating,
high-end shops, tree lined streets, and a pan musician. In 1693 this
area was devasted by the earthquake and the eruption of Mt. Etna. It
was rebuilt in Baroque style, which still defines the city today.
Enjoy the architecture, the beautiful weather and the peaceful pan
music at the end.
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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Going Wine Shopping at a
Boutique Store in Catania, Sicily
Not far
from our apartment in Catania, Sicily, is this lovely boutique wine
shop that also sells gift bags, chocolates, syrups, jams, and
liqueurs. Akaisha shows how skilled she is in pouring wine from the
barrel into her bottle,… that is, until she gets confused as to
which way to turn off the spigot! It was a mess, but the gracious
lady wouldn’t even let me clean up the mess I made! Take a look!
To view on Rumble, click here. |
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Driving up to Mt. Etna,
Catania, Sicily
Catya, the
Russian woman who hosts our apartment in Catania, Sicily, drives us
up to Europe’s most active volcano, Mt. Etna. We drive through town,
then up towards the top of the volcano where you can see MOUNDS of
lava, a house that was engulfed by this lava and Mt. Etna Village.
You’ll also see the views from this area as well. Brrrr! It’s
chilly!
To view on Rumble, click here.
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Touring a Roman Amphitheater
in Catania, Sicily
One would not
know by the looks of this excavation, but the Roman Amphitheater in
Catania, Sicily was one of the largest in the ancient Roman Empire.
Built in 2 stages over decades, the finished theater accommodated
15,000 people! Over the centuries, the amphitheater fell into
disuse, and today, countless buildings utilize the ruins of this
Roman entertainment center as the foundations for their restaurants,
homes, churches and other businesses. Built of lava stone and white
marble, extravagant amusement events were scheduled here.
To view on Rumble, click here.
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Walking the Ancient Streets
in Catania, Sicily
We are walking
through the ancient streets of Catania, Sicily, a city that dates
back to before the Greeks and Romans took over. Baroque architecture
and buildings made from lava stone and white marble are features of
this historical area of the city. The cobblestones are also made
from lava. You can see outdoor cafes in the beautiful weather of
Catania.
To view on Rumble, click here.
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About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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