Marina Di Ragusa July 5th 2010

Ahh at last the beach, the village piazza and back to Sicilian life.....

So here I sit with my Lemoncello in hand after a tiring day driving and finding an apartment to stay for the next couple of days. I am in Marina di Ragusa on the central south coast of Sicily, 100km from Agrigento and about 30kms from Ragusa. After asking for an Affitasi a camera (room for rent) at about 4 places I finally secured one in my price range. Some as in hotels were as much as 70euros a night, another 35euros without use of the kitchen, and another 40 euros miles out of the thriving village so I passed them all up. Then I walked the streets of Marina di Ragusa looking for the Infoturisto, even with the help of the Carabiniere (the local policeman) I couldn’t find it. Finally down one of the narrow oneway streets I came across a sign Affitasi and Giovanna was just across the road visiting a friend. She took me inside and sat me down to do the negotiations. I offered 30euros a night, probably more than she was expecting but of course she accepted without hesitation. I wasw happy with the price and after paying her the money and having to ask a couple of times I was finally shown the camera (room) upstairs.

Its spacious to say the least, probably hasn’t had a good clean for how long but I was tired of looking and they are few at this time of year with many tourists in the town.

Its a quaint little seaside village with a beautiful (piazza) square circled with neatly clipped leaves on its highest branches. The circle of greenery shades the piazza late into the afternoon as people congregate for a chat or just sit and watch the world go by.

I’d arrange to meet someone earlier who owned a B&B but unfortunately it was full, lucky for me though I would never had found this place. Giovanna cant speak a word of English and my Italian is very limited at this stage past a few words. I am catching onto about 3 words out of a sentence but she doesn’t care she just keeps talking and throws in capito? (understand?) every now and then. No I don’t but we get by it seems as I now have linen, shown where the local supermarket is and have her number if I need anything.

Thats what I love about Sicily, they are so friendly and offer to help me whenever I am lost or don’t know something.
Just down from me below is a gelataria, an ice-cream shop, a pink Vespa was parked out the front till just a minute ago. The streets towards the Piazza are lined with cafe’s most of them filled with people, probably tourists, its 7.45pm and the sun has finally cooled off. Its been around 30degrees today making it a hot drive. Just now its 8pm and the church bells are chiming the end of the working day. Most of the shops will be closing in a few minutes, leaving only the cafes to fill for mangarie (dinner).

Today I had stopped along the way from my overnight stop in Agrigento, at Sciogglio and Falcona where there was a beautiful beach and a castle being restored on the edge of the cliffs. The aquamarine water of the Mediterranean was a magnificent site and a relief from the burning sun. I usually try to take the coastal road where possible, deviating into the small villages that scout the coast. A popular tourist location for many Romans and Northern Italians. Most of the area is blanketed in a sea of plastic igloos, growing the world famous pomodore, (vine tomatoes). They truly are the best I have ever tasted, rich in flavour and definitely fresh enough to eat like a fruit.

Last night I stayed in The Grand Hotel dia Templi in Agrigento, a comfortable bed in an old 60’s hotel recently restored with a pool and breakfast included for 39euros. At first glance I thought it was going to be awful, but the staff were really friendly, the bed the most comfortable in Sicily so far and it was a nice change from B&B’s or homes. I slept most of my time there as the night before I had slept in my car! Yes in my car! I went to a Lido (beach club) in Marsala that had a fiesta. It was 15euros for dinner and wine and was supposed to kick on until 5am. Well it probably went till about 2.30am and I didn’t book any accommodation as I felt I would waste my money. I bought a pillow in the supermarket the day before, had my quilt and parked the car on the parking lot just outside the Lido. It was safe enough and had a reasonable sleep, albeit tucked up on my Renault Panda’s back seat with my backpack and pillow. A little cramped but comfortable enough until I awoke with the morning sun hitting a warm 25degrees around 7am. It was time enough to make an early start and I knew of a gelataria in Marsala that would probably be open with a toilet and a morning cappuccino to get me started. Oh its hard to do cappuccino and cream filled pastries at 7am, but I did need to use their toilet and washbasin to freshen up. Koleta and I had been there a few nights before, late at night for a coffee.

So I digress back in time...sorry.

I look towards the piazza about 60metres away and notice it is filling with people. The central stage has become an attraction for all the children, jumping and dancing around. Mama Giaovanna mentioned something about a discotheque in the piazza tonight but I guess I will have to wait and see.

I am heading off now for dinner now. Its a seaside village so I guess it will be seafood of some type. I am loving the seafood here in Sicily and have eaten it most nights in some sort of combination.

So ciao for now

Buena notte

xx

Now its 11.30pm and I have returned from eating my Macaroni bolognaise, the piazza is filled with families, its about 20degrees and the Gelataria is doing a grand trade with people lined up for their evening treat. The children are still parading on the stage, full of life with no sign of fatigue. Where do they get their energy? I am ready for bed! I yawn just thinking about it.