I am really starting to like it here, Ortigia has really grown on me.

This morning we had absolutely gorgeous weather and fulfilled our promise of trying the cassata. We bought two cassatinas (small version of the huge cassata cake) and oh my goodness, they were absolutely scrumptious! So fresh and soft! The outside is made of marzipan and inside is filled with cake and cannoli cream. There are also bits of candied fruit pieces in it. Delizioso! And not overly sugary at all, like the one I had at Dagnino’s. Right on, Lynn! (I was so anxious to try it that I didn’t take a picture, shame on me)

We only have 2 days left in Ortigia and tomorrow we are going to Catania so we wanted to enjoy the sea as much as possible before we leave. On our walk down by the Fontana Aretusa, we came across a procession for Palm Sunday. There were children singing and holding flags, a man holding up a cross, and a priest chanting and blessing everyone (including us), all taking place in front of the sea.

Even though I am not a Catholic, I had an intense emotional experience with it. Being in the middle of it and feeling how powerful these peoples’ faith and devotion was combined with the joyous singing of the children, it was overwhelming… in an intensely good way. I almost cried. Good thing I had my sunglasses.

We were tempted to follow the procession,

but then decided against it because we thought we might end up somewhere clear across town and then we wouldn’t have our time with the sea, as planned. I love the sea.

I keep saying to my mom, “I’m so happy. I’m so happy here.” And she keeps spontaneously breathing sighs of exhilaration. It’s so awesome.

We enjoyed cappuccinos by the sea, lingered in the moment and then walked around the mainland of Siracusa, trying to find a supermarket that was open so we could get some milk and water. In our long, enduring quest we came up with … niente! It’s SUNDAY. Hello, self! Duh.

The bells on the Duomo are ringing right now as I am writing. I love it. It’s 5:15pm.

We went to use the internet today because I Totally Forgot to email my boss! And on top of that, when it came time to email her, I totally forgot her name!! (Lmao!) You can see where my head was not.

There was this real hot Indian guy at the café from Cashmere, India. Since he saw our passports and knew we were from America, he started speaking English to us, I figure probably because it’s not often that he has the chance to. Anyway, he ended up not charging us to use the internet! Totally a surprise! I have to so go back there one day when I’ve showered and flirt with his fine a**.

Domani (tomorrow) we are going to Catania, or Katane, as it was called in ancient times. I’m uber-excited!