Tuesday, October 24, 2006

An entry by Steven.


This weekend I went on my first hike on Mt. Etna with my mom and dad. I discovered my penchant for outdoor adventures and pine cones. Every now and then I needed to stop for a break because the trail is very steep and my legs are still so short, but during my breaks I loved checking out the weird bugs that are on the volcano.

This is my dad and me taking a break.

This is my mom and me stopping to look out over Sicily. I love playing on Mt. Etna!
~Steve

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Italy--Wissler style.

My parents recently made the long and arduous trek across the Atlantic to see the most glamorous couple they know. Due to a slight scheduling glitch, they were only able to enjoy our presence for four days, but it was probably the greatest four days of their lives. Rebecca and I loved playing host to my parents and giving them a taste of how we've been spending the last two years of our life together.



My parents got to visit the ruins of Agrigento. Here we are taking a much needed rest. My Dad really thinks that all touristing should come equipped with golf carts as walking is just soooo much work.





You know you have a sports addiction problem when you are visiting the most finely preserved Greek ruins in all of Sicily and you insist on talking about who you want to start at QB on your Fantasy Football squad. But, honestly, that's what my Dad and I were discussing here.


If you are ever in Sicily and want a true taste of how Sicilians dine, you must visit an agriturismo. This one is called Valle di Marge and is located just outside of the town of Mineo. We drank loads of wine with lots of great friends and had an incredible time feasting like true Sicilians.


The beaches of Taormina are just gorgeous, and the town is one of our very favorites in the world. Here we are on Isola Bella soaking up some sun, and listening to my Dad wax poetic about how much he enjoys the splendor of rocky beaches.


The town of Taormina is located on top of a large hill overlooking the Mediterranean. We rode up a gondola with my parents and strolled through the town, watching loads of tourists and a couple of Sicilian weddings while enjoying some pre-dinner drinks. Next, we visited the restaurant Granduca, owner of the best view in all of Sicily. My mom got to pick out her own fish with our colorful maitre d. Granduca has wonderful ambiance, incredible food, and really reasonable prices. Rebecca and I highly recommend making a reservation the next time you're going to Taormina.





Despite having lived over 66 years, Boob (Yes, that's what Becca calls him) still enjoys frolicking in the surf with his son. Here we are in Siracusa, swimming, body surfing, and just generally acting like fools.