YOU MUST.

When planning your trip to Barcelona, you MUST pencil in a lunch at tapas bar Cal Pep. Highly recommended by each of our guidebooks (we like to compare classics, like Frommer's and more irreverant takes on the city, like the UK-published Cadogan guides), Cal Pep is a fairly touristy stop, and once you step in to the small cafe, you begin to figure out why. We waited with the other hungry guests along the outer parameter of the seating area and were teased by the amazing aromas being plated up in front of us. When we finally snagged a seat, we knew what we wanted from watching the chefs plate up menu items from right behind the counter.



The beauty about Spanish tapas bars is that for only three to six euros per plate, you can sample a variety of items and flavors. So Nick and I were ready to try as many courses as possible.



We immediately ordered a plate of flash-fried green peppers with sea salt...AMAZING. Then we had what was possibly the best tuna tartare we've ever had. They served the tuna with a few crostini that weren't even necessary. We dove right in with our forks. We finished up with a Spanish quiche-like course. It's an egg bake topped with a creamy onion sauce. The three small courses coupled with a few (not quite sure how many..hehe) glasses of kava (a yummy, sweet Spanish champagne) was a perfect lunch at this world-reknowned gem.

Viva Barcelona!

I know. You've been waiting far too long for details on Barcelona. I do apologize, and I'm trying to find time in my newly arranged schedule (grad school AND our upcoming return to the States) to update the blog. Obviously, I'm still working on that. Anyhoo, here are our favorite spots to check out in Barcelona for when you and yours make your own trek to the family-friendly city of Antoni Gaudi.


This is La Segrada Famiglia, one of Barcelona's crowning jewels and biggest tourist attractions. It's been under construction for over 120 years and isn't slated for completion until 2030!!!

Inside view of one of Segrada's beautiful stained glass windows.



Barcelona's main shopping district, Las Ramblas, at night.

New Year--Bigger Family!

Just before the end of 2006, one final HUGE EVENT had to go down: the birth of our very first niece, Audrey Marie Bozarth!!!!

We are now Uncle Nick and Aunt Becca. The fact that we will impart all of our knowledge and wisdom to this little one humbles us...then makes us giggle.

Weighing in at a respectable 6 lbs, 12 oz, Audrey is resting comfortably with her hard-working mom and dad, Heather Wissler and Matthew Bozarth in Bloomington, Indiana.


Here she is with Nick's mom, her Nonnie.

If you can't tell, we're already a little obsessed with this pretty princess and can't wait to meet her when we come home in March.

Santa hit the place!

Thank you everyone for all of our wonderful gifts. Despite being away from home, we were still spoiled beyond belief. We felt truly loved and missed. Thank you so much!

After. Look at all that stuff!

Even Steve was worn out from all of the Christmas excitement. He really needed a nap, but not before putting on his new sweater from his Nonnie Wissler. Buon Natale!

Sicilian Holiday

This was our first holiday season away from home, and because of our fantastic friends (our family away from family), it ended up being one of the most memorable and festive Christmases we've ever had.
This is our very first attempt at roasted turkey! We got up very early on Christmas Eve to get it ready and in the oven, and it ended up being really fun. Given the massive amounts of butter and herbs Nick and I slathered on this bird, there was no way it wasn't going to be good.
Thank God we also baked a turkey, because Nick's attempt at frying one didn't turn out very well. Maybe next time, Nick!

These are our friends Nicole and Megan, digging in to traditional Condron Christmas fixin's, sweet potato casserole, granny's corn pudding, mashed potatoes...the works.
Here are Trent and Currier, enjoying Christmas tree splendor and watching Bad Santa.

Paris--Nick 'n Becca Style

In honor of my 25th birthday our 2nd wedding anniversary, Nick and I headed to the City of Light, Paris, France. I couldn't have been more excited, as this was my #1 must-see destination upon moving to Europe. After hearing countless stories of Parisian exploits from my sister, Marie, I absolutely could not wait to discover this city on my own...I mean...with Nick. :)

Post-airport we headed straight for our hotel, L'Hotel Academie on Rue de Saint Peres, where we checked in to the world's tiniest hotel room and started mapping out a plan.

We headed to the Notre Dame, just a few blocks from our hotel. This is one massive cathedral! However, I've never really been into the Gothic style, and the scary panther/beasts extended from the cathedrals side reminded me of Nightmare on Elm St. 4, so we didn't stay there too long.

This is me seconds after commencing my 25th year at Georges, a Costes brothers restaurant on the top floor of the Centre Pompidou. You can't see it here, but the Eiffel Tower was glittering in the background. Great moment.

The day of our AnniBirthary we visited the newly-renovated Musee D'Orsay, which is home to Paris's modern art collection.

From the airport to the Polidor

This was our first stop after landing in Paris...a highly recommended brasserie near our hotel in the St. Germain district called Polidor. We immediately fell in love with the cozy vibe in this tiny, crowded restaurant, as lots of large groups and families dined on French staples like poulet avec pommes frites (roasted chicken with fries). The restaurant was fully decorated in an autumn motif, and in honor of my favorite season I enjoyed a big bowl of pumpkin soup. Tres excellente! Nick had confit au canard (duck) avec pommes. It was sooo great! If you are going to Paris looking for an affordable, savory lunch, this is the place to go. Bon appetit!

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

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.

Meet Steve Wissler!

My most recent dreams came true last weekend when we adopted Sicilian Steve Wissler, a Yorkshire Terrier who was being sold by a lady out of her car the side of the road (I know...Sicily is unbelievable). Signora Yorkie Seller had three little Yorkie boys, and Steve was most definitely the runt. She wasn't even keeping him in the box with the other two...poor little fella. Anyhoo, after a solid hour of begging Nick, he came with me to see them and he, too, fell prey to the most adorable puppy face either of us has ever seen. Plus, Yorkshires have hair, not fur, so I won't be wheezing or itching my eyes b/c I'm not allergic to this little one, which made him all the more irresistible. So needless to say, about five minutes after Nick met Sicilian Steve, Steve was riding in my little blue Fiat on his way back to our place to live in harmony with the world's two most spoiled cats, Tank and Boo. Integration into the family has been gradual--a decision made by the cats--but is moving right along. Yesterday Steve and Boo even napped together, which made this new mother very, very happy.
Welcome to the family Steve!

This week we took Steve to Taormina with our friends Brian, Allison, Colin, and Brian's mom and stepdad for an amazing meal at Granduca and some quality pet watching (a popular pasttime in Taormina). Steve went on the beach for the first time and was so worn out, he slept all the way through dinner!

Chaos never tasted so good.

The Catania Market is a place I love to go by myself on Saturday mornings, although this crazy shopping extravaganza is held in downtown Catania daily. At the market I can buy the freshest spices and herbs, vegetables, fruit, bread....basically, you name it, and if it's in season, it'll be at the market and it'll be great. There are two sections of the Catania market, one for food and another full of clothes (really cheap) and housewares, but my favorite thing to do is to buy my produce for the next few days, then find a seller with super fresh fish. Usually he'll have the entire fish cut in half and laying on a bed of packed ice. I tell him how many filets I want--the best fish to get at the market, or in Sicily in general, is swordfish--and he butchers the fish for me right there. You can't beat it.
It's a chaotic place, with people screaming at you to buy their apples, shirts, squid...but it's an unbelievable experience that I haven't found outside of unique Catania.

A Day at Gambino

Gambino Winery is a popular Sicilian winery located very high up on Mount Etna and at the end of a treacherous drive, but the food, service, and views are worth it. Marie, Ian, Nick and I went for a leisurely (and huge) Sunday lunch and wine tasting with our friends Trent, Coleen, Currier, Rob, and Gwyn. We had called ahead (which I recommend doing) to ensure a full meal, and we got just what we asked for, plus the added bonus of being the only ones on their terrace that day. We enjoyed a massive antipasti platter with our first two wines, then moved on to a Maccharoni alla norma course, which consists of a long and straight homemade noodle, fried eggplant, and tomatoes--probably the most popular (and tasty) dish in Sicily. We finished the pasta as we moved onto red wines and then began our next course, a mixed grill of Italian sausage and the best pork chop I've ever had. Dessert was a heaping bowl of fresh cherries and a nero d'avola--Gambino Cantari--that Nick and I purchased a case of.

Gambino's wine selection has grown over the past few years, but probably won't really mature and be great for another few. However, a visit to Gambino is the perfect way to spend an lazy Sunday afternoon. ~B

Stair Masters

The nearby hilltop town of Caltagirone is most famous for two things: their boldly decorated ceramics and their "Scalazza," or gigantic stairs. I went to the lighting of the Scalazza with my friends Allison and Jennifer during Caltagirone's festival of their patron saint, the Festa di San Giacomo. It's the only time the Scalazza is illuminated other than Christmas, when a "Natale"-themed design is illuminated along the ginormous stairs.

The design is made of of multi-colored rice-paper luminaries and draws both locals and tourists from all over the island. It was very impressive!

Before the lighting we browsed around the countless ceramics shops and I bought Christmas tree ornaments painted in the signature Caltagirone style.