We are in the last phases of the post-pilgrimage section of our 2022 Via Francigena in Italy.
Yesterday we made a day trip to visit Siracusa (Syracuse), one of the great cities of the ancient world. A highlight was the Greek Theatre where Aeschylus premiered a play.
We will be leaving Sicily on Friday for three last days in Rome, and then spend an overnight at a Dublin airport hotel to prepare for flights back to Fort Myers, Florida, through Newark. We should be in the US on November 2nd after a late-night arrival.
If technology holds up, we’ll be able to receive calls and texts on our US numbers after November 2 (after we switch out our Italian SIM cards. )
We’ve been staying in Catania, on Sicily’s west coast. Giuseppe Manzini, an author of Italian independence and unification, seems depressed. Our B&B is in the pink building, across from the Manzini sculpture park. The front door to our B&B was impressive. Once inside, first we find a motor scooter parking area — INSIDE the building. And beyond the motor scooters, a messy construction site. But our room was pretty nice.
Ed’s plan was to explore Sicily by rental car. Given the poor state of the roads and the aggressiveness of drivers and motor scooters, this is not an easy undertaking. On the third day, perhaps with not enough hydration and other factors, Ed didn’t feel well and we had an encounter with the Italian emergency medical system. Don’t worry: four doctors gave him two EKG’s and pronounced him ok. And he has been feeling fine since then. We decided to turn in the rental car and continue our trip by using local busses and trains.
After the medical encounter, Ed feels fine. He’s enjoying Sicilian seafood and dolci (desserts). This photo is of cassata, which had alternated with cannolli as his local favorites so far (cake made with Sicilian lemons is also on the short list).Before leaving Catania for Palermo today, we visited the Museum of the Landings in Catania 1943, which tells the story of the US and British invasions of Sicily against Italian and German forces. Can we remember and comprehend the horrors of war so that we can avoid war?A couple of photos you might enjoy. This statute of Moses was sculpted by Michelangelo. We first saw it with Ed’s brother, Bill, when we visited Rome with him about eight years ago. Without planning, we stumbled across it a few days ago and remembered Bill with gratitude and affection. And this view of the Tiber, the Eternal City, and the sky.
We look forward to seeing you and talking with you when we return to the States. Meanwhile, we keep you in our prayers and ask for yours.
Anne and Ed, I truly enjoyed following your excursion. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs, honestly. Praying for your safe travels and well-being. I look forward to reconnecting when you return.
Anne and Ed, glad to know you are well and have completed your pilgrimage with some lovely days in Rome. Wishing you safe travels back to Naples. Will continue to remember you in prayer and look forward to talking with you. It has been a privilege to have been able to follow you on your spiritual journey via your blog. With love, Pat
Anne and Ed Blog 
Wow! It seems as though you have been gone much longer than two months! See you
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Enjoy your final days in Italy and have a safe journey home. Call us when you have the energy. Love and prayers.
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Anne and Ed, I truly enjoyed following your excursion. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs, honestly. Praying for your safe travels and well-being. I look forward to reconnecting when you return.
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Anne and Ed, glad to know you are well and have completed your pilgrimage with some lovely days in Rome. Wishing you safe travels back to Naples. Will continue to remember you in prayer and look forward to talking with you. It has been a privilege to have been able to follow you on your spiritual journey via your blog. With love, Pat
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Sorry to hear about Ed’s medical adventure, but glad that he is OK. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
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