Driving back from Chincoteague a few weeks ago, we had a couple of miserable children and some rumbling tummies, and so we decided to make a pit stop in Annapolis. We ended up eating sushi at the same place where Elliott and I ate years ago as newlyweds. Lena had her first sushi dinner that night! She went nuts over the edamame (a weekly side dish in our house), but the crab sushi… she wasn’t so sure. (I thought crab might help after it was a huge hit on the Eastern Shore, but… no siree.) Oh well, Elliott and I didn’t waste any time fussing over her lukewarm appreciation. We gobbled the rest of that sushi down like we hadn’t had any in a year. Which, come to think of it, we hadn’t.
This past weekend we were thrilled to have our beloved friends Lewis and Bekah visiting us from San Antonio. I felt like someone needed to pinch me the whole time they were here. Friends! Married friends! From far away! In our house! We stayed up past midnight talking every night, played Settlers of Catan late into the night, and got to visit some of our favorite places in Sicily (Taormina) as well as explore something new (the Catania antique market) with them while they were here.
And one night they sent us out on a date… any guesses where we went? To eat sushi! We tried a new place called SushiLive right in the heart of Catania, and I am a fan. I am currently figuring out how I can get back there as soon as possible. (Hey, when you’ve been pregnant and/or sushi-less for a great portion of the last three years, you take it when you can get it!)
Anyway, besides eating sushi and enjoying visitors, life has been peaceful around here since the kids and I got home last week. We are in a sweet season of our lives with two relatively easy little ones (9 months and 2.5 are fun ages!) and only about 9 months left in Sicily before our assignment is over in July. Elliott and I are both feeling the pressure of the countdown as we try to decide what to do next (more of Elliott’s thoughts in this great blog post) and also make lists of things to do, places to visit, and significant Italian purchases to make before we move.
Awhile ago, Elliott and I chose three places we’d like to visit in Europe before we leave, with the idea that we might only see one or we might see all three. Ours are Greece, Ireland, and Norway. (Personally, I’m also dreaming of a getaway to Paris for a weekend with just Elliott!) Have you been to any of those places? If you could go anywhere in Europe, where would you go?
If I could go anywhere in Europe, I’d visit you!
Aww, thanks, Mom. :-)
What an amazing experience your family has had. I’m excited to read about your new adventures. I would love to visit anywhere in Europe. For now we will stick to where we can drive too. Thanks for sharing and thank you for your family’ service :)
I have to remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be over in just a few months. I’ll try to live it up for some fun reading for you, Katie!
Hi becca! in our city there are many sushi restaurant… if you want I could suggest some places where you and your sweet family can eat delicious things (asian and not)!! ;) you have a guide of catania right now… for everything you need!
About traveling I’m going to Switzerland next January, I’m so exciting ’cause I’m going to Michael Bublè concert!!! ;)
good night1
We would LOVE your recommendations, Claudia! And Switzerland… what a dream! Michael Buble is amazing.
Hey Becca,
I owe you a long email, but I fear nap time is nearing an end. So, here are my two cents. First, we visited both Norway and Greece, so I don’t have an opinion on Ireland. However, we really did enjoy Norway. We went in the heat of summer (August), so it was a nice getaway. But, our favorite place we’ve ever, ever been is an island called Hydra, not too far from Athens. There are not vehicles and they use donkeys and small horses to get their goods. It was lovely. Anyway, enjoy the final stretch and eat as many sweet treats as you can stomach. I’m still missing the sweets.
Ciao Ciao, Nicole