Erice
Filippo's family having pizza with us
Good Friday parade of Saints
On April 5Th the boys returned from their ski trip, and on April 6Th we were out the door to start another holiday. We went to Windsor Castle on Monday to show Dan around, and then headed to our hotel to be able to catch an early flight the next morning.
Tuesday we took a flight to Trapani Sicily. Dan has become good friend with Filippo, the Italian Exchange Officer that he works with, and Filippo's home town is Trapani. He flew out with us, and was an essential part of making the trip truly wonderful. Sicily is unlike many of the other stops in Italy due to very few people speak English....thank goodness we had Filippo with us. We stayed in one of Filippo's flats that had amazing views of the ocean. Tuesday after unpacking and enjoying an authentic Sicilian lunch, we headed to the beach. The water was brilliant blue and the sand was white...perfect!!
Wednesday we went to Erice. Erice is the beautiful town located on top of the mountain. From the base you would never imagine that there is a town on the top. Stunning church and fantastic views!! That afternoon we walked around Trapani. Filippo took us to his jewelers where Dan surprised me with a gorgeous coral and diamond ring for my birthday!! Wednesday night we had dinner at Filippo's house. His parents, brother, sister and her family all joined us for the yummy meal. His family does not speak English, but it really did not matter. His mother made a fantastic meal, but it was just so great to share the evening with them. They are a wonderful family!!!
Thursday we went out to explore 3 towns that Filippo recommended. We saw fantastic Greek ruins, and went on a hike up to an old amphitheater. That evening Filippo and his family joined us at the pizzeria for dinner. Thanks to his mother we managed to get a table in one of the most popular pizzeria's in the town. We ended the evening by walking the town and enjoying a Gelato!!!
Friday we met up with one of Filippo's friends Billy who took all of us to see the remains of a ship from 200 BC!!! Then we took the boat to an island to see more Greek ruins, and enjoy the museum. That evening we went into the town to see the Parade of Saints. Trapani is famous for this parade that is held every Good Friday. It starts in the middle of the afternoon, and goes on until early morning. The parade is very somber and the bands play music that reminds me of funeral music. The parade follows a loop and the men carry these quite heavy platforms that depict the Easter Story. This was one of my favorites! The streets were filled with people watching the parade, and visiting with each other.
After the parade, Filippo's brother set up a fantastic meal at the local restaurant.
This trip was fantastic!!!
