Saying Goodbye to Italy

As the sun began its gentle ascent over the horizon, we awoke to the bittersweet realization that today marked the end of our extraordinary ten-day journey in Italy. Nestled within the opulent embrace of a five-star resort on the southern tip of Sicily, our perch atop a rugged cliff provided an awe-inspiring panorama of the boundless sea. 

Our day commenced with a private boating tour that was met with significant anticipation. The vessel, a small private vessel of customization and simplicity, bobbed gracefully through the azure waters as we made our way across the port. Our charismatic captain, a veritable maestro of the sea, regaled us with tales of ancient Syracuse, weaving history into the very fabric of the present moment. And, as we were informed, he had recently learned English only 9 months prior!   

Stopping at a private little cove encased by sedimentary stone cliffs worn down by millennia of lapping waters we were invited to swim. We descended into the warm, crystalline waters. It was as if time stood still, and we were suspended in a moment of pure bliss. The gentle lapping of the waves cradled us as we soaked up the Italian sun.     

As the morning sun reached its zenith, we ventured into the mysterious sea caves that dotted the coastline. Nature's handiwork was on full display, the interplay of light and shadow creating a unique canvas.  

During this excursion our captain unveiled bottles of the finest wine and Prosecco, a toast to the indelible moments we had shared. Each sip was a tribute to the beauty of this land, its history, and the connections forged amidst its splendor. 

After bidding adieu to our seafaring sanctuary, we sought solace on the sun-drenched beaches and beside the opulent pools. Time, quiet welcomely, seemed to stretch languidly, allowing us to savor every fleeting moment with pure relaxation. 

As the day waned, we retreated to a hot tub perched on the very edge of the cliff. From this vantage point, we watched a sunset that painted the horizon in hues of subtle yellows due to the smoke from the nearby, but unseen wildfires. 

Our evening culminated in a sumptuous dinner, a feast that celebrated the flavors of Sicily. Each dish was a testament to the culinary prowess of this region, a fusion of tradition and innovation that left our taste buds in pure delight. A nearly perfect day only marred by a raging case of food poisoning by yours’ truly at dinner.. it was short lived but intense leading to an early night of sleep. 

Our ten days in Italy had been nothing short of a dream, and this final day was the icing of the cake, a glorious conclusion to another spectacular trip.