Our first stop - Messina, Italy

Monday was our only day at sea. We relaxed, gambled and enjoyed all the ship had to offer.

Tuesday was our first stop and we visited lovely Messina, Italy located in Sicily. Our tour for the day..."The Godfather Tour" or as they say in Italy, "il Padrino". Okay, we knew they stressed extensive walking but good lord, we did not think we had to climb uphill (both ways - lol) on cobblestone in 95 degree heat. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad but we were about 2 miles above sea level and I can see why we don't use cobblestone in the good ol' US of A, do you know how many times we almost rolled our ankles.

We stopped in two towns, Savoca and Forza d'Agro, where the claim to fame is the ever popular Godfather Trio starring the talented and handsome young Al Pacino. We went to the towns where young Michael Corleone met his bride-to-be, dined with his fellow gambinos, went to the church where Michael's first nuptials took place and I think an area where some fighting occurred. Really, I have no idea, I haven't seen the Godfather yet. Okay, I have, but it was the edited version on TNT and one losses interest quickly when there are no F bombs or heads rolling.

We enjoyed our first Lemon Gelato of the trip in Savoca and let me tell you something, that should be part of the Food Pyramid. I almost asked to lick the gelato spoon but didn't know how to say that in Italian.

We spent the rest of the day walking around Messina, visited the first Clock Tower/Sun Dial and ate at a local restaurant. The food was amazing. Hubby and I feasted on antipasto, prosciutto, mozzarella and fresh fish with their heads still on. Memories of "A Christmas Story" flashed in my mind when Ralphie and his family went to the Chinese restaurant on Christmas Day and Fa-rah-rah-rah-rah served the duck with the head still on, "he's smiling at me". Okay, digressing but we quickly covered their tiny little heads and managed to eat below the neck - magnifico!!

Oh, we did see our first Smart Car! That is a death trap but I have to say that Hot Wheels should be proud because they managed to build the first life sized match box car. Good Job!

The last pic of Hubby is a picture of him standing in front of St. Matthew, gift of God!

We walked back to our ship, took a nap then headed for dinner. More ports to visit....details to follow