Frankie's Adventures and Misadventures : Europe 2015

Sicily

Great weather here in mid-November. I didn’t come to Sicily for any particular reason other than it is one of the warmest spots in Europe this time of year. A fondness of Italian food, wine and I enjoy hearing the Italians talk I thought why not. I will meet up with Denise later on today so I am sure the drinking will stop then.

From what I have seen so far there is an unvarnished charm to the place. With Piazza Del Duomo being the main square. The fish market and outdoor market was great. Of course I have not fecking idea what they are yelling about but I am guessing that their fish is the freshest and best value. I suspect Denise will enjoy so will probably go back tomorrow. All the food and wine have been good so far but not great. I will search for great tonight. I cannot find any craft beer so far the national brands are pretty ordinary but I am a uppity little prick when it comes to beer so please don’t take offense Sicily and in particular Mob run crappy beer producers.

Speaking of Costa Nostra (Our thing) apparently they are still here despite government crackdowns. Not something I would ask to many questions about it but I would not be surprised if the hotel I am staying in had to pay the “pizzo”. They are shops that advertise as AuddioPizzo or Goodbye Payments and their way of telling the Honored Society to fuck off.

After more great food and wine we did a day trip to see Mount Etna. Nothing too exciting but another change to learn some local history and see some of the effects of what a lava spill can do.

The Malta Conference

A trip to Sicily with a side trip to Malta became a trip to Malta with a side trip to Italy. Malta is incredible. A small archipelago nation just south of Italy (90 minutes by ferry) it packs a lot in for a small nation of 423,000 people or so. It is one of the smallest nations on earth but one of the most densely populated. English and Maltese are the official languages so it is really easy to get around. Perfect weather in November, lots of Italian and Maltese’s cuisine, great wine, amazing sense of history and lots see and do. Overall, a really good visit.

Its location in the Med, has seen it ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French and British. They believe the earliest settlers were 5200 BC and inhabited ever sense. I wanted to see it because it was the where the Knights of St. John has their base during the middle ages. It still has a really incredible medieval feel to it and it like going back in time. The entire country is hard to describe but unique to any place where I have been. Highlights were Valletta, Mdina, and just the country overall.

Driving in this country proved interesting. Right hand drive, very narrow streets lines with cars, steep inclines with RPM’s reaching F1 limits with roll backs and the need to park the car flush with the buildings so other cars can get buy. I actually had to get out of the passenger side a few times as there was no room to get out on my side which would normally be your side. No major incidents but unduly stressful at time.

Rome

From Malta it was Rome for a few days and I think this was third time here. The ISIS fuckers seem to making the entire world into a police state. There is a heightened since of security no matter where I go. Armed soldiers, police and surveillance everywhere.

It never fails to amaze me with its grandeur, history, sites, vibe and feel. I pretty much spent my time eating, drinking a bit of wine and during the day I went back to the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and for this was the first time I went to the St. Peter’s Basilica. Not sure because it is free to see (it is a church) but the lines ups can be discouraging but it was not so bad. It was about 40 minutes and most days it can be more than double that. This is another indescribable event. Of course, every pope from St. Peter onward has resided here. The opulence (I think most of it was designed by Michelangelo) richness, history, vastness and it pretty much archives the history of the world sense the death of Christ. I am not sure if there is 100% proof that St. Peters remains are here but the Holy See says it is him and there is a tomb for him so to walk by it was nothing short of amazing. The artifacts and sepulchers for the medieval popes were also amazing for me to see as well.

The detail and design of every square inch of the place is incredible and the artifacts from history are limitless.

If I recall correctly Pope Frankieboy is the 265^th Pope from St. Peter and the historical record keeping within those 2000 years would be unrivaled. I am sure the Vatican’s dirty secrets are all kept there as well (follow the money kids, follow the money).

Also so the usual suspects when in Rome (and doing as them of course) such as the Spanish Steps, Treni Fountain, dodging scooters (but not this time) and the endless amount of Squares, Statues and Monuments.