Here's last nights sunset, no indicator that rain was on the way.
And of course, there's no local forecasts here other than on the internet. Keep me guessing!
I had every intention of having great seafood for dinner last night, figured I go early since it was after all Valentines Day. I got dressed up in my Dockers, real shoes and a nice shirt (w/ collar) and headed downhill Was even more amazed to see the candy store, which I'd never seen anyone other than myself inside, was packed. Better late shopping than never.
I make an additional stop at the travel agency to purchase my train tickets for tomorrow and for my trip to Naples. 53 euros, cash. What's up with this place, doesn't anyone take credit cards? Being short of course, it's off to the bancomat. It and I are becoming very close friends. Then back to pick up everything.
Round the corner and my restaurant is closed. Bummer. What was I gonna do for seafood now, Hey, I know another place that I'd been meaning to try. Closed. Two strikes, I'm beginning to think I'm cooking after all, when suddenly it hits me. Yes, you guessed it.
500 kinds of PIZZA.
Fortunately it was open. And with new help. As I'm ordering, my pizza chef says "Him talk you in English". Him? Turns out the new help is a 17 year old kid from Transylvania. I swear that's what he tells me. "Romania" I ask, Yes, Romania. The kid and his family moved here from Transylvania/Romania seven months ago and are all working in the restaurant business. Okay so 30% of Italians are unemployed and these 3 Romanians have jobs?
Sound familiar? I didn't ask. He's learning Italian and our cook helps him by making him answer his iPhone and taking all the orders. I really like the cook. Great guy, big smile.
Nice kid, kept me chatting while my pizza chef makes me a "Special American Pizza. You like"
The Special American pizza? Drumroll.....
What's on my Special? Let's see..Spicy Salami, Parma Ham, Green peppers, Mushrooms, 2 cheeses, artichoke hearts, olives (unpitted) and yes those are cucumber slices. He was out of kitchen sinks.
It was good and this American thinks it's special.
I have to admit I'm getting excited about my friend from the Air Force, Gerard "Joe" Depoti, showing up tomorrow. It'll be a nice break in the routine that I've come to experience. I've got to catch a train tomorrow at 12:30 in order to be there by 2:30 when he lands and with the bus schedule I'll still end up a bit late. It's been nearly 40 years (it would be in May) since we've seen each other and have lots of memories to relive.
I first met Joe in Warner Robins AFB Georgia, right outside Macon in early 1970 where I was stationed after Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya was closed by Gaddafi's overthrow of King Idris on Sept. 1, 1969. I'd been in Libya for just 9 months (well off and on I spent a lot of time in other countries due to my lack of adherence to conventional military dress) when the revolution happened. I was actually on what's called CQ (charge of quarters) on that night. I got the 4 AM phone call for my colonel to report to the base commanders office at 0500. Yeah, like I was gonna wake him up. Luckily the Chief Master got the same call and delivered the news. Back to sleep for me.
So imagine what I thought when I got this little email this morning from Joe.
Biggie,here I come bitch!!! Your assumption is correct,Iarrive Lamezia @ 1425 hours. I'll be the one in the corner with a big fucking hardonnn. Love ya bro. can't wait.
Ah, brotherly love and the comradeship of military service.
AND THAT"S EXACTLY THE WAY I EXPECTED HIM TO BE!!
Believe me he'll get it from me the moment I walk in the terminal. We'll be 20 all over again. Now if we can just find some hashish to smoke. It'll be deja vu all over again. I'll make lotsa movies.
Have to wrap it up for now, I'm being distracted by the wheelchair basketball league on TV. No kidding and there are 10 teams in this one league. A1 leads me to believe that there are more than one.
These guys are good. Good shooters, they set picks and screens and even have fast breaks. Heck even the coaches are in wheelchairs (I hadn't considered, but makes sense.)
So I'll say it again. Ciao for now.
I'll keep posting as I can, but don't know how often now, since we're off to Sicily on either Thursday or Friday most likely.
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