You Can't Make This Stuff Up.....

      The warmth, friendliness, and generosity of the people of Sicily never fails to amaze us.  This story begins with a visit to a carpenter's workshop.  We had seen his sign the day before as we were driving out of town for a day trip.  The morning after our day trip, we walked over to his shop, just ten minutes from our B&B.  We said buon giorno, explained that we were Americans on vacation, and that Joe was a carpenter.  He warmed up quickly, although he spoke no English.  We took interest in the project he was working on, a large walnut cabinet.  He gave us his card, and asked that we send him a postcard when we return to the States.  After assuring him that we would, and with warm thanks all around, off we went.

       As we were leaving Agrigento yesterday to come to The Lemon Tree, we happened to pass his shop.  As we slowed the car to wave goodbye, he ran out and insisted that we park.  We did a typical Sicilian 45 degree with-flashers-on parking maneuver, and stepped out to greet him.  It was like we were old friends!  He said we couldn't leave town without having a coffee with him!  He closed his shop (actually he left the doors open and put a small strip of wood across the door opening, we don't know who he thought that would stop, but that's another story).

     After some gesturing and pointing, we said to him in Italian... "you drive", so he climbed into the driver's seat, Joe jumped in the back, and off we went through the jumble of streets that is Agrigento's Old Town.  We arrived at his favorite place, a snack bar/pastry/coffee shop.  He ordered Joe a cappuccino, he had a coffee, we all ate almond cookies.  We talked a little more, and just before we left, the person behind the counter handed us a beautifully wrapped package, which as it turns out were two cannoli that he had ordered for us as a gift.  How sweet was that!?  After hugs and kisses, we got in the car and headed for Taormina and The Lemon Tree; he hitched a ride back to his shop with friends.

     The only photo we have of the whole experience is one Joe took with his phone in the coffee shop, Chris munching on an almond cookie, our carpenter friend Nino with his arm around her!?
                                 

     What a great experience, and no, you can't make this stuff up!