Gray's Academy

My visit to Riposto on the coast for Sicily was a classic Cher adventure. I arrived by train a few hours early so I could explore. Maybe this was going to be my place – my haven in Sicily. I had my little rolling backpack which is a bit of an adventure on the old sidewalks of Sicily. But, hey I was doing this solo – I was really proud of myself.

I headed to the waterfront. Yes, it is old but there was the most amazing food market right on the coast. I got a cappuccino and cornetta before heading to my B and B for a noon check-in.

In some infinite lack of wisdom I had taken my driver’s license out of my wallet. No I.D – No room. Here I was with no where to stay and desirous of exploring Giarre – a larger town up, and I mean up the hill. Off I went. I liked it. I wanted to spend more time there but there was no way I was going to find any kind of room without my I.D. I would be heading back to Taormina – always a nice thing even though it wasn’t what I wanted to be doing.

A downpour started. I asked the waitress if she could call a cab. She said, “ There might be one cab here in Riposto.” She spoke English quite well. I was going to have to walk in the rain to the train station which was about a twenty minute walk from where I was having lunch down by the waterfront. As I mentioned Riposto is one of those little villages begging for retirees so there was an abundance of old people. Old people in Italy are charming, engaging and friendly. Despite my mess-up I was having a good time until the downpour started.

Let me paint a picture – it is pouring down rain, I have a white plastic bag over my stray hat, I have taken my pants and rolled them up to my knees. My backpack in on my back and I am hightailing it the train station so I can catch the express train.

Riposto floods! I was drenched from head to toe but hey! I made it back to my little apartment none the worse for the wear, and a bit wiser.

It was a fun adventure.