A bus ride to Village Mosé.

2/5/2020

(Above: Two Sicilian-Italian men engaging in conversation with the bus driver. I would say that it was lively, but I think that is the norm for conversations over here.)

Active Summary: Today began with calisthenics, an hour of writing, and then a small breakfast consisting of half a slice of leftover homemade pizza from yesterday evening. This was ensued by my venturing outdoors to the bus station where I waited for about 30 minutes before Line 2 (Linea 2) arrived. After some hurried education about the Sicily bus system (more in TIL), I boarded and was on my way to Village Mosé.

On arriving at the small town, I got off at the first stop. This was a mistake because there were three stops throughout the town and I was supposed to get off at the third. I was early, though, so I simply walked the extra distance, following the map to the intended address. This eventually brought me off of the main road and up some winding, ascending lanes that passed their way through quiet flowering meadows.

I reached Chef Viviana’s residence at about 11:20 AM – 10 minutes before our meeting – and waited outside for a few minutes before ringing the doorbell. No one appeared for a few minutes, so I rang again. This time, a very plump with a long beard poked his head out of the door and looked at me quite questioningly. I asked, “Viviana?” and to this, he held up a finger.

It turned out that Airbnb, despite having confirmed my reservation, did not contact Viviana. So, she was at work. Her partner, Francesco, invited me inside while Airbnb sorted out the whole shenanigan. He allowed me to use the restroom and then offered me coffee or water – I took the latter because the walk had been a long and very windy one (as in air movement). Both Francesco and Viviana were very apologetic about the whole ordeal despite it not being their or my fault.

Eventually, after a little bit of conversation about life in Sicily and farm-life in Florida, and a token refund/coupon issued by corporate Airbnb, I departed. It began to rain quite hard on my way back down the hill, but it thankfully only lasted a minute or two. I eventually caught a bus back to Agrigento, and there, ventured out and about with my brother. We obtained a delicious lunch, procured desserts, and then returned to the room.

Agrigento at dawn.
I was originally waiting for this bus, but it turns that they do not often heed these signs. They simply take any open slots that are available.
Very green landscape outside of the bus’s foggy window.
Early morning stormclouds.
A view of Villaggio Mosè from atop one of the nearby hills.
The shortcut that I found on the way back from Viviana’s house. Though it was very steep, it cut about 20 minutes off of my return journey to the bus stop.
A ‘deal-board’ that I found at the bus stop. I thought 5.49 euros for 2 liters of extra virgin olive oil was a pretty good price.
Four blood oranges that I procured before catching the bus back to Agrigento.
The clouds scattered above were the remainder of a cold front that passed through during the night.
A classic narrow street.
A view of the turbulent sea on the way down to find lunch in Agrigento.
A closer look at the wind-rippled sea.
A lunch package from Il Dollaro – a Piadineria not far from our apartment.
My Piadina (sandwich on Italian Flatbread).
The inside of my Piadina: bresola, arugula, bell pepper, olives, and mozzarella cheese.
My brother’s lunch consisted of a single mammoth-sized Piadina.
The inside of my brother’s Piadina: a plethora of mozzarella, french fries, prosciutto, and sausage.
Doughnut bites with apricot glaze.

(8:57 PM Update:) This afternoon, my brother and I hung around indoors. During this time we relaxed (I listened to music while revising some writing and playing an a game on my computer), I cooked some fantastic noodles using the remainder of the ingredients in the fridge, and then we feasted upon those noodles. Pictures can be found below the commentary.

TIL: Today I learned that the buses in Sicily (or at least Agrigento) require tickets before getting on. On boarding the Village Mosé Bus #2 with euros in hand, I was halted by the hefty, shades-wearing bus driver. He pointed at the somewhat distant office which, for some reason, was across two busy streets from the bus station, and said something like, “Bee-letto… là “* I did not understand the two words at the time, but I did understand the point and the word of encouragement that followed, “Rapidamente!”

What ensued was a dash across those two busy streets and a venture into some sort of gas-station / corner store where an elderly cashier-man thankfully understood my request for, “Ticket for Village Mosé.” I, however, did not understand the question that followed, “Vai e vieni?” He asked it twice over, and then I realized that he was asking if I desired a return ticket, to which I gave an affirmative.

With tickets in hand, I made my way quickly through the traffic once more to the place where my bus (Linea 2 – Line 2) had been. There were still people getting on, and when the driver saw that I had returned he greeted me with a wide smile and a ‘bravo! Bravo!’

Commentary: Though there was a disappointing turn of events this morning, I did learn things today, and I got to feast my eyes on more Sicilian countryside. Adding to this, I have since eaten delicious food with my brother, the cool and cloudy rainfront has passed and has been replaced by a very pretty and sunny day, and later on I will still have an opportunity to cook for my brother and I. Tonight, it’s going to be a large pot of noodles dressed and seasoned with local grown arugula, prosciutto, and butter. (9:01 PM Update:) I ended up using up the remaining vegetables, mozzarella, and tomato sauce to instead make a red-sauce based batch of noodles. The prosciutto and smoked provolone will be our midday snack tomorrow.

A picture I took while waiting for water to boil after I had created a sauce for the pasta. Within the sauce there was: tomato, Mascarpone cheese, butter, mozzarella, sauteed onion / garlic / bell pepper, balsamic vinegar, salt, and a little bit of sugar.
Dinner was comprised of fantastic noodles, a salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, and a glass of Sicilian Merlot.
A sweet tortellini procured from our favorite bakery. It was stuffed with a custard resembling sweet dough.
Within the sweet tortellini.
And another of those cream-filled croissants. I believe I can officially say that it was/is my favorite dessert from this entire trip. (Followed directly after by the Cassis Napoleon.)