A fast easy ride today with almost no climbing which was good as Tara was feeling a little under the weather. We followed the coastline for much of the route so enjoyed the view as well as the sea breeze and the odd bar for lemon soda and caffé. It has been quite warm most days, usually 26 – 30 degrees C. It gets much hotter as summer approaches so it’s good we came earlier this year. We have also noticed that there are less tourists. We continue to follow the SIBIT bike route (part of the Euro Velo) which usually takes us down quieter roads. This area of Sicily is much cleaner and better maintained than other areas although the vegetation often crowds us on the shoulders so in fact there’s little shoulder.
We happened unexpectedly upon a memorial to Canadian soldiers from WW2 today when we stopped to rest in some shade. This specifically mentioned the sacrifices of several named soldiers upon the first landing to take over Sicily and was very much appreciative. It must be a bit awkward for the Sicilans since under Mussolini they were fighting the Canadians, Americans, and British who landed in July 1943. We have seen other war memorials here that were funded by Sicilians who emigrated to Canada post WW2. Apparently there were many people specifically from the Pachino area that emigrated to Canada. We also chatted with a British woman who was born here then her family moved to England after the war because of a poor economy and few prospects.
Our bike always attracts much attention but it feels even more so here. Whenever we stop people stare at us, it’s awkward. Occasionally they talk to us but often communication is difficult. Little boys have few inhibitions and will often shout out things like “bellissimo or guarda la bicicletta tandemo”, or something like that. I may not have it quite right.
Pachino is known for cherry tomatoes so we went to find some for supper. We did. Unbelievable sweet tasting pomodorini in a simple salad with basil and capers. Perfetto!
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