What an amazing experience it was to spend two days with Andreina e Vito. They were very welcoming and I can honestly say that I felt very special, they treated me as an old friend. Vito picked me up at the airport and immediately gave me a short tour of the city starting with my favorite place, the fish market. I had read about the wonderdul dinner other guests had enjoyed, but I guess I was so excited knowing I could do the same that I completely forgot to put in the request. But as it turned out, that wasn't a problem at all! Vito spoke with Andreina on the phone and we returned to the fish market to get the freshest seafood, which Andreina prepared that night. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with a delicious arugula salad with fresh parmesan cheese, fruit salad and fresh bread. Breakfast every morning consisted of coffee of course, a delicious macedonia (fresh fruit salad), breads, jams and yogurt. Andreina even treated me to dark chocolate before going to bed...wow! The highlight was no doubt the delicious Sicilian dinner. It was a full course meal with an antipasto of olives, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic, bread, the main dish was pasta with clams followed by Arab inspired swordfish, a refreshing salad, dessert, cookies and chocolate paired with a Sicilian wine. (Do not dare to miss it, you will not regret it.)
It was not just the meal, but the warm company, and fantastic conversation.
Andreina and Vito are highly educated, well-travelled and very passionate about culture, the art and nature and extremely helpful. Need a tour guide? Look no further, Vito will give you the best tour of the city and its surroundings cities. Just ask, you will not find a better or knowledgeable tour guide or such a fair price. I regret not spending more time in Catania to visit more of all the amazing nearby cities.
On the last day, Andreina e Vito took me to beautiful St. Benedetto church then to see the stunning Faraglioni di Acitrezza, then the bus station. It was time to say arrivederci. Almost forgot, I also had the grand opportunity to practice my Italian with Vito and Andreina. Thank you Andreina e Vito for being so patient in understanding and correcting my Italiano Vito was/is an educator so he is not only knowledgeable of culture and the arts but also passionate about teaching. What a great tutor he would be If I were to return to learn the language :) I will forever be thankful to Andreina and Vito for their fantastic hospitality. Grazie di cuore.