Giardini Naxos, Sicilia (Italy)

Up at 0830L. First coordinated a drill with Ken (to take place at 1100L). Made other calls (Gabe & Jim) and checked work emails. Over to hangar at 0930 and worked with Jim on more inspection items. Conducted drill - it went well. Went to lunch with Andy, Jim & Z (Galley). Afterwards, wrapped up ground portion of inspection with Jim and his team (finished around 1500L). Spent a few more hours chatting with other folks who I normally only can get on the phone from the States. Started coordination of flight to Germany (hopefully on Wednesday) using text function of Blackberry - Keith wrote right back and will get permission for us. Back at my room around 1700L. Spent some time with email from home (whirlwind of damaged aircraft...). Called Darin when it was virtually certain we would be going to Germany. Left with the guys for dinner (1930L) - hoping to make it to Taormina tonight. Normally, this would be pretty difficult on a summer evening - and Matt had an idea to visit Giardini Naxos first (hmmm...). Anyway, it was something different - and I don't remember spending much time on the beach there. We arrived around 2045L and had some drinks on the waterfront - the whole atmosphere was very relaxed. Saw a seaplane trying to land in the ocean - tough with high winds and surf (he gave up). Matt had read about a restaurant somewhere on the beach so we walked for awhile looking for it (ended up experiencing the WHOLE beach...). As the sun set behind us, the soft lights came up. I've always enjoyed the summer evenings here - they aren't anything like the daytime. It is surprising how the temperatures drop quickly - and the sea breezes reach pretty far inland. Of course, the oceanfront is a little cooler... Success, though - we found Matt's restaurant ("La Sirena") at the end of the pier. Had a great dinner (antipasti was melon & prosciutto and bruschetta pizza, entre was "macheroni" - really long tube pasta). Discovered I was really dehydrated when I polished off two full litres of water... Afterwards, we had some gelato and enjoyed the bustling beachfront street. By this point it was already 2230 - Matt agreed that Taormina was probably going to be difficult... Headed back to NAS Sigonella - made good time. Craig told us some good stories of his family restaurant (Chinese) - made the time fly. Back in my Navy Gateway Inn room at around 2330 and went to bed immediately.