Motta Santa Anastasia, Sicilia (Italy)

Slept until 0800 (after getting a much earlier - 0200L - call from work...). Spent time organizing and unpacking and then went to the Business Center to review emails for work again. Had lunch at the Galley and then tried to get a haircut (line too long). Walked over to the hangar and made the rounds - liaison, executive detachment. Had a chance to chat for awhile with Jim and Andy. Made phone calls to Gabe and Darin. Ended up getting a haircut later and picked up some more supplies at the Shopette. Spent more time in the Business Center and then met up with the rest of our group at the hangar - missions starting to pop up. First heard we might be going to Russia to assist with fire suppression. By the time Chuck and Craig returned from their flight (1730L), this had downgraded to just a flight to Naples. Got most of the planning work done with Matt and then went back to my room. Later, spent some time with the guys watching full-season DVDs of recent popular shows (apparently a past-time for this group). Convinced them we should go out to eat at 1930L (a small victory). Procured a car big enough for the seven of us and drove everyone up to Il Caviliere (AKA Farmhouse) just outside Motta. None of them had ever been there. I've always enjoyed sitting outside under the trees at that restaurant. Tonight there were no menus and the waitress spoke limited English. We managed to understand that it was "Seafood Night" and that the food would be coming in courses. What an experience! We had antipasti (salmon, sardines, swordfish and thinly sliced octopus) and later I got spaghetti "fruti di mare" with mussels, calamari and prawns. Everyone enjoyed themselves with lots of wine (except me and my co-pilot) and the owner (an older gentleman who I've met before) came out at the end of the night with limoncello. As we left, the guys asked me to take them into Motta for gelato - but it didn't work out (they closed just before we got there). Back in my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by 2230. Spent a little time packing for tomorrow's flight before heading to bed.