Motta Santa Anastasia, Sicilia (Italy)

My Blackberry woke me up at 0830L (this time, a text message). Played video games for awhile and then went to the Business Center to check email. Around 1100L, took my box over to the hangar and took care of flight planning for our return mission (on the 24th). Had lunch with everyone around noon time (Galley) and then went back to the hangar to meet Shanti and Tron. Glad I worked that out - now I don't have to worry about waiting two months for delivery or having to carry the pottery on the flight from Philly to DFW... Ended up helping them out to get going, including coordinating services. Got back to my room around 1400L - started laundry. Wiled away the rest of the afternoon playing strategy games again ("Europa Universalis: Rome"). Met the rest of the guys around 1900L at Chucks room. Matt wanted to use up his groceries, so we feasted on antipasti (prosciutto, mozzarella, spiced sausage and olives) until everything was gone. After that (2015), we headed over to Il Caviliere (AKA Farmhouse) again. We arrived to find the restaurant was semi-closed for a family birthday party. But they let us stay, fortunately. We sat outside again - very pleasant evening. No menu again this time - only a few items available. Ended up having prosciutto & melons (mmmm...) to start, some good bread and olive oil next. I don't know what the actual name of my entrée was, but it loosely translated as "Gramma's pasta" - it was similar to a pierogi with a special sauce. An older lady - who I assume was the owner's wife - must have been the Gramma... Chuck (grilled swordfish), Craig (veal marsala) and Matt (veal limone) let me try some of their dishes and they tried mine. A child's birthday party went on the background throughout our meal, culminating with the singing of "Tanti Giorni" by a few dozen kids (using a karaoke machine). We clapped and sang along with our best attempt at Italian - and were rewarded with a piece of the birthday cake (very fluffy with rich, creamy - but thin layered - frosting). We said goodbye to our gracious hosts and headed back to the hotel - but not before swinging by the gelato restaurant (closed). Made it to the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by around 2245L. Watched TV and went to bed around 45 minutes later.