Motta Santa Anastasia, Sicilia (Italy)

The day started early (0730) to make up for the slow start yesterday. Jim wasn't around again, but I was able to complete my write-ups for two of my inspection areas. Pat, Andy, Keith and Gabe all headed to Naples for the day, leaving me as the only "supervision." In the meantime, I tried to coordinate a flight with my friends from Whidbey Island - but it turns out that the plane will be broken until the 28th... Oh well - another flying opportunity lost! When Jim finally arrived (0930L), we spent the next two hours on his section. Had lunch at a place I'd never visited, the Alghese (Italian ground services) cafeteria - it was located down the ramp. They had true fare that Italians eat - the meal turned out to be a nice treat. Yes, there was pasta, but it wasn't prepared the same way. Plus, they had other things (something like a cold stromboli" and great salad). Jim and I chatted for about an hour before we walked back to the hangar and got caught by rain on the way. Fortunately, made it back before I was totally soaked... Spent the next several hours finishing up the inspection. It was a good feeling to be done!  But then I had to wait until around 1700L to brief Pat and Keith (who had just landed from Naples) on our status. Fortunately, almost everyone was done and we were able to wrap up the inspection. Due to his flight, Keith still had some work for Thursday but the rest of us were "free". Had dinner with Terry (at the Galley) and then went back to my room to get ready for the evening. At first, we had planned to go out for dinner - but then a HUGE thunderstorm began. Keith called me several times asking me to meet him at Jox - but I didn't want to walk over in the downpour. Watched some TV and waited for a lull. It finally happened around 2200L - so I headed over (checked email at Take5 on the way). Ended up seeing most everyone (except Keith) and had a few rounds of beer. We spilled out into the street as the bar closed and some people scattered back to their rooms. A significant group remained, though, and they pressed me to go with them to a bar in Motta. Remembering my last experience with this same group (see MAY 2009), I was hesitant. Still, they reminded me that I wouldn't have to be at work early tomorrow and that sold me. Coordinating a taxi was a little difficult, but we finally all got to the bar. As with most European establishments, there don't seem to be any closing hours... The rest of the evening was a whirlwind of images - most were pretty funny. I managed to keep my wits - even while Black Russians and White Russians continued to appear in front of me. Fortunately, we had Ginny along - she acted as sort of a big sister to keep us from spending all our money or getting too wild. In the end, I guess she and I were the only ones able to comprehend the taxi driver's demands after he dropped us off. Fortunately, I had EURO - but it sure was expensive. I ended up with a coin from the Mess (nearly impossible to get) - they were glad I went with them. When I looked at the clock in my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn, I was startled to find it was already after 0400L...