Cefalù, Sicily

I can't say I gave Sicily the best shot.  This huge island deserves more than just a 6 day visit.  That being said, as our first Continental stop on this European journey, we did the best we could with our time. After missing our flight from London-Palermo, we caught the next morning's plane to meet my mom, who was waiting for us at her hotel.  We got directly on a train east to Cefalù,  an old  seaside town an hour from the capital.

With our huge backpacks in tow, we trecked up the steep stone steps to our building, then another couple flights to our 3rd floor walk up rooftop apartment.  We were rewared with the most amazing view and charming apartment we could ask for.  The 3 of us were so excited to be calling this place home for the next few days.

After dropping our bags, we quickly set back out to walk the town's narrow, cobbled streets.  Admittedly, we were 3 of many many tourists browsing and shopping, but we didn't care.  We were in a new place in the world, walking under the local residents' laundry hanging from what seemed like every window above.

The little bodegas that dotted the streets provided us the alimentari to make simple and delicious breakfasts and dinners, of which I only took 1 photo!  Just call me a bad blogger. 

Antipasti, anyone?

One of the most memorable experiences was taking a cooking class with my mom one afternoon.  We made up half the class, with another couple from England joining us.  Set in a converted convent is a villa which houses some modernized apartments as well a little space for cooking classes.  We made traditional Sicilian fish croquettes, called polpette di broccoli, fresh pasta with tomato sauce, as well as fish rolled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, almonds & herbs and then baked.  Of course, we got to eat everything we made al fresco, and take a dip in their pool afterwards!

My mom and I signed up for a Sicilian cooking class.

Unsurprisingly, I was always on the look out for great pastry.  I found it in one of the oldest pasticcerie a short walk from our apartment, called L'angolo delle Dolcezze.  I arrived a little late, so the selection was a little sparse.  I still think I got away with some decent goodies though!  Actually, for such a small town, I was surprised by the amount of pastry shops and gelaterias that abounded.  Cefalu is my kinda town!

Mini treats after a home cooked dinner.  I think we had grilled fish that night.

My mom doing her thing in our rooftop kitchen.  La Rocca looms overhead.