Today, we visited the seaside town of Cefalù which houses one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Sicily. It was built in the 1100's in the Norman style to honor the church after the Normans conquered Sicily in 1091. We strolled the streets of this medieval town, enjoying a peak into bakery windows to view amazing pastries. Some of us even succumbed to our first (but surely not our last) gelato.
 Cefalu Cathedral square |  Glass and gold leaf mosaic of Christ above the alter. |
We boarded the bus and drove an hour - some of us enjoying the beautiful countryside and others taking a quick nap. Soon after we entered rolling hills with olive and fruit trees, we arrived at an arturismo farm where Cinzia (Cynthia in English, but say chinzia in Italian) greeted us. We started with a prosecco toast and a tasting of local jams, jellies and other specialties. Cinzia then ushered us into a large dining room where she had arranged a cooking demonstration - well not quite. She recruited Jim, Joni, Roger and Corrine to assist her in making arancini, stuffed rice balls, which are a local specialty of Sicily. Our new Italian chefs created the first course of our multi course Sicilian farm lunch. We ate and drank for 2 hours. When fully sated, we toured the farm buildings and learned how the current generation has restored and reinvigorated their grandparents land.
 Corrine, Joni and Roger help Cinzia make arancini |  Cinzia and Terri |
The evening ended with an included dinner - but fortunately only 3 courses this time! These Sicilians know how to eat! And, we're enjoying their find food.
