October 7 - October 24, 2023 travelled to Sicily. From NYC to Rome, then another plane to the capital of Sicily, Palermo. Stayed in Centro Center of Palermo, which is all walkable to many sights, shops and restaurants. Went to the Ballero Market, which has everything, crowded with locals and tourists. The Catheral of Palermo is beautiful and is in the historic centre. All foods items are very fresh, since preservatives are not used and can taste the difference when eating pizza or pasta. Lots of cannoli's, croissants, granitas and cappuccinos were consumed daily. The weather was in the 80's, warm and sunny, cooler in the evenings. Rode the bus from there to Canania to visit another catheral, the historic centre and the huge fish market. Made our way south to Siracusa, has a connecting island, Ortigia and is an architectural beauty, with alleys and winding roads, stunning everywhere. The Catheral of Siracusa is in the center of the historic district and walking to the Fort, brings one to the crysal, clear ocean. Can see many locals sunbathing on the cliffs and rocks, around the shore. Took an Oceano excursion boat ride, one can see the sea caves, the seafront, Castello Manice and the coral inside some of the caves. Many beaches are nearby and a 15-mintue train ride to Lido Fontane Bianche, brought us to turquoise, clear ocean water of the Ionian Sea, decided to return the following day with temperature in the 80's and a swim, too. When back in Siracusa, had homemade raviol's at Fari-Pasta e Cucina, which was the best I ever had. Agrigento was worth a visit to see the Temple of the Gods, all built in the 5th century BC, Parco Archeologico ella Valle dei Templi de Agrigento. Awesome sights to see, on a very hot, sunny day to walk around the temples. The Mediterranean sea hugs its border and many people were swimming, on a warm, sunny day. The next day, we took a bus to a nearby town, Favara to visit the Farm Cultural Park in the historic centre. This area was created from the old abandoned houses where they were transformed into places to exhibit art and performances. Back to Palermo, where our visit to Sicily began and has left us with many great memories to be cherished.

3 - 17 - 23 Traveled to the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, which is the northwest area from March 2 - March 15. Have visited the other areas of Costa Rica in the past. Thirty years ago, first visted the northeast, had many dirt area, very beautiful and tranquil, another time the southeast. To visit the eastside, one has to fly into San Jose, the capitol, then had to drive over a very high mountain, into the clouds and mist, if you want to visit the westcoast, is a very dangerous road with lots of potholes and locals who drive it, drive very fast on the other side of the road, which has no road barriers, blocking the cliff. Ten years ago the USA, built the new airport in Liberia, making it a easy trip to visit the westcoast, it's beach and national parks. Weather was hot, 90 degree temperature, but lower at the beach with it's breeze. Stayed in Playa Coco, lovely hotel that had good breakfasts and food. Drove to Playa Ocotal had white sand and turquoise ocean, which could be walked to or drive for 10 minutes and park under a palm tree. Lots of fruit trucks around near the beach and driving to other places, offering watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, mangos and more. Costa Rica takes US dollars, but give you change in their money, which is colonies. People are warm and friendly and is a country with no military. Did a day trip to Rincon de la Viego National Park, which is not far from Nicaruga's southern border. Cool breezes since high in the mountain with an active volcano and waterfall. We did a hike around the one of the trails that had lots of steps going up, then down, passing howler monkeys high in the trees, iguanas and bubbling mud pots. There's two entrances to the park, we took the one that a rancher owns the land and had to pay a guard $1.50 each to pass thru his land, before entering the park, which was a long dirt road, before reaching the entrance. A wondeful, peaceful visit to a beautiful country.