From Sicily! Greetings, dear readers! Welcome back to our global escapades with Pennywise and Passport Foolish, where we traverse the world on a shoestring budget. Today, our compass points towards the heart-stealing land of Sicily, and within its embrace, we find ourselves captivated by the enchanting city of Trapani.
Trapani, a city with a soul that possesses the magical ability to mend even the most shattered hearts. Its history is a tapestry woven with the threads of Carthage and the Roman Republic, revealing layers of captivating stories as you ascend the mountain city above. Picture this: a cable taxi ride to Erice, unveiling the secrets of Sicily's past like pages of an ancient love story.
In Trapani, even a table for one becomes a poetic
rendezvous. Fear not, for this city will not just embrace you; it will gently
let you land, allowing you to inhale deeply and surrender to the intoxicating
embrace of Trapani. Whether you are a lover of sandy shores, majestic
mountains, or a seeker of historical treasures, Trapani welcomes you with open
arms, offering a palette of experiences with a few euros or even for free.
Let go, surrender to the moment, and witness Trapani weaving its magic, making you forget your past. Fall in love with your soul, and if you're wondering whether Trapani is worth a visit, my unequivocal answer is a resounding yes. The atmosphere and lifestyle here embody the true essence of dolce vita – the sweet life. Yes! Trapani, the city that stole my heart!
Here, the must-visit places are as rich as the love of the past itself. Begin with Erice, a town with a mere 154 permanent residents by night, transforming into a bustling hub for thousands of tourists during the day. It's a fairytale medieval town where you can easily lose yourself in the echoes of the Roman Empire and the grandeur of Julius Caesar.
After your exploration, indulge in the traditional pastries,
a sensory delight with a predominant note of almonds. Picture yourself sipping
espresso in a small café, tucked away in a corner where time seems to stand
still.
And then, as the day draws to a close, embrace the
unparalleled beauty of Trapani harbor, a canvas painted with the warm hues of
the sunset a perfect setting for romance. As the sun dips below the horizon,
the sky is set ablaze with a fiery passion that mirrors the fervor of your
heart in this timeless city.
I am in love with you Trapani
While in Trapani, venture further to the Aegadian Islands,
an archipelago off the coast that hosts Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. A
day trip, though it may cost 90 euros, is an investment in memories that will
last a lifetime. As your boat glides through the crystalline waters, the
islands emerge like jewels on the Mediterranean, each with its own love story
waiting to be discovered.
Ever wondered where your salt comes from? Trapani will
answer that question, offering not just a historical trip but also a nature
reserve teeming with diverse birdlife. A week in Trapani would be delightful,
but even a compact 3-4 days will unveil most of its beauty.
For those who love to bring the flavors of their travels into their homes, consider joining Miss Maria's cooking school. A dose of Italian cooking will linger in your kitchen long after you've bid farewell to Trapani. Imagine yourself surrounded by the aromas of Sicilian spices, learning to recreate the dishes that danced on your palate in this charming city.
Most travelers stay in Trapani and visit Erice as a day
trip, but my unconventional choice was to stay in Erice and explore Trapani.
Hotel Villa San Giovanni offered one of the best window-view rooms, although
Hotel Elimo, Hotel Moderno, and Al Postele 17 also caught my eye with their
breathtaking charm.
As I reminisce, my taste buds dance with nostalgia, recalling the exquisite flavors of squid stew and Busiate Pesto Trapanese. Allow me to share the recipes with you, a token of the culinary love affair that unfolded in the heart of Trapani.
Solo Bliss: Unleash Empowerment, and Tranquility in Trapani's Allure!
Love of my life😛😜😜😜😜
Ingredients:
- 1 box busiate pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the busiate pasta according to the package
instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water
before draining.
2. In a food processor, combine the halved cherry tomatoes,
toasted almonds, garlic, basil, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse the
ingredients until finely chopped and well combined.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the
extra-virgin olive oil until you achieve a smooth pesto consistency. Season
with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the ingredients as needed.
4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked busiate pasta
with the Pesto Trapanese until well coated. If the pesto is too thick, add some
of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach your
desired consistency.
5. Plate the pasta and drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive
oil on top. Optionally, sprinkle some extra grated cheese and chopped fresh
basil for garnish.
Sicilian-style Squid Stew (Calamari in Umido):
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cleaned squid, tubes and tentacles, sliced into
rings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup fish or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Clean the squid and slice the tubes into rings. Leave
small tentacles whole.
2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil
over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté until
the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the sliced squid to the skillet and cook for about
3-5 minutes until the squid turns opaque.
4. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up
any browned bits from the bottom. Add the crushed tomatoes and fish or
vegetable broth. Stir well.
5. Season with red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and
black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the
heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the
flavors to meld and the squid to become tender.
6. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve the squid stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and accompanied
by lemon wedges.
This Sicilian squid stew is not just a dish; it's a symphony
of flavors that captures the essence of Trapani. Pair it with a glass of local
wine, and you'll find yourself immersed in a culinary love story that mirrors
the city's charm.
Join me next week as we journey to Verona, the city of love,
where every cobblestone street whispers tales of romance. Until then, keep
embracing the world with open arms and a passport foolishly ready for more
adventures. Ciao!
"#Unleash the empowered traveler in you. 💪💖
#SoloTravel #TrapaniRomance #AdventureAwaits"
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