A Few Words from the Dogs

The Pupinaros (Wylie and Rosie)

Obviously we ( the dogs) did not write the title of our blog;  because we would have said something like "Message from the Crew", "The Pupinaros part 1" or perhaps "Getting the inside scoop, a dogs perspective."  But we are bound by greater powers, and must comply, for now mahh ha ha.

In continuing in the footsteps (or should we say "pawsteps") of Sophie, The Ships Cat ( such a cool name, we got stuck with The Pupinaros...) we have been tasked with blog writing.  It's not like anyone else on this boat is churning out regular missives, so here goes.

The Pupinaros.  We are puppies; Marinaros are the Italian and Spanish term for guys/girls that work in the marina.  Tying boats up, painting stuff, driving around really fast in dinghies, helping out the cruisers and always happy and smiling.  We got some of the Marinaro stuff worked out but the tying up boats has been a little difficult for us, we're not allowed to leave the boat unattended, however we bark, alot and figure that's helpful.  Hence the moniker "The Pupinaros".

Working with George and Branko

Napping with Jenna

Train trip with Sienna

Our hotel in Catania

Walk with Deb and Helen

Dinghy ride after a swim

It has been about a year now that we moved on to the boat. Previously we had been living in a field, running around with goats, chickens, typical farm yard residents and incorrectly thought that a large mastiff was our mother, oops.  She looked nothing like us, that should have been our first clue.  Since then we have gone for car, bus, train, dinghy and scooter rides, ah yes and sailboat rides too.  Swam in the sea, escaped to the garbage bins, ran along beaches, fell off the boat (numerous times, but once I swear I was pushed), and met so many people who have been kind and generous to us both.

Scooter ride!

Enough swimming, get me out!

Here we are now in Roccella Jonica.  Last month there was Vespa Club Competition, right in the parking lot. Vespa means Wasp in Italian.  The Vespa gained popularity in North America after Audrey Hepburn climbed into the sidecar in the movie Roman Holiday.
Here are some action shots we took.

Vespas ready and waiting

Start of the race

Ahhhhh! The Flying Vespa.

The other day we took a walk to the castle/fort that sits above our town of Roccella.  We wanted to take in the local sites in walking distance.
 Here's what we discovered:
1) Great walking/running paths, around and up to the Castle
2) Exercise walking/running routes, 8 of them of different lengths, scenery and difficulty
3) A Norman castle, fort and rubble....possibly ancient rubble
4) W.W.2 tunnels under the castle (sorry no pic)
5) Beautiful old town with winding cobblestone streets

Castle and fort

Walk along the ramparts

Looking west from the castle

Cobblestone streets

Serious fitness here

We also discovered that not only is the town and surrounding countryside beautiful but so are the people.   Our boat neighbour, who has already fixed our fridge, goes fishing on the weekends.   Twice he gave us part of his catch.  First it was 3 large large squids.   Next time it was a mahi mahi.  No reason for him to share, its just because people are nice here, and in Sicily too.  Other neighbours have given us home made sweets, wine, olives, wine, olive oil, wine...and smiles.

Squids, after a knife fight

So much ink, still cleaning it up

We like fish. 

Since we are Sicilian dogs there is no need for us to learn Italian but others on the boat, should.  A new friend, Larry (born in Thunder Bay but has lived in Roccella most of his life) who knows everyone has found us Italian lessons, held 3 times a week in the local elementary school.  The course is for immigrants.  Taught by an Italian speaking only, professora, 4 hours per evening.  The students are from Romania, Sri Lanka, Cuba and North Africa.  
We have hope that Maggie might learn a few words, pronounce vowels and conjugate verbs properly,  Branko goes, to explain the lessons to Maggie.

Spices at the market

Branko, market negotiations

Every Tuesday the local market arrives here in Roccella.  The local markets sell mostly fruit and vegetables that are in season.  Currently available are hot peppers, cucumbers, olives, chestnuts and big orange squash (not a pumpkin),  apples, pears and grapes are the fruits.  Branko has been cheerfully discovering his country roots, putting up olives in brine, fermenting hot peppers, making sauerkraut and contemplating kimchi.   Step by step procedures with pictures coming soon to this blog station.

We think, for now that we've accomplished writing a few words and look forward to compiling our next blog.  Thanks for reading.

Wylie and Rosie
(The Pupinaros)

Chillin', and playing some music