Sicily is Getting Hot! And we love it... #22

Join us on our Sicilian Expat adventure!
We're Elizabeth and Brian, a retired American couple from Oregon who quit working in our fifties to pursue our dream of living abroad-- and that led us to Sicily. So far? Although there have been some bumps along the way, it has been a dream come true. Follow along as we fix up our abandoned old Sicilian farmhouse, discover our surroundings and learn about Sicilian wine and cuisine. Andiamo!
This week we visit Marzamemi and Pozzallo, make our own sun dried tomatoes and get used to the HEAT!
View all of our Sicily Farm House videos:
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For regular updates, and what Beth likes to call "pretty stuff" you can follow us on Instagram:
/ beeseurotravel

[@ail-on3px]

Now in July there will be the "Notti bianche" or White nights on weekend where there will be music shows and shops open until late at night. It is now a tradition that happens every year in the rest of Italy too. Among other things, summer sales are starting 😃

[@keyboardfarmer6225]

Wife and I rented one of the little fisherman’s cottages behind the old church in Marzamemi facing the sea several years ago. One evening when walking through the main square an adorable little girl excitedly approached us shouting, “tutti animali”. Of course we didn’t understand exactly what she wanted but deciphered that she was asking us to sign her petition to save all the animals. Wonderful memories. Heading back in September for 6 weeks. Check out our favorite beach town Donnalucata.

[@beeseurotravel]

Great! Will do. Thanks for that 😊

[@bobbrown5929]

Your videos are never slow, always packed with great entertainment!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. We try to just use what we have and not waste your time 😊 Glad you like them

[@DanHornberger]

Happy Gin and tonic to you both!!!!!

[@RavenARPG]

My grandparents are originally from that part of Sicily. I've been there a couple of times when I was at the NAS in Sigonella. Thank you for sharing a slice of it with us, and I hope you find your happiness.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@ThePricipleOfParsimony]

If you ever want to drive into the interior, the town of Enna is really gorgeous. They call it the bellybutton of Sicily as it's smack dab in the middle. It's an ancient medieval town way up on a hill. The drive up alone is so picturesque. Then they have a massive castle/fort and medieval, and Norman, churches. I walked into one small place and had the best Amaretti cookies, and at another the best rice balls. Anyway,...super picturesque and beautiful views! The summer is hot and will stay that way until end of Sept. Favourite months are May-June and September-October. Your dried tomato's looked awesome btw!

[@beeseurotravel]

Great idea. Last year when we were looking around we went to Petralia Soprana and Gangi but never went that far. It’s only 2 hours from us 😍

[@underthecalabriansun536]

Nice channel guys! We bought a place in Calabria , waiting to retire ( pretty soon) - We loved Sicily ... Especially the northwest (Cefalu, Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo, Macari, etc.)

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks! Calabria is nice, very unspoiled. I hope you have a great retirement there. Thanks for watching 😊

[@raypanarello6408]

Hi from Sydney Australia i was born over there near Taormina have taken my Aussie wife to Sicily many times she loves it hope to be back next year i grew up looking at that beautiful mountain and always cry when i get there and when i leave cheers

[@beeseurotravel]

I can understand why 😊

[@antoninoragazzo9055]

picchi' c'hai a tu terra nnco to cori!😊

[@raypanarello6408]

Dove si nasci non si scorda mai

[@beeseurotravel]

@@raypanarello6408 So, so true.

[@thewebhorse]

Once I heard a metaphor that I never forgot "Il siciliano è come l'albero del carrubbo. I suoi rami maestosi arrivano lontano, ma le sue radici sono solide e profonde" Translation (I don't know if you speak Italian) : Sicilian fellow is like carrubbo tree, it's branches strength out so far but it's roots are deep and massive. Silvio

[@janetlombardi2314]

Good to see you both. It's great that your fruit trees are coming on so well. There is nothing better than growing your own fruit. Good to see you enjoying life. Have a great week 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 You, too.

[@ThePricipleOfParsimony]

You had me at 'ammuninni'! lol!

[@beeseurotravel]

Ha! Tough to learn Sicilian as there’s no real language courses (plus Italian is hard enough right now) But we pick up little bits along the way! 😊

[@kenhunt5153]

A shade cloth will help the vegetable garden. The drought any better? A rain catchment system, greywater use and drip system will help out. For shade plant some veggies under the trees. Good luck.

[@michaele4398]

Love seeing the progress on all fronts. Your gardens and orchards are amazing. ❤ Have you ever looked into permaculture methods? Might make some of the upkeep easier.

[@beeseurotravel]

Yeah… lots of decisions to make.

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

I followed you from day one and it was all worth it sicily could be a tourist paradise if they manage it well 😂😂😂

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 I couldn’t agree more. I worry it is going to get mismanaged. People are starting to get gouged already in the tourist areas and if continues? Whether it be sky high rents or people just charging ridiculous prices for simple things, it won’t take long before people say no more. Social media is very powerful…

[@G_MOG_44]

Oregonians unite! Is the siesta making more sense as the weather gets hotter? Keep the inspiration coming!

[@beeseurotravel]

Hell yeah. Every. Single. Day 🤣

[@Jillybean620]

Like the new intro. Looks like a lovely day at the beach. Jealous of the garden goodies.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@salleecreekworkshop]

When the figs are ready, dry some for Christmas. You can learn how to make Cuccidati. It is a traditional Sicilian fig cookie. I make them at Christmas season.

[@beeseurotravel]

That’s a great idea. Thanks! 😊

[@thewebhorse]

You even could make "cruni 'i passuluni" It a dialect word which means dried crown figes. In other words are dried figes with a rope as a necklace. On past farmer used make it and I keep that remindness. Unfortunately is a lost tradition. Never seen them since then

[@angela64355]

People keep their land ‘clean’ because of wild fires. You can be fined if you don’t keep your land clean. You should ask your friends about wildfire committees, local people get together to help each other in case of an emergency. If you think it’s hot now, you haven’t seen nothing yet. Good luck 🍀

[@beeseurotravel]

You’re right. That’s another reason. And well aware. Thanks.

[@lindachartier2504]

Last year was especially brutal with the fires!

[@beeseurotravel]

Right? And it is so dry here this year that I can only imagine it is going to get worse 🥲

[@lindachartier2504]

Having your pool is good insurance. Last year ours saved 2 neighbors and both of our homes. It was traumatic . I don't think you'll have any issues because of being in the flatter area with clean fields​@@beeseurotravel

[@jocelyneboutot5722]

So great to see you!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 Thanks for watching…

[@FrankQ777]

Have a fantastic week😊

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. Same to you.

[@PaulC4656]

"Futtitinni" LOL That made me crack up🤣. You're right about the internet situation; it's definitely a downside, especially compared to the US. When I visit my mom in Palermo, I've noticed it has improved a LOT there, but the rest of the island is still lagging behind. As you mentioned, there's a lot of word of mouth and "you just know," which is weird but it is what it is. Even with these little "issues", you guys are doing great and adapting well to the culture. Enjoy the oven-like temps 🤣Brace yourselves for end July first 2 weeks of August, it's when usually get "a little bit" toasty🤣Bravi!

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣 Thanks. We love it here. The summer heat is going to suck, but for the great weather otherwise? No biggie!

[@MrRob8349]

You two are so cool. I really look forward to watching your videos. You help me reminisce about my time in Italy when I was in the navy. Gratefully, Rob

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks, Rob. Glad you like the videos 😊

[@suek8177]

Another great video thanks. 🙏 Great to see all the wonderful fruit growing, and those sun dried tomatoes look amazing! 😋🍅 Have a great week and keep cool! 🆒💦🧊😎☀❤

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@popgems]

My family is from Sicily but I can't tolerate that heat in Summer. I'm a jean jacket kinda girl in Summer weather-wise. 🙂

[@beeseurotravel]

Totally get it! We’ve always lived in northern climates but after 50+ years of that I’m willing to put up with a few hot weeks for the all of the rest of the beautiful, sunny weather here 😊

[@amybrockman5019]

All news is good news. I feel like I’m getting the flavor of what you are experiencing…even if it’s not all “exciting “ all of the time. I’m a big gardener and absolutely love seeing what you can grow there! I’m certain my “cold hardy” figs just can’t compare to your Sicilian ones!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. We’re trying 😊 On the figs 🤷‍♂️ but we’re going to find out soon!

[@bridgetnaughton435]

Hello From Ireland Love Your Videos 🎉☘️🇮🇪☘️🎉

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 Thanks for watching. They keep us out of trouble.

[@susanslade1292]

You're great! It seems like you are very happy. Made me smile. Funny too😅

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. We're just trying to have some fun and make some content for other people who just want to be happy and have some fun. Thanks for watching 😊

[@cherylgann1993]

Love your news!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thank you 😊

[@robertoposa1120]

Thanks for your really enjoyable videos - we hope to make it to Sicily this winter and might visit you

[@beeseurotravel]

Excellent. Good luck!

[@wendydee3007]

Glad you enjoyed the restaurant by the sea. Reminds me of a few years back in Majorca, we passed four busy harbour restaurants and the last one was empty. We felt sorry for the empty one and sat down; by the time we read the horrendously expensive menu we'd had drinks and were too embarrassed to leave! We could only afford starters of mixed cheeses drizzled with honey haha :o) Only one other group of people sat down, and they had just sailed up in their yacht! Very swanky :o)

[@beeseurotravel]

Hahahahaha! Right? Not our type of place but it was my fault 🤷‍♂️

[@jankaratas7480]

So damn wholesome, you guys ! Love love love

[@beeseurotravel]

Aw, Jan. Miss you already...

[@kerriegood1046]

Always glad to see you. Had to laugh at some of your adventures. If you live in Europe that does happen now and then. I went to Venice for a big boat festival once and it was not happening because Italy was in the World Cup. But of course you don't know that until you are there. It is all part of the adventure. Have a great week.

[@beeseurotravel]

Right?! We’re pretty used to it now but… still! 🤣 A boat festival? That’s a pretty big thing to miss 🤣

[@SandiHooper]

Great job on the videography, and way to keep it real. Just think: next year at this time, YOU’LL know where all the best events and romantic selfie spots are. Hope this next festival lives up to the hype. Stay cool, cheers!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. Us, too, but I’m pretty sure it will. Can’t wait!

[@robertlemoine3500]

Thankyou 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

You're welcome. But thanks for watching and commenting. It means a lot and keeps us motivated to keep chugging along!

[@fredvezzani697]

Amuninni, yeah!

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣👍👍

[@pjt759]

I am digging the pool.

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣

[@antoninoragazzo9055]

Glad for you that you are progressing in learning italian and sicilianu 😅, you will need both! 😅 bravo! Enjoyed your video! grazie!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@michellemoline9113]

Always inspiring! You both seem really HAPPY & that is great to see/hear! I preferred the old intro, sounded far more authentic. An important key when building on YT. Great to see your channel growing! Do you miss anything from Oregon? We've been in the PNW for 25 years & headed to Sicily in the late Fall working on our dual citizenship. How did you pick your area of intetest with so many options?

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. And yeah, I don’t know. Some people like it, some people don’t. Same for our music choices. C’est la vie. And this video is doing a lot better than most in the first few hours so? Who knows. We just do what makes us happy and don’t worry about trying to figure out the algorithm or trying to please everyone. It’s amazing how many hateful comments we get 🤷‍♂️ We spent 6 weeks cruising around the island and fell in love with Palazzolo Acreide 😊

[@michellemoline9113]

​@@beeseurotravelCheers! Great to hear back from you! I hope you didnt take my comment as "hateful", only shared because I'm over here in the PNW cheering you on & want to see your channel continue to do well! Perhaps this last video is gaining more traction because your gaining momentum. I hear that is really a big thing on YT. Staying with it & consistently producing content. Either way, Im happy to hear that this video is on the rise! 🎉 Out of curiousity, how many times did you tour around that region before it became clear that THIS was your place? It would be great if you made a video about the process you went through in picking a place if you did so as compared to your process in France. Definitely interested to know more! Appreciate all you guys share!

[@beeseurotravel]

@@michellemoline9113​​⁠Oh not at all ! We mostly get a hard time on our use of the word expat. Apparently it triggers people and they think we should use the word immigrant. But the definition does not describe us and we better meet the definition of the word expat. And I appreciate the input. Maybe we need to go live soon so people can ask questions 😊

[@michellemoline9113]

​@@beeseurotravelGoing live is a great idea! I'm sure you have enough followers now to make it interesting & informative. I'll get my short list of questions ready 🤗 You guys most reflect me & my husband in terms of what you're up to in Sicily. We're on the last document needed to apply for dual citizenship through my husband. We'll be headed over in late fall to explore regions & search for property. We're in the final stretch!

[@matthewhandley9529]

May I ask how much electricity is per kWh? Love your channel and your energy!

[@user-wy5go6rb4m]

Hey cool couple, I’m looking at a property Siracusa, close to Cassibile, looks similar to yours, 1br 84sqm, big lot, is it better to offer asking price or bargain, since I’ve seen prices go lower from time to time? Spent 3 days in Catania,Taormina as side trip from Malta, absolutely fell in love with, 80% decided about Sicily and 20% Gers region , seen your final goodbye to France….

[@lindachartier2504]

We are in and above Cassibile. Have a condo in town overlooking Fontane Bianche and some houses up in contrada Cugni (Noto)in the countryside overlooking the sea. It is a very convenient area to live in.

[@beeseurotravel]

Well how about that!

[@beeseurotravel]

For us the price was so reasonable we just paid the price as it was so inexpensive. But I think it is very normal to make an offer. My two cents? France/French friends can be tough to break into (and I'm fluent). Sicily is way more open and easier.

[@user-wy5go6rb4m]

@@beeseurotravel grazie mille

[@pjt759]

I love your hair. So pretty. How is your grandbaby doing?

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 And great! Thanks for asking 😊

[@Doodledo7]

Same temps in Alabama lol

[@beeseurotravel]

Yes 😝

[@claudiacables945]

You both look tan and healthy!

[@fernandleblanc8194]

I first saw one of your videos a month ago and I have to say I was hooked on Italy. We have retired in Nova Scotia Canada after leaving British Columbia, we have had a Winter home in Mexico for 20 years and sold it a few years ago. Can you direct us in the right direction on how to look for property in Italy, especially Sicily and is the process difficult. Any information would be appreciated......

[@beeseurotravel]

It's not hard to buy here at all. It is very straightforward. The hardest part is figuring out where you'd like to live -- it's an amazing place. We got lucky and found something online. Your best bet it to figure out a place, spend some time there and meet with local realtors. It is still unbelievable "Old fashioned" here and the amount of properties available when you put some feet on the ground is amazing.

[@fernandleblanc8194]

@@beeseurotravel thank you !

[@ngwatson901]

My husband and I are planning on relocating to Italy in 8 years when I retire. He is retired military so our hopes are to be within driving distance to a base and I would prefer Sicily as its weather is most closest to ours in Florida. My biggest concern with all of Italy and especially Sicily is earthquakes. I have noted the seismic areas and wanted to know your thoughts on it since you have been there for a bit now.

[@beeseurotravel]

Yeah, it’s a possible issue here and where we’re living there was a massive one in the 1600’s that levelled entire villages. No hurricanes though 😉

[@antoninoragazzo9055]

Oh, don't worry! As long as you are not killed by an earthquake you are still alive, and when you are dead it's all over and you will not remember anyhow!😂😂

[@DanielHBuchmann]

Just happened upon you guys. Wife and I are just now looking into Italy as an option for retirement. Do you both speak Italian? Thanks for the vids!

[@beeseurotravel]

Nope! We’re learning but we’re able to get by for now. People are very cool about it. Thanks for watching 😊

[@sallymorgan6453]

Green to brown; sounds like SoCal.

[@beeseurotravel]

Yep 😊

[@rosmarieb.6721]

Andate al isola delle correnti la potete fare il bagno nel mare ionico o nel mare tirreno a vostra scelta e ce pure un buon ristorante sulla spiaggia.Saluti dalla Svizzera

[@beeseurotravel]

Va bene! Grazie 😊

[@kattengat2]

You guys have so much growing. With all the fruit trees, etc, I’ve heard you need to deal with it all - otherwise if it falls and rots you get bugs and rats. What do you do with all the plentitude?

[@artlover7638]

Amuninni! Which means let’s go, and futtitinni! Meaning don’t worry about it. Your Sicilian is coming along, congratulations!

[@beeseurotravel]

Exactly. Bugs and rats and farmers are constantly talking about that here. You have to keep things clean! You should have seen this place when we bought it. Infested! Anyhow, we will can what we think we need/want and give away the rest to friends.

[@panflute3580]

Il commissario Montalbano lo avete visto?

[@beeseurotravel]

Ancora un po' e so che è famoso qui! Voglio guardare la serie e l'ho trovata in vendita sui siti di streaming, ma è disponibile solo per una cifra ridicola (e senza sottotitoli in inglese).

[@panflute3580]

@@beeseurotravel Provate con dailymotion.

[@jdzeck]

I just recently found your channel and have been enjoying your videos. My question is: how do you stay in Europe? Are you an EU citizen? I cannot find a video where you explain. I've considering leaving the US and been researching the last 2 years while traveling. My family is from Italy and I fall into the citizenship ability, but the citizenship process is taking several years. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[@beeseurotravel]

You have to watch them all. Twice 🤣 We applied for an Elective Residency visa. It was pretty straightforward. When we get our actual visas (soon) we will do a video 😊

[@skx9159]

Wait, there's a pool? How did I miss that??

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣 Last week I think? It’s a little dinker but it gets the job done!!

[@skx9159]

It looks great! Love the way you just casually dropped it in the conversation 😂

[@stevebowman1645]

look into a bcs 2 wheel tractor made in italy

[@beeseurotravel]

They look like glorified rototillers? 🤣 Are they any good? We’re going to put in solar panels next year and would love to find something electric but so expensive right now.

[@stevebowman1645]

they are a motor, transmission that runs a pto rottotiller is just 1 attachment, many more including lawn mowers bush hog other soil working tools generator chipper and many more market gardeners love them and work acres mine has been faithfull for 12 years and no I'm not a salesman for them

[@beeseurotravel]

@@stevebowman1645 That’s really interesting, Steve. I’m going to give it a hard look. Thank you.

[@MrNoncredo]

è importante che impariate bene l'italiano e che quando vi presentate in certi ristoranti facciate capire di essere dei locals e di chiedere il menù in italiano, purtroppo molti ristoratori hanno il menù per stranieri con i prezzi maggiorati

[@beeseurotravel]

Sì, purtroppo l'ho imparato in Francia. Ma dopo 5 anni lì la maggior parte della gente pensava che fossimo belgi (o qualche volta olandesi) perché parlavo fluentemente e con un leggero accento. Anche qui ci vorrà un po', ma va bene. Studiamo e pratichiamo ogni giorno e ci sono molte somiglianze 😎

[@thewebhorse]

Brian.....mi hai sbalordito, sr parli come scrivi, il tuo italiano è perfetto! 😄😄

[@brucenickson1]

So sad about the new rez regs

[@beeseurotravel]

Which part?

[@noneofyourbusiness6269]

you'll know once it gets hot xD

[@beeseurotravel]

For sure…

[@SteveR100AU]

Lol everyone in Italy knows that to find something local you don’t use the internet you use nonne spettegolanti 3000 times more information

[@beeseurotravel]

🤷‍♂️

[@SteveR100AU]

“Gossiping Grandmas “

[@marcobenedetti2897]

Da ex giardiniere...Come credo abbiate già capito, da metà giugno a metà agosto almeno, il giardinaggio duro è solo per matti ed eroi😂😂, troppo caldo. Fate il minimo indispensabile e godetevi il mare e la buona cucina

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣🤣🤣 Sissignore!

[@sylvielucas8480]

there is a terrible drought in sicily swince few months

[@beeseurotravel]

Really bad. Farmers think that unless something changes drastically in our area we could run out of water here in September...