Things are getting done! We even went out for a sail! Not enough wind though, but good practice.

A few days ago we decided to rent a car and drive to Catania, a bigger city and where we flew into originally.

So, you would think you could just book a car online? Hmmm,not so easy. We tried the company here and it said closed; also, no cars available!
We really needed to go and get the computer in to the Apple store there ( no way we could get it going with Apple on line).
We started to plan a trip by train, it’s really not bad from here just awkward with a 27” monitor.

Fortunately our trusty guy here, George, somehow just called the rental place and booked us a car ! He knows everyone! Even knew the guy who was the Captain of the boat that backed into us.

We also decided we better get a new motor for the dinghy, the one that was already here and that we were so excited about because it’s electric... was shot! It was not reliable.
So trusty George sent us to the YAMAHA dealer in Catania. They were wonderful- mentioning that George sent us they gave us a better deal!

We had to get the computer to Apple for a 12:00 pm appointment- the YAMAHA store closes at 1:00 to 4:00
We told them we would come back for the motor. It was 11:30!

We flew out the door to find the Apple store- again a challenge- we found it but where to park? Cam just parked behind the store and I waited in the car! It didn’t take long and the Apple guy was able to get it going... yay! But, he said there was nothing on it ! Supposed to be all the documentation for the boat. We packed it back in the car and quickly drove back to YAMAHA.

The motor was ready ! The family recommended a local Fish restaurant. After a lot of gestures and phone translation the Father said to follow him on his motorcycle and that we could park at his other YAMAHA shop which is closer to the restaurant! He zoomed in and out of traffic all the while looking back for us lol.

We made it and the restaurant was Avery happening place! A modern take away or eat in place. SO busy- the food was just fantastic.

George also have us the name of a place that sells washing machines so we could get the new belt for ours.
Finding that place was an experience! I honestly don’t know how we would find anything without the use of my phone gps!
We followed what the gps said even know it seemed like we were heading into a residential condo complex!!! Drove down this steep road and lo and behold at the end was this big commercial place that sells washing machines!!

On the way to that place we noticed what looked like a mall!! We headed there and found a huge grocery store!
We picked up a few more things like a printer! Yes we did!
I avoided the shoe and clothing stores lol!

Then we headed back to Taormina!

Progress was made. That was quite the day!

When we put the computer on back at the boat it didn’t work!!! Whatever he did didn’t happen. Cam has to change bract Apple chat online... again but at least this time we had more info . Finally after losing connection with the chat and starting over.., Cam got it going !!

Today a nice couple noticed our Canadian flag and came by to say hi.
They bought their boat in France 10 months ago and have been sailing around . They’re from Kelowna if you can believe it. Great to chat and we will get together before they head off to Malta.

We’ve tested out our new dinghy motor and it works beautifully! Nice to have that’s for sure.

Next steps are booking in the boat to get the repair done . They said it won’t take long.

Cam is working on getting his Mexican TIP cancelled for the old boat- he started the process last May/ well he just found out they’ve received what he sent ... so that was positive lol. It has to be done before we go there.

All in all the “loose ends” list is getting smaller.

Once in awhile it hits me “we live on this boat” ha ha! Pretty darn fortunate to have this experience..

Miss you all and hoping that you are enjoying the blog ( don’t want to bore lol)

⛵️⚓️❤️