I Cheated On Our Island With Another: My Sicilian Affair

I cheated on our island with another, and I travelled 1,986 miles to do it!

It became clear to me that I do not have a type when I switched up our island in the middle of the Irish Sea for an exotic Sicilian one in the Mediterranean. I was far away enough to immerse myself fully in my affair, without worrying about what ‘The Rock’ might think.

I have always been a true believer in love at first sight. Although I hadn’t experienced it until I stepped off the plane at Trapani Airport and began my 40-minute journey through the Italian countryside.

San Vito Lo Capo was their name, an idyllic seaside town on the coast of Sicily.

A number of things enticed me into cheating. The town had a multitude of attractive qualities, such as the clear blue waters, the picturesque scenery of Monte Monaco, and how can I not mention the pounds of authentic pistachio flavored cuisine I consumed.

San Vito Lo Capo Beach.

The warm Mediterranean Sea quite easily trumped the cruelness of the waters I was once brave enough to bathe in here in the island. The idea of going back to my sea dips in the freezing Irish Sea waters lacks appeal now, and is accompanied with a painful reminder of the seven days I spent with my new lover.

With the San Vito Lo Capo beach spanning 3km long, you would assume there would be enough room for everyone. It quickly became obvious I was not the only tourist indulging in an affair. The spaces filled up quickly, with it being a popular destination for Italian holidaymakers. Perhaps our comparison would be a holiday to the lake district, or a weekend in Dublin or Belfast.

I quickly adapted into a routine which guaranteed me a sunbed right on the water.

Waking up early, I would gather my beach towel and belongings, walking the short 15 meters (yes, that close) from my apartment’s front door on to the beach. I would reserve two sunbeds for the day at the cost of a mere 10 euro.

The Sunrise in San Vito Lo Capo.

After successfully claiming my position with satisfaction, I began my leisurely stroll to ‘Caffe Savoia’.

By the end of my affair I had grown extremely fond of this Cafe. The food was heavenly and freshly prepared each day, and not to mention the friendly staff who graciously put up with my Manx accent enthusiastically greeting them ‘Ciaoooo’ each morning.

In the morning my order would be a pistachio croissant, with an americano coffee – an espresso if I was feeling particularly fancy.

This spot in particular transitioned to a busy bar in the afternoon, where my order would switch up to a couple scoops of pistachio gelato and an Aperol spritz.

Although Sicily is a much larger island than the Isle of Man, it shares some similar characteristics. The community feel that comforts me regularly at home, resonated strongly during my stay in San Vito Lo Capo.

I immersed myself in Italian culture and I began to feel I was truly settling into Sicilian life. However, my purchase of a ‘100% Siciliano’ lighter perhaps made it obvious I was an outsider attempting to fit in.

I spent my seven days in Sicily living life to its true potential. My routine consisted of lounging on the beach with an Aperol and a book. The evening would begin with getting ready (without the restraints of having to co-ordinate a jacket with my outfit due to it being so chilly), eating my weight in calamari and pasta and drinking a cocktail.

Aperol Spritz and Calamari, my fuel for the holiday.

I am almost certain if I had the means to divorce our island and remarry San Vito Lo Capo, my life span would increase dramatically.

It is not goodbye forever Sicily, it is just a see you soon.