Sicily ancore!

Back to Ispica, Sicily, to cave-sit for Berndt for 2 weeks. A chance to stave off the impending winter chill for a while and live closer to nature. 

Third time here and nothing much has changed except the season. Even in November it is harvest season. Gone are the figs, kaki, grapes and tomatoes to be replaced by oranges and lemons. In the vegetable garden lettuce, paprika and aubergines still grow. 

Berndt lives in this tropical garden with his five dogs: Mia, Benny, Hugo, Camilla and, the latest pack member, Cico. 

I am also responsible for the hens that lay the eggs each day. It's good to know your hens personally.

The energy used at "cava di Berndt" is provided by solar panels and fed into 12V batteries. 

The kitchen is located outside in the garden as is the dining area. The sleeping accommodation is really what sets this place apart. There are five caves, three of which are furnished as sleeping rooms. Quite cozy too, as each one has a wood burning stove that keeps it toasty in the wintery nights (down to 5C in January) and drives away the damp air.