We caught the fast ferry to this little island off the coast from Trapani- below Palermo.

Lots of holiday makers were queued up ready to rush the best seats. Some things are the same the world over.

We stood in line and an Italian lady said ‘Sei Bellissimo’ to me! ( you look beautiful) I was flattered. She indicated my navy dress, cream hat and shoes. How nice!

Half and hour later we were in island holiday mode.

We walked up our hotel about 10 mins from the port. Fortunately our room was ready. It’s a newish hotel built on an old quarry. It’s 5 mins from the action.

By that I mean the restaurants, gelato, bars, bicycle rental shops ( every one rents bikes) clothes, beach paraphernalia, jewellery made from shells , umbrellas and countless suntanned Italians calling out to each and chatting.

We dumped the bags and had a quick lunch. Vegetable frittata for me and tuna croquettes for Steve.

The seafood here is renowned. Super fresh tuna, swordfish. Octopus particularly fill the menus.

5pm was the appointed time to meet our fellow swimmers and catch up with Francesco. He was my first guide back in 2013 in Sardinia. He’s the reason I got some confidence to keep swimming.

Francesco is the head guide with Guila supporting him. She’s a former top Italian swimmer who is now working several months a year for swim trek in summer when not studying astronomy at university in Spain.

After the briefing and introductions we headed out for dinner.

The 15 swimmers are made up of 4 friends from California, and 9 friends from Sydney. Steve and I are the only ones not to know anyone ( Except Francesco) I hope they include us!

A fun dinner where we celebrated Celia’s 35 th birthday. She is from NY but travelling with her mother and sister and are part of the Sydney team.

I had a beautiful grilled swordfish on a aubergine puree. Delicious.

We fell into bed dreaming about the first swim tomorrow.