We moved here just this past August (06) and will be here until Aug 09. So far I really like it. We sort of live out in the country side between Mt. Etna and Catania.. and the mountains, olive trees, and orange groves are a gorgeous change to the flat Indiana land i'm used to!

It was definitely a culture shock though to be honest.. especially with having children. It was hard to get used to not having drive thru's for banks, post office, food, etc. and dragging that big stroller out just to run a simple errand- things like that. It's been almost a year though and I think I have finally grown to love and really appreciate the culture here. The travel opportunities are amazing!
I think it's about 3 hours up to Palermo. I've been to the middle of Sicily (Enna) and to the mosaics, and agrigento temples.. and south and north of here.. just not up there yet. SooN!! can't wait!