Entry: June 3, 1941

June 3rd, 1941

Syracuse, Sicily

Ah, Sicily. This island in the Mediterranean offers a stark contrast to north Africa. The island is alike an emerald compared to north Africa. Grass grows and flows like that of a river whenever the wind blows. The sea breeze brings with it, the sweet, blissful taste of salt. It is nothing like the arid north Africa. Syracuse is like most large Italian cities, narrow alleyways seem to go on forever, fountains of glistening marble every other block or so, and a hearty kitchen, with it's arsenal of aromas, entices mind, soul, and body. My base is about 5km from this lovely city. Thankfully, bad weather over Grand Harbor, Malta has forced all planes to remain grounded until tomorrow. Taking advantage of this, me and Hans decided to explore this city today. We got up early, Hans had already asked for use of a Kublewagen. With that granted, we made our way to the city. We sped pass olive groves and pastoral lands. When we got to the city, me and Hans decided to part ways. Hans had letters to send back home, so I decided to take a stroll around the marketplace. As I was inspecting a batch of tomatoes, I looked up and turned around. Standing next to me was Saldina! "Saldina?" I enquired. "Johannas? Is it really you?" She replied. "Yes, it's me Saldina!" I exclaimed. We quickly held one another in each other's arms. We strolled around the city, hand in hand. While I still retained my drabby airman's uniform, she was dressed in a illustrious blue dress. So blue was this dress, that every time the wind blew, it looked like waves upon the ocean.

We strolled around the city, this city by the sea.
How the blue hues dressed upon her and me.
And in this city, this city by the sea, all was calm, and all was fine.
And by the time the church bells chimed, we were already lost in each other's eyes.
And of this beautiful city, this city by the sea, where the gardens abound with lustrous green! And with all this green, none were lean.
All sparkled with the brilliance of scheen.
And of all the flowers, and the all bees, the birds sing along, all to their sweet melody. And in this city, this city by the sea, all was rich, vibrant, and all deemed, that this one city, this city by the sea, was made for the one who chases his dreams...