One thing we realized during our vacation is how much we actually use AI without thinking about it. Our best friends, who joined us for the trip, were introduced to it properly for the first time. From identifying ancient ruins to finding restaurants that suited all four of us — AI became our daily helper.

What surprised me most about Sicily though, was the language situation. I honestly didn’t expect it in 2026. In two weeks we met maybe ten people who spoke any English at all, and not a single person who spoke it well. I’m not exaggerating.

I will never travel to Sicily again. Probably not even to Italy — and certainly not without someone who speaks Italian. Without my best friend, it wouldn’t have worked, not even with AI.

The absolute low point came at the airport on the way home. We arrived 40 minutes before check-in opened. The screen said counter 18. Since the plane was full of Swedes (who, as we know, are very orderly), almost everyone was already in line.

Then Italy decided to change the counter to 17. Most of us didn’t notice because we were standing in the queue. Suddenly a new line formed right next to us. Seven minutes late, a tired Italian opened counter 17. Five minutes after that, another tired Italian opened counter 18.

As a proper Swede, I had to swallow my irritation and just… go with the flow.

Sicily was beautiful. But some things you only learn the hard way.

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This is a new post on the new dewlar.me blog.
You can find the old blog here: https://mrsdewlar.blogspot.com

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