Openly Re-Opening

While still waiting impatiently, things do appear to be moving here.

On the 3rd of June, Italy will re-open to foreign tourists from the EU and Schengen Area. And, importantly, visitors won't need to self-quarantine.
Good news surely?
Well … sort of.

Italia aperta

 The problem is that just because Italy is beginning to open, it doesn't mean we’ll be allowed to enter. The holdup is here, as the UK government has no firm plans in place to allow international travel.
Yet.
Only a few weeks ago the Health Secretary reckoned it 'unlikely' Brits would be able to take foreign holidays at all this summer. Although this was later revealed to have been just his opinion.
But, as I said, things have begun moving.
Because, on the 29th of May, the government stated they were working on 'air corridors' linking the UK to low-risk destinations. With the first tentative date to for these to begin being the 29th of June.
The guidelines for safe travel, expected to be finalised within days, include having to wear facemasks throughout the flight, social distancing and temperature checks at airports, and contactless check-ins.
However, to confuse the matter even further, they’d earlier announced a two-week quarantine period for anyone (citizens included) arriving in the UK. Enforceable from the 8th of June, this would include any returning holiday-makers.
Such measures were being introduced to "Prevent a devastating second wave", according to the Home Secretary.
Stable doors and bolting horses spring to mind here.

Comparing Comparisons

One thing I did extensively research was the Sicilian cost of living.
Specifically concerning Ragusa, if possible, and when compared to our part of London (also if possible). All comparison websites cover the likes of housing, food, transportation, entertainment, etc.

Be aware when making comparisons

'Numbeo', one of the better ones, covered Ragusa, with a direct comparison to our London suburb.
For May, the differences are anywhere between 61% less for rent, consumer prices overall being 29% less, although groceries cost 7% more. Wages, at 46% less, won’t apply to us, of course.
The big winner was rentals, with the average 3-bed apartment, in the suburbs, listed at around £485.
Not even one-third of what we're currently paying!
Another useful site is 'Expatistan'.
Which, although not covering Ragusa, does cover Syracuse, 80km away.
It claims that, as at the 30th of May, the overall cost of living there was 32% cheaper than London.
With rental housing (at 53% cheaper) again being the big winner. In fact, the monthly rent for an 85 m2 furnished property, in a normal suburb, was just less than £500.
Again, one-third of what we pay.
'Travel Tables' doesn't allow direct comparisons, but does cover the cost of living in Ragusa.
The site lists the current prices of 54 goods and services, across 10 categories.
In May, the cost of living for two average consumers, without rent, was £915. With rent, I'm guessing that’d be around £1,400 then.
£100 less than we're paying here - just for rent.
Looking good then!

Why Sicily?

My wife has always raised the objection: 'Why Sicily?'
A valid argument.
Even if it wasn't, she's key to my happiness, so it's one I have to take into account!
Let's not sugar-coat it here, Sicily has its problems with its lack of work, low wages, corruption, and organised crime. So why live there?
While cost is top of my list, the answer can't only be that. As with anyone considering their 'forever home', it's also about climate, lifestyle, and culture.

The word here is: 'Diverse'

Climate-wise, it's pretty much guaranteed to get hot in July and August, with the average being in the mid-30’s Celsius.
Spring and winter can bring torrential rains, with temperatures sometimes falling below zero inland. Given the climate in the UK, we can put up with this!
So that's one tick.
Being Kiwis, we're more used to a 'laid-back' lifestyle.
And Sicily shouldn't see that threatened, as it's widely acknowledged the lifestyle is slow and relaxed. Maybe more so than the mainland.
Culturally, the word is: 'Diverse'.
The island has been colonised down the centuries by the Phoenicians, then Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Normans, Spanish and, finally, the Italians themselves. A veritable cornucopia of culture, especially considering history, art, and architecture.
Lack of work and low wages shouldn't affect us, although organised crime and corruption are a worry.
However, petty crime like pickpocketing is a more realistic threat than us inadvertently offending some mafia Don!
Of course, everywhere has its problems.
But I reckon we could put up with Sicily's!