The Uber driver must have tricked his passengers dozens of times, but the four of us would not be fooled. We played along when he turned a short 10 minute trip to town into the charade of an extended trek through swathes of countryside and rural villages.

Our plan was to assume the role of satisfied customers, pay the fare by credit card, cancel the payment as soon as the vehicle drove off, and then complain to Uber.

Meanwhile I admired the lush Sicilian landscape. My only concern was to be home in time to reach my exercise class.