Ciao from Stunning Sicily, Days 12 and 13! Negative! Yes, that’s good news as we completed Covid-19 tests quickly and easily the day before departure. (The U.S. requires a negative test result within 72-hours of entry.) Putting those logistics behind, we enjoyed a free morning free for shopping the boutiques of Castellammare del Golfo. A…
Category: Observations about Culture
Stunning Sicily October 2021, Day 10
Ciao from Stunning Sicily, Day 10! After an inspirational discussion about Santa Rosalia, our emotions were conjured. The will and faith of the people of Palermo touched our hearts — especially the stories about father Puglisi and his work supporting the young minds of the city, aiming to undermine the power of the Mafia. After…
Stunning Sicily October 2021, Days 7 and 8
Ciao from Stunning Sicily, Days 7 and 8! It’s hard to explain how essential our engagement with Sicilians is to our experience. Our time in the Sicani Mountains north of Agrigento leaves us with warmed hearts and a deeper understanding of what life is like in the center of Sicily. We’ll remember the feelings we experienced…
San Pio A Modern-day Saint
Small homegrown shrines are very common in Sicily. This one near my cousins’ home in Bagheria is dedicated to the recently canonized (2002) San Pio (1887-1968).
Traditional Sicilian Baskets
These traditional Sicilian baskets handmade from river reeds are used for countless purposes. This particular size with the handle may often be seen tied to a rope, being lowered from balconies throughout Sicily. Called “un panaru” in Sicilian, they are used to carry everything from fruits such as lemons, grapes, and olives to foodstuffs like…
Our Sicily-inspired New York City Walking Tour The Cannoli Crawl
Meet Elton and so much more! I will bring Sicily to you in New York City next Saturday, September 11 during the Cannoli Crawl presented by Experience Sicily in New York City. Join me for a food, history, and personal adventure that will warm your heart, stimulate your intellect, and fill your tummy! Grab your…
Moments In The Shade Of A Caffè In Sicily
Some of the best moments when traveling are just sitting in a caffè in a piazza under the shade of an umbrella. This one is in Erice (Trapani Province).
Obligatory Kisses In Sicily
Erice is a capital of love, so yes, it’s obligatory to kiss (even yourself!) when you come upon these signs sprinkled around the medieval Sicilian village that for centuries hosted a Sanctuary for Aphrodite and Venus.
Aperitivo In Sicily
Classic aperitivo: Aperol spritz, chips, olives, and other salty goodies eaten to get you ready for dinner (or to take the place of dinner, if you go to a place with a “pre-dinner” buffet) Although the aperitivo phenomenon started in northern Italy, Sicilians delight in it too, but perhaps with a local twist: this one…
Our Lady of Sorrows In Sant’Elia
Home altar for Our Lady of Sorrows with Santo Pio, photographed in the fishing village of Sant’Elia