We’ve been so busy, it’s been difficult to post about all we’ve done the last week. And, we still have 6 days to soak up Sicily! Here are some highlights of our village experience today in the Sicani Mountains north of Agrigento.
Category: Observations about Culture
Ceramic Pinecones In Sicily
Pinecones are a powerful symbol that you’ll see all over Sicily and southern Italy in ceramic (like these shown) on balconies, front gates, and prominently displayed inside homes. The significance of pinecones in modern times is one of hospitality and welcoming, but not only. The pinecone as a botanical is a reproductive organ. Female pinecones…
Easter Surprise (Put Your Phone Down)
Put your phone down and look around. As I stood at the bar at Don Gino enjoying my caffè macchiato and observing the comings and goings of the moment, I noticed across the pasticceria a tasting happening. The baker (pictured) had appeared from the kitchen and asked the cashier to come taste her new colomba…
Sicilian Traffic Jam
Today, while out in the countryside, we were brought to a hault during this Sicilian-style traffic jam. I Iove when this happens!
Sicilian Ceramics By Mirella Pipia
The beautiful ceramics of Mirella Pipia need to be shared! Mirella Pipia hails from Bagheria, where you can visit her workshop and boutique. An artist in every sense of the word, Pipia’s works are inspired by the myths and folklore of Sicily, but even more so by her mother’s needlework in tadding and lace. So…
Slow Down To Have An Espresso
Tanina and I in her kitchen in 2007, having “a moment.” That is, an espresso together. Because having an espresso with someone you love and care for is a cherished moment. It’s also a special moment to share with someone you’ve just met. Standing shoulder to shoulder at the coffee bar is a ritual not…
Saint Joseph’s Bread Loaves
This evening I made my Saint Joseph’s bread for the altar that I will construct for Thursday’s event that Experience Sicily is hosting with GoSicily Sicilian Cooking Experience and Babylon Mercantile & Cookshop. It’s going to be an outstanding day and evening! I’ve been making bread loaves for San Giuseppe for many years now. And…
This Is Very Sicilian
There is a story here. Yes, it’s a beautiful balcony. But look more closely. There is something else very Sicilian about this. Hmmm… If you guessed the garbage can hanging from the rope dangling from the balcony, you are correct! You will see this phenomenon all over Sicily. Baskets. Buckets. Bags. Yup. It’s a practical…
Celebrate The Women In Your Life
Happy International Women’s Day! Buona Festa della Donna! International Women’s Day is celebrated throughout the world. It recognizes the contributions of women to society, originating in the labor and suffrage movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries. To celebrate today, recognize the women in your life, thanking them for their leadership and service.
Meet Them At The Furnu In Sicily
Zia Maria and Zio Angelo bake the break at the furnu (the oven/bakery, in Sicilian). In the end, in Sicily, it’s about the people you meet and how you felt during those moments of connection. Always, thank you to Pierfilippo Spoto and Val di Kam in Sant’Angelo Muxaro, Agrigento Province for these introductions.