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…
Tag: authentic sicily
This Is Where To Ask Her: The Cloisters Of Montreale
I received a message from someone today who wants to propose to his girlfriend in Palermo or Cefalù. I thought about where I would suggest, and after deciding that the top of La Rocca in Cefalù would be too much of a hike and Palermo center may be a bit too chaotic, my thoughts went…
Explore Sicily’s Southwestern Coast
Porto Palo is a charming fishing village in Southern Sicily. Near Menfi, it offers an off the beaten path seaside experience from where you can explore the Mediterranean coast between Scala dei Turchi and Selinunte by leisure boat. We’ll show you the way with our friends at Amare Sicilia.
Exploring Ragusa Ibla
Yesterday, I spent a splendid morning exploring the secret staircases and hidden alleyways of Ragusa Ibla. I was imagining what life must have been like when these viccoli where traveled more regularly by residents. After climbing dozens of stairs in out-of-the-way sections of town, I sat in the Piazza Duomo enjoying this lovely view of…
The Joys Of Spring In Sicily
Our Spring in Sicily tour wrapped up today with a sense of exhilaration in concert with a sweet exhaustion. We experienced so many extraordinary things over the last 10 days, during Holy Week. I’ll be recounting them when I can over the next few days. First and foremost I want to thank our outstanding clients…
Look Up (In Sicily’s Capella Palatina)
The ceiling of the Capella Palatina inside the Palazzo dei Normanni in Palermo is an extraordinary work of Arab Norman art. We were at this fascinating palace during our stay in Palermo earlier this week during our Spring in Sicily tour.
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…
We’ll Find A Villa In Sicily For You
Making plans for a family vacation in June at Capo Zafferano. This is the view from a villa we toured today. We’ll take it!