I want you to inhale Sicily, and a boat trip through Lo Zingaro nature preserve will enable you to do just that–and dive in too! Not only is such an excursion nature-powered, but you’ll also learn about La Mattanza, the ancient tuna fishing ritual that was practiced in these waters for generations. On Day 11…
Tag: cielo
Castle on the Sea on the Gulf
During this week of Ferragosto, many towns celebrate their patron saints, an act of devotion meant to thank them for the abundance received during the harvest season. Celebrations of the Virgin Mother are especially common. For example, in Castellammare del Golfo, pictured, this weekend they will celebrate Maria S.S. del Soccorso, which you can read…
Can You Hear The Bell?
There is a phenomenon in Italy called, “Campanilismo,” a term that derives from one’s devoted patriotism to the land and people within the sound of one’s own church bell. So, before you are Italian, you are Sicilian. And before you are Sicilian, you are Palermitan. And before your are Palermitan, you are from your neighborhood–La…
Bewitching and Beautiful: Mongibello
The surface of Etna, Europe’s largest, most active volcano, is an ever changing scene. This month I visited this spot twice, and each time it felt and looked different to me … The color of the earth, weather, light, temperature… Mother nature is bewitching and beautiful. I’m going again in September. Join me for Enchanting…
Wow, Do I Say, Tomato!
When we came upon this, it took my breath away. Earlier this month, when we visited the farm of sculptor Lorenzo Reina in the mountains of Sicily, they were drying their bounty of tomatoes in the sun, preserving them for use for the rest of the year.
The Rough Blue Sea
The sea at Ortigia, Siracusa today was rough from storms that passed overnight. Check out the big waves on the Ionian Sea! And wow, what color! It was a beautiful spring day, warm (about 65F/21C) at 1pm, then brisk (55F/15C) this evening. I visited some fantastic hotels (inspecting them, and importantly, *smelling* them for our…
I Dream of Sicily
During these dog days of winter, sometimes you just have to go to a happy place. Here’s mine: the marina of Castellammare del Golfo, photographed from what would have at one time been the drawbridge to the castle.
Why, yes! Sicily in 2017
I hope you’re thinking of going to Sicily in 2017! Join me for one of our small-group multi-sensory tours, or we’ll design a custom itinerary for you and your loved ones that matches your interests and budget. Discover natural wonders like Scala dei Turchi (pictured). Mingle with locals who will delight you with their warm…
A Happy Place
I wanted to post a photo that makes me smile, and Fiat 500s always make me smile, and so does any view of Castellammare del Golfo (Trapani Province, hence the TP on the license plate). Thank you for indulging me. I hope it makes you smile too.
View in Sambuca di Sicilia
View of the countryside at Planeta’s Ulmo vineyard with windmills (Sambuca di Sicilia)