Starting from the bottom, Carnevale in Sicilia, and in particular Acireale, is an event not to be missed for its merriment and sense of family fun. Of course, the weather doesn't always cooperate and at times events are postponed or canceled. The weather in Sicilia in February is warmer than NY, yet can be stormy as seen from the beach in Sant'Alessio. The view of the northern coast from Taormina is nothing less than spectacular as is, in a different way, the inland hills around Selinunte in the west. I am very fortunate to be going on March 3rd for a week. See you after the 11th.

My father grew up in the hill town of Leonforte in the province of Enna and came here in 1921 at the age of 19. My family in Sicilia lives in the same house ( though renovated) that he and his brothers and sisters grew up in. Leonforte is a town of about 15,000 whose history goes back to the 1600's.
As one exits or goes to the autostrada at Mulinello, the scenery is fantastic with rolling hills, small farm houses and all things nostalgic.
The horse drawn carriage image, made from the balcony of my family's home, is carrying this soon to be wed couple to the church. There are two images of the very famous Grandfonte, a national treasure, which is a functioning fountain with 24 spigots built by the Branciforte family in 1651.

What can one say about the people of Sicily? In all my travels there I have been met only with kindness, appreciation for coming to visit and for wanting to rediscover my roots as well as for my desire to get to know these enormously resourceful, energetic, kind, sincere, hard working people who are truly lovers of life and the Salt of the Earth.
I met this group of men in Salemi in western Sicily one afternoon while the wives were all home cooking. It was just after pranzo or the long afternoon lunch when the shops start to reopen and the perfume of food is everywhere. Showing what a small world this is, I met Nicolo'(seated) in Sant'Alessio quite by chance. I saw this car outside the entrance to our complex and was struck by the NY licence plates!!!!!! Nicolo' was born in Sant'Alessio, emmigrated to the U.S.(NY) and now goes back for a several months during the year to stay in the home he was born in and to mingle with his childhood friends. He is quite a guy! If ever there was a non official mayor of a town, it is he. Saluti Nicolo'. Carmela and Giuseppina Cacopardo are the female equivilants of Nicolo'. Born in Taormina, emigrating to the US and attending school in Queens NY, they returned to Sicilia "For a better life". They are the very proud owners of a most wonderful restaurant in Letojanni ( near Taormina) called ARCO ROSSO. Everything about this restaurant says,
Sicily at its' best! The ambiance, preparation, location ( across from the beach) THE FOOD ( and price) and of course they themselves make eating there an absolute MUST for any traveler to Sicilia.

It's a rainy nasty day here in NY. Sicily lifts me out of the doldrums in a sense. These are three Infrared images made during the past year in Forza D'Agro, Colle San Rizzo and Bagheria, home town of the famous Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore. Being able to spend a good amount of time in Sicilia is something I do not take for granted. I hope my images convey a yearning in you to consider it as a possible future destination.