Sicily « baroquesicily.com - Sicily Stories and Travel Tips from Jann Huizenga

A Sacred Spot in Sicily

November 12, 2012

This is the honeyed spot where my heart comes alive. I love it in my cells & my bones.

It’s here I drink my black wine, salute my fellow villagers, buy my daily bread, recharge my phone & my soul.

I cannot be there now. Family duty calls…

But when I close my eyes, I’m right here.

Do you have a sacred space? A place you love beyond all others? To paraphrase Raymond Carver, are you getting what you want from this life?

If not, set it all in motion now. Find that place where your heart comes alive: library nook, cafe window, mountain trail, room of your own.

***

Click to subscribe to BaroqueSicily.

Like a Gift

October 21, 2012

When I throw open the shutters in the morning, the cupola is there, like a gift.

The color of sweet latte.

It is moody, changeable, capriciosa.

Click on the photo to advance to the next slide.

Note: Slides of the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla.

Click to subscribe to BaroqueSicily.

Men in Red Chairs in Southeast Sicily

September 25, 2012

No longer do I feel so completely alien.

My fellow villagers have welcomed me with grace and charm. I love them madly.

You’ll find these guys in their red chairs most evenings at their circolo operai, club for workers. (Be sure to stop and say hello when you come to town.)

Can you guess their jobs?

From left to right

Giovanni C: Gravedigger. His job does not make him sad, though he says it is wise to stay away from the cemetery at night, when souls take a walk.

Giuseppe C: Classics teacher at secondary school (and president of the circolo).

Giovanni M: Dogcatcher, retired.

Giovanni S: Bread baker, retired. They used to call him “Il Principe del Pane,” the Prince of Bread. He made 20 different kinds of loaves everyday. It was hard work, very hot in the summer, and he’s glad to be retired.

Pietro di S: Waiter. Retired.

Angelo E: Gravedigger. Works with Giovanni C.

***

Click to subscribe to BaroqueSicily.

Heat Like Hellfire

August 24, 2012

A wind called Lucifero, Lucifer, is blowing heat like hellfire across Sicily (and the rest of Italy).

Is this what it’s like to live with climate change?

They say it’s the last and worst heatwave of the summer before rain and cool winds from the Alps bring relief. Can’t wait to see summer in the rearview mirror.

(Thank heavens for the sea.)