The other day, I mentioned our visit to the home of Claudio and Rosella and said I’d be writing more about later.

And so, here’s part one of what I have to say about that day and our visit.

You’ve probably already  noticed that I have a strong affection for Sicily and for the people I’ve met on my visits there. Almost without exception, the people I encountered were kind and generous, happy to welcome visitors, and eager to share their lives with us. Claudio and Rosella are perfect examples of these attributes.

I’d met them at a market in Catania on my first visit to Sicily. After we examined their wares – baskets and soap – and listened to Claudio play his tammorra and sing, our tour guide (the talented Allison Scola) joined in with drums and song. It was just amazing.

I was happy to learn that my return trip included a visit to Claudio and Rosella at their home in the mountains. And that visit was truly the highlight of this trip.

They and their family made lunch for us, one of those outstanding 10- or 15-course meals (complete with plenty of wine) that last for hours. They don’t speak English, or even Italian – their language is Sicilian – but the language barrier seemed non-existent. The food, the people, the way they made us feel at home in their home transcended language. They could not have been kinder to us.

After lunch, we went outside and spent an enjoyable few hours in their yard, surrounded by plants, baskets, fruit trees, family, music. We had dessert and coffee; Rosella and Claudio showed us how to make baskets and they sang traditional songs. Claudio, a renowned story-teller told some stories; I didn’t understand the words, of course, but the cadence of his voice helped to feel the tales. It was the sort of day that needed to last for a few more hours.

Somewhere along in there, Rosella made twig bracelets for anyone who wanted one; I proudly wear mine several times a week. It’s a nice way to remember our day.

Pallazzolo Acreide , Sicily
photographed 1.27.2025