So, part two of my story of the amazing day…

This is Claudio in the middle of telling a story. He’s handsome, expressive, with a personality for days, and clearly loves his family and his life. In welcoming us to him home, he acted like it was the very best thing that had ever happened – like gracious hosts do. He was proud of his place and of his family. And he was so dear and so genuine about sharing it with us. I’ve never been made to feel so much like part of a family as I did that day.

It’s hard to explain.

People often ask me what my favorite part of Sicily was; that’s a hard question to answer, because so many things were just outstanding, but if I am honest a simply-prepared lunch in the mountains with people who opened their house and their hearts to us and who seemed as delighted by what transpired as we were was the best part.

Sure, golden cathedrals are something to see. And so are ancient ruins and big open-air markets and religious processions and all the other things we saw. But those are things we SAW and this day with Claudio and Rosella was something that we FELT. And I hope I never forget the magic of it.

Pallazzolo Acreide , Sicily
photographed 1.27.2025