fisherman, with shrimp and a cigarette
In the afternoon, when the fishermen return with the day’s catch, the port is very busy. There are commercial buyers who come to get fish for tomorrow’s markets. There are local residents who want some fresh shrimp for dinner. And, on this particular day, there were photographers who were probably in the way of people who had actual reasons to be there. (Not that photography is not an actual reason, but you get the point.)
Also, this guy? Do you like his cigarette hovering over that tray of shrimp?
Sciacca, Sicily
photographed 9.5.2022
wednesday night at quattro canti
Our neighborhood in Palermo was perfect for our photographic explorations; it was easy to fill our time with wandering through the streets. There was always something interesting to see, and, naturally, to photograph. The streets were vibrant, full of activity.
This is at the intersection known as Quattro Canti, the center of the historic quarters of the city. It was always busy, and nighttime made for some interesting photos.
Have I mentioned how much I loved Sicily?
Palermo, Sicily
photographed 8.31.2022
street-side braids
Based on how many times lately I’ve mentioned the joys of exploring Sicilian streets, it’s probably safe to assume that part of the trip made a big impression on me.
In the US, there’s an urban planning thing right now called “complete streets” which is defined by Smart Growth America this way:
Complete Streets are streets for everyone. Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enables safe access for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
I can’t argue with the premise, but the results are way less organic that what I recently saw. For example, the opportunity of getting street-side braids is NEVER listed as a thing that ought to happen. Yet, here in Palermo, a braider and an apprentice braider are busy – and they’re working right there on the street.
It was glorious.
Palermo, Sicily
photographed 8.31.2022
both sides of the street
This? Just a little scene I happened to notice that day we walked through Caltabellotta. I loved those narrow streets, with evidence of lives being lived at every turn. It was invigorating and interesting.
This particular scene caught my attention because the mirror reflected the other side of the street (which wasn’t all that far away) and showed how, even though I was standing in the shade, right behind me was full, intense, and direct sunlight. Plus I liked the mailbox and the streaks of paint on the walls. Plus, as you know, I fell in love with Sicily.
Caltabellotta, Sicily
photographed 9.5.2022
madonna of the piazzetta
It is impossible to find the right words to convey how magical it was to walk the streets of these ancient towns, not really knowing where we were; new discoveries were at every turn. The light shifted. The narrow street widened into a piazza. Someone was feeding the stray cats. You could smell someone else’s lunch. Maybe there was a hint of a breeze. A motorbike went by, just inches away from walls, pedestrians. And, once, as the street turned into a piazzetta, a madonna observed all the happenings.
Caltabellotta, Sicily
photographed 9.5.2022
One Day | One Image 