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claudio, the storyteller
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
rosella, making bracelets
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
One Day | One Image 