This is Karen La Rosa, a dynamo in terms of her love for and endless efforts to promote Sicilia in every way possible. Her wonderful work and ideas are eloquently expresssed by visiting LaRosaworks on the net. Karen is also a member of the NEW YORK CHORAL SOCIETY and organized a three city tour of Sicily where they sang in Cefalu`, Montalbano Elicona and Catania.
 Below is a part of the 120 member chorus singing in Cefalu`

 MONTALBANO ELICONA is a charming town situated in Messina province a short distance from the actual city of Messina. It is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is an enjoyable place off the map where one can stroll the narrow alleys forgetting for a moment exactly where you are.

 The view west toward Cefalu` from Sant'Ambrogio which I hope to feature next time.

This is one of many galleries, as they are called,  on the way back from Montalbano toward Messina. They exist in many parts of the autostrada and are just fascinating to observe. Science and nature together make for so much of the beauty we often take for granted.

 Anyone, fortunate to go to Sicilia on a regular basis will undoubtedly make friends as we have.
Here, to the left, our frinds Simone and Valeria tie the knot in Savoca on the 11th of July. Auguri !!

During June, we went to Sant'Ambrogio ( more in the next post) to listen to a concert given by the visiting NEW YORK CHORAL SOCIETY.
The town of about 5-600 people, went out of their way to welcome the group of 120 singers and family with a night time festa featuring local foods and drink ( read unbelievable wines)

 Giulio ( below), is a local shepherd in Sant'Ambrogio with a college education who independently decided to  forego it to spend his time going back to what counts most to him, local production of food. He is an expert at the process of making ricotta cheese and we were enthralled to be able to speed the better part of a day "helping" him (eating the fruits of his labor)!

My friend Antonio, born in Catania, comes home to Sicilia every summer and he assured me that the BEST bread is in the town of RINA not far from Sant'Alessio. We went there one morning and met Lucia, the lively, welcoming owner of the bakery. Here she is modestly holding her contribution to the great Sicilian staple!