CARMELINA RICCIARDELLO is a rather unique individual. A native of Sicily who has extensively traveled after moving to Australia at the age of 7, she has found her way back to her roots and first love, Sicilia where she tirelessly works to promote all that is positive in her lovely island. She works countless hours a day  focusing on local experiences in her home town of SANT'AMBROGIO trying to make it an eco friendly destination for those wanting to taste the simpler life of Sicilian villagers. While meeting her (and staying at one of her typically Sicilian pensiones), I was amazed at how utterly beautiful a simple cooperative life can be. This is not meant to gloss over the many obstacles put in her path but she is an inspiration for those interested in organizing and enjoying a piece of old world history and culture without trampling the land or each other. I got to know her through another amazing Sicilian American woman from NYC, Karen La Rosa ( last post). Carmelina organized  a celebration in town for the NY Choral Society when they sang there in June of 2012.

You can feel the enthusiasm, energy and pride felt by the local people of SANT'AMBROGIO during the festa they prepared for the group through out the town one evening during the singing tour.

Below is an image of the towns populace celebrating the victory of Italy over England I believe it was, in the European Soccer finals. A tv screen was set up in the street, people sang, cheered, ate and celebrated in a way which should be characteristic of all of us.