I was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1960. My mom and dad had immigrated from Sicily four years earlier not really for economic reasons but to move near my dad’s family that already lived in the States.
In 1966 (at the age of six) we came to Sicily for a vacation and to meet my mom’s family. It was love at first sight! I had never seen mountains before and those reefs that seemed just above our heads fascinated me! And then the sea, and then the family…my mom has three brothers and two sisters all living in Cinisi so I had a bunch of cousins. Family reunions occur quite often in Sicily and all together we have a great time.
We returned to Sicily when I was 14 but this time it was to stay! Catching up with Italian schools was tragic because, although I did speak Italian, I didn’t read or write it. The benevolence and helpfulness of teachers and schoolmates, typical of Sicilians, made the difference. I am married to a lawyer and we have two children that now live and work in Milan. I have a degree in Political Sciences/International Relations and an A.I.S. Sommelier diploma. My passion for what I call “the world of wine” is inevitable, living in Sicily. In one region we have so many different wine areas and grape varieties, not to mention the numerous microclimates as if there were four different continents.
My wine experiences began in the winery vineyards. I enjoy interviewing the winery agronomists and oenologists because I find it very interesting knowing all about wine and grapes and soils and vinification, etc.
For four years I have been a correspondent for Sicily Guide N.Y. writing posts about Sicily, its traditions, culture, events and experiences. I contribute to a wine blog Giornalevinocibo.com – writing articles and translating from Italian to English. I have many passions and hobbies one of which is photography. My husband is also a pilot and I enjoy flying with him in a small plane, enjoying the breath-taking views and taking photos. I also enjoy cooking and my favorite dishes are Sicilan. I like to experience traditional recipies directly from Sicilian housewives that are eager to share their culinary knowledge.
Sicily and its people are unique, there is so much to write about and I love to share my experiences with those who want to know more about this paradise
What a nice idea! So you made new friends! I will follow you!
I was very interested in reading this information. Thanks for sharing it with us.
My great grandparents came from Cefalu Sicily,
I would love to follow you,
My Grandparents were from Cefalu Sicily so I love hearing about this beautiful interesting country..
Yes, my friends, Sicily’s got the most beautiful places, cities, beaches, mountains, etc. Not to speak about the food, the wine and last but not least…the people. If you have Sicilian ancestors, coming to Sicily is a must. You won’t regret it but you’ll say to yourself: “Why haven’t I gone before?”
Thank You so much for responding what a great idea to make new friends like a new twist on pen pals I love it!!!
I’m excited about trying to get a trip planned for next year with some members of my family,
I have no idea if we have any family who still live in Sicily I’m sure there must be.
Again Thank You look forward to visiting with you and learning more about Sicily …
Jo
Sounds nice Maria!
Wine, writing flying, and history…nice blend!