An old Italian once told me "We are German in the North and Arab in the south" This is only a slight exaggeration as we observed traveling from Sicily to northern Italy over a two month period.
Stromboli erupting, as seen from Ginostra on Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands
The south, with its Baroque Spanish architecture and the terra-cotta rooftops scattered in a volcanic landscape, could almost be Mexico. Except that Mexico doesn't have Greek temples. Nor people who, more than two thousand years after they were vanquished by the Romans, still consider themselves Greek.
Garlic Merchants, Catania, Sicily From our terrace in the Spanish Quarter, Naples
Lugo amid the fertile plain that surrounds the river Po in the northern province of Emilia-Romagna exudes a sense of well being and orderliness more characteristic of northern Europe. Many here are practicing Catholics who also insist that they are Communists. Neighbors often share their cars.
The main square of Lugo in Emilia-Romagna
Florentine youth, eager to be on the the cutting edge, have embraced American culture with gusto. On this visit much of the graffiti was in English. One noteworthy message asked: "If this is tourist season, why can't we hunt them?"
Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence, Italy
I was scandalized to find hamburgers on the lunch menu at 'Pops', a popular youth hangout in Piazza Santo Spirito, until I tasted their truffle hamburger which was exquisite. Italy has a history of absorbing from cultures around it and converting them into something uniquely Italian.
Our painting group's base twenty minutes from Florence: Querce Seconda, Romola, Tuscany
Watch the video of our two month painting trip in English or Italian:
I encourage you to experience the full variety of cultures we encountered by viewing the video of our journey. It is designed to inform and entertain you, so set aside forty minutes. Pour yourself a glass of wine and click the title to enjoy From Sicily to Emilia-Romagna: through Artists' eyes
Questa è la versione Italiana: Dalla Sicilia all'Emilia-Romagna: attraverso gli occhi degli artisti
The music of Hugo Wainzinger and Al Fabrizio is a marvelous addition to this video. If you like their adaptations for guitar and mandolin, you may find more of their music - and buy their CDs at: www.heartstringsmusic.com