Sam, I am: Why Sicily or Rather Why Not Sicily?

Mount Etna

Several years ago, two of my friends and I started to discuss the possibility of taking a girls vacation; yes several bottles of wine were involved in that discussion. That was the start of what has become a much anticipated and enjoyed biennial vacation. Let me make this very clear, we are not ladies who would enjoy spending several days at a spa, gambling, shopping and/or lounging at the pool or beach. That might be fine for a day or two; we rather like to see and experience the culture and history of a destination. While, this is the common thread among all of us; how we achieve the seeing and experiencing differences significantly. I am the "princess" (no apologies from me and yes I do like my creature comforts), then there is the "minimalist" (she would camp and have us camping anywhere), and finally the "sense of reason" (she strikes or rather facilitates and leads us to a sense of balance between the two extremes). However, we all enjoy partaking of the food, drink, culture and history of the regions we visit.

Citizen of Noto

So, when the 2014 year trip destination was proposed; Sicily, My first thought was why Sicily? I knew little to nothing about Sicily, other than it was in Italy and the popular stereotypes associated with Sicily. OK, So again, why Sicily? It so happens that Sicily is an uniquely multicultural society, having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans at some point in their history, resulting in a society that is in reality a multitude of shades of grey. Sicily has been a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate and a Norman kingdom. It's history has been stamped by the influences of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, Spanish and Albanians resulting in an uniquely eclectic history and culture that is reflected in the Classical, the Romanesque, the Gothic, and Baroque influences evident through out the island.

A view from the Greek Theatre in Taormina
The Sky adds Drama and Interest

The beauty of Sicily with its unique blend of history and culture make it an ideal locale for travel photography. You have several beautiful and diverse archaeological sites and attractions without the larger crowds experienced at some more well known sites such as in Rome and Athens. Nevertheless the Sicilian sites are magnificent in their own way. Sicily is home to some of the most impressive Roman mosaics in the world at Piazza Armerina and these mosaics are a reason unto themselves to visit Sicily. With such an eclectic mix of cultures, the architecture of Sicily is a treat for anybody who appreciates architecture. Sicily architecture influences include Roman, Arabic, Spanish and Norman styles. Mount Etna (surprise, surprise another vacation destination with a volcano; one of us seems to have a volcano fetish!), is a beautiful backdrop for any travel photograph.

My top three reasons for visiting Sicily are the Roman mosaics which are the finest in the world, Valley of the Temples with some of the best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece and Erice, the medieval walled town. If you visit Sicily, you can easily develop your own top three reasons and mine may not even make your list. Add-in great weather, lovely beaches, seafood and why Sicily quickly becomes why not Sicily!