Reflections on a Summer Excursion + Wedding in Sicilia

I first visited Sicily on a school-excursion during a semester studying in Tuscany.  Four years later, I was walking down the aisle in the island’s quaint town of Ortigia.

I had never thought too much about the island before I was brought to Sicily on a school-excursion during a semester studying in Tuscany.  After I saw the landscape, tasted the cuisine, and was introduced to the history, I was intrigued. The following year, I came across a program that would put me in Sicily for four months at a language school. I settled into the small town of Taormina, living with a host family, and falling deeply in love with the coastal environment.  

I’ve seen Taormina shift  from a holiday destination spot with streets and beaches full of Italian vacationers, to a small quiet town of locals. No matter the month, I am enchanted by its natural landscape. The magic of the town lies within the view of the volcano Etna that sits high above the town and the sea below.  There is a richness but raw simplicity to the island and a culture that is so different from the mainland of Italy. 

Each time I return, Sicily becomes more memorable. I would have never expected four years after my first visit, I would be guiding my entire family and friends on their first Sicilian adventure.  Life surprised me in the best way possible. I continued to unearth new connections during my stay and have tried my best to put them into words. 

Here are my reflections on this visit:

~ Mongibello, A Muntagna, “big mama” all these names refer to Mount Etna, the active volcano that sits on the northeast coast of Sicily...

The towns that surround it share a common sense of pride for Etna and allow it to provide for them. Their food grows on the mineral-rich soil it provides, streets and buildings are made of its lava rock, and water flows down from Etna to the public fountains for everyone to drink. I enjoy being in a place that embraces the natural environment rather than fights against it.

~ I did not have a clear vision on how the actual trip or wedding events would come together, but I knew there was a feeling and energy I wanted to capture...

To allow that to happen, I had to let go of control. I knew we would be merging families of different languages and arranging travel as covid restrictions were changing. I made big decisions with less context than I normally would: I could not taste the menu we’d be serving, I chose the venue out of memory, and had no rehearsal (apparently that's not a thing in Italy, which led to some comedic moments). I gave in to shedding expectations and letting everything organically unfold. It surprised me in the best way possible.

~ Local businesses and craftsmen fill the towns and streets of Sicily...

It’s exciting to see people passionate about their craft, and it adds value to the purchase when you have a conversation with the person who made it, like Emanuele who crafted a cuff bracelet for my sisters and I.

~ The moment I stepped out of the car during an afternoon trip to Noto, I felt like I stepped into a sauna...

I could see and feel the heat rising off the dark stone pavers. Even in a place so beautiful, I felt a sense of sadness as I was reminded that we are in a moment in time that is a great shift - restoring the planet can’t be on the back-burner or an option - it is a must.

~ Throughout the trip, I continued to have this dialogue (or something similar) running through my mind: This is a single unique moment in time I am creating and living in this very moment...

In this very place. With these very people. It can’t be created or relieved. This is it. I felt overwhelming gratitude for everyone who was part of the experience - the canceled flights, financial sacrifice, and time dedicated to celebrating our love. I savored the present moment more deeply than I had before.