Rocco Galatioto, nice photos and good food

The Banco di Sicilia was once one of the oldest, most powerful and richest banks in pre unification Italy. When Garibaldi came, he took all the gold reserves [he did the same with the Banco di Napoli] so that the Piedmontese king could pay the debts he incurred during the Crimean wars. The truth about the risorgimento is finally coming out. It took over 100 years of myths and lies before the light of truth could have shone. Too late to do anything about. At least that pathetic House of Savoy was thrown out after the end of WW II. This is a branch office in the old part of Trapani.

They are getting ready to prepare the giglio, a tall structure that is lifted and carried throughout the neighborhood of North Brooklyn around Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish. It's an annual event that mimics on a smaller scale the event held in Noto, Italy. It's a fun event that is very popular. This image dates from 1986 when I was  doing a project on Italian feasts in the New York area for an Italian client.

These two two night shots are from a recent trip to Saint Augustine, Florida. This was a very pleasant trip and I absolutely fell in love with Saint Augustine. 

These two little girls were photographed at the Festa Italiana that used to be held annually at the church of Our Lady of Pompeii in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. These photos date from 1986 when I was working on a project involving the many neighborhood feasts in New York.

Charlie is a very special animal. A friendly. loving and affectionate dog that is my constant companion. I cannot say enough nice things about him. Obviously he great looks speak for themselves. iPhone image

Sicilian comfort food. Modified pasta picchiu pacchiu. A very simple dish of tomatoes basil and garlic with basil. Here Laura, the cook, added  crushed almonds and walnuts along with bread crumbs. Delicious comfort food. iPhone image iPhone image

Actually many years ago. In 1974, in New York's Central Park on a late winter day that was sunny and not too cold. As the song goes, "I remember it well."