Hats by the sea. These hats were sold on a stand on the boardwalk of the beach in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily. They look stylish although they were of so so qualityand sold mainly to tourists because Italians will only wear name brands. It makes a good image, nevertheless.

 Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, my beloved birthplace. Houses that are now restructured and made into B&B's as the town becomes more and more touristy. 

 Some images call for black and white. This fountain in Scopello Sicily used to be used to wash clothes at the time I photographed it was used as a place to get water. and as a tourist attraction. I used Tri-X and a Canon FT with a 50mm F 1.4 FL lens. 

 Fish monger with kart and donkey. Way back in 1969 when there were still scenes such as these in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily before it became touristy and karts became a curiosity. I shot this with my Canon FT and the great 50 mm F 1.4 FL lens on good old Kodak Tri-X. I remember as if ie were yesterday.

Cooking in Sicily

 Cooking in Sicily. Yours truly having just prepared a fried zucchini and pomodorini for a few of my friends in my house in Castellammare del Golfo. You cannot cook just for one or two people. Needless to say with the super fresh ingredients the result was spectacular. 

 My dear friend Tommaso who lives two houses up the block from me in Sicily.He is a fisherman who had brought home some freshly caught fish that he was preparing for a street barbecue. A wonderful man who will always lend a hand if you need it. Naturally, the fish were delicious.

 My beloved Castellammare del Golfo

 Young member of a Sicilian folk group participating in the festivities of Castellammare del Golfo's annual feast honoring the Madonna del Soccorso. Also known as la festa del ventuno because it culminates on August 21st of each year. 

 I had just returned home from my favorite frutta e verdura market in my beloved Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, Italy. I think that the image conveys the freshness and the quality of these wonderful vegetables.

 There's this talented craftsman who makes all sorts of household utensil with olive wood. He sells them at the belvedere overlooking the town and gulf of Castellammare in Sicily. His products re excellent and his prices very reasonable. These are napkin holders.

 Thinking of my beloved Castellammare del Golfo.

 Summer hats on display for sale at the beach in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily by itinerant vendors. I cannot wait for summer to get here.

 This is what call a fruit and vegetables market. Located in Piazza Petrolo in my beloved Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily. Here the stuff is very fresh and the prices are right. 

 The statue of the Madonna del Soccorso, patron saint of Castellammare del Golfo as she reaches the main sqare or i quattro canti and stops for a few minutes. I had to make use all of my paparazzi skills to advance to the front having to avoid, the band, the dignitaries, the polizia, the carabinieri, the guardia municipale, a military honor guard and the many religious leaders. It's a miracle I wasn't arrested. This procession occurs on August 21 of each year as the town completes a three day long feast that opens on August 19 with  a procession on the water when the statue is loaded on  large boat and is followed by a plethora of crafts of all sizes. On the 21st, after the Madonna has returned to the madrice or main church, the festivities are concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.

 This is Carlo my friend and Sicilian neighbor who provides me with the best olive oil. We do not use the term extra virgin because it's unnecessary. 

 Super fresh, just picked. These delicious fennel  bunches are presently in season Sicily and are from my favorite frutta e verdura establishment in Castellammare del Golfo. They are indescribable. 

 EATING IN SICILY. We arrived from the airport late, almost closing time. We ordered busiate allo scoglio and the waiter brought the skillet to the table. As for the flavor totally out of this world.

 Yes the colors are real. These boulders are located in the Gulf of Castellammare.

An exhibition of artisan bread during the main feast in Castellammare del Golfo. These bakers showed incredible skills. They also served delicious sample at no cost. Just delightful.          
 

 Another archival shot dating from the summer of 1972. The tonnara or tuna fishery in Scopello, Sicily. I used Kodachrome II and a Canon FT with the standard 50mm F 1.4 FL lens. This whole area has now been turned into a fancy hotel and tourism stop. What is visible are the huge anchors to steady the boats while the tune were being fished. This work is not done any longer, have it been replaced my modern techniques.