How I wish I were in Sicily right now

 

A balcony in Sicily

 

A balcony

Piazza Petrolp in Castellammare del Golfo is one of the most sought after new residential area. It looks north onto the blue sea of the gulf. It used to be an unappreciated commercial area but now with gentrification it has become trendy. It's value is real because of it's superb location. This balcony is typical of the newly renovated houses

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Il mercato della frutta e verdura

A mercato della frutta e verdura, is not necessarily a farmers market it can be a regular fruit and vegetables store. In the case of lu scaru, Sicilian for an outlet, the name takes a whole different meaning. In Italy such markets offer items picked very early in the day and are sold at great prices. This is unlike many of the so called farmers markets in the States that cater mostly to yuppies and hipsters and sell items at very high prices that are allegedly local but whose provenance remains always in doubt. I realize that I'm exaggerating and there are real ones away from the large cities. At any rate, this market is my favorite place to buy fruit and produce in Castellammare del Golfo. The produce at the super markets is not too bad if one knows how to shop. Italians take food very seriously and not tolerate inferior food products. Eating is after all a fine art. There's another reason. In Europe one is not allowed to touch fruits or vegetables. Store owners wearing plastic gloves pick them for you and usually chose what they want to get rid of so there are always arguments. This is another of the many annoying regulations imposed by the European Union. In my favorite market, I'm allowed to touch, feel and even smell what I buy and I decide what to buy. In super markets one must wear disposable plastic gloves, BTW. Another regulation ignored here is the use of required bio degradable bags. These are so weak that when buying liquids one must be very careful. Buying olive oil or wine in super markets can be a problem, In this case the heavy store bought bags are necessary. They are very cheap and durable. In this outlet the bags are very strong. After all this is Sicily where all rules are mere suggestions and may be ignored at will. Another attempt to defy a government that doesn't give a damn about it's citizens. Viva gli italiani, viva la Sicilia. 

Have a pleasant weekend

Have a pleasant weekend

Have a delicious Sunday

Il sapore dell'estate / the flavour of summer

Alta moda

High fashion display of sorts in Piazza Petrolo in Castellammare del Golfo, a site known for street vendors. This display of inexpensive dressed in mannequins caught my eye.

Balconi su Piazza Petrolo

Piazza Petrolo in Castellammare del  Golfo looks North to the sea and is becoming very trendy area. The old sailors' homes are being repaired and turned into quaint abodes. Because of the view, their prices are very high. However, their proximity to the sea makes their walls very susceptible to wear and tear.