Summer 2008

First stop at Papiano (Perugia). Peace in the absolute sense. Enchantingly relaxing and quiet places, where peace and serenity reign supreme, places where friendship is sacred. The journey continues to Nocera Superiore (Campania) at friends' home. Other places to be held in high regard, given the hospitality, the natural beauty and, forgive the understatement, the food. Then the journey by ship from Salerno to Messina with a breathtaking sunset over the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli towering. I continue with Letojanni and Taormina. The first is my favourite Eden, my home village, where every year I rediscover unique emotions and feelings. Where I shed the guise of a serious Milanese and become a playful, happy, joyful fellow. Where I find my dearest affections and a "UNIQUE CROWD". The second needs no introduction. It's enchanting, fascinating but tremendously expensive.

A quick hop to the southern side of Sicily, precisely to Macconi near Gela, where I photographed a beautiful sunset and where it feels like going back years, thanks to the serenity and quiet of its beautiful beaches. Another excursion on the western slopes of Etna, precisely to Passopisciaro (pass or place of the fish sellers) and Moio Alcantara (famous for its peaches). The holiday ends with Gallodoro (sceccu pazzu) and Forza d'Agrò. Departure by car and overnight stay in Anagni. To sleep, a delightful place: a villa (Floridiana) from the 1700s, tastefully furnished and where we dined divinely. This Italy, so maligned by us Italians, never stops amazing me. IT'S REALLY TRUE, WE ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.