“My trip to Sicily was prompted by an invitation from New York-based twin artists Ryan and Trevor Oakes. At the end of August, they were scheduled to be painting a color perspective piece of the town Castellammare Del Golfo. The twins are the “new young hot” breakthrough of the “old world” art perspective movement. They have been garnering a wave of attention for their historically significant drawing method.
You can see their work at www.oakesoakes.com.
The tiny hamlet of Castellamare Del Golfo also was the object of some media attention when Hollywood showed up to film Ocean’s Twelve. It certainly had the dream-like quality of an exotic movie set locale.
Our gracious hosts were Anthony Gucciardo and Lawrence Cacciatore—fellow New Yorkers with deep roots in Sicily. Lawrence’s Sicilian family lives in the hills of the town. The Cacciatore’s graciously shared their home, fresh garden grown food, EXTENSIVE extended family (30 people for dinner is considered common) and culture with us. It was an unparalleled view of Sicilian life.
I also checked out the Cerri Hotel (www.cerrihotel.it). It was lovely/cool. There is wifi, breakfast, darling staff, and great views from the balcony rooms. Ask for a matrimonial bed. It’s Europe, after all, if you don’t you may end up in a single room with a bunk bed.
The Hotel La Piazzeta (www.lapiazzettahotel.com) looked to be fun—located in the middle of the town square in front of the fresh market overlooking the sea.
Wandering around the labyrinth of stone streets winding up the hills falling into the sea is breathtaking. I met Luisa and Mario in their small artisan shop, Officine LinkArt (officinelinkart.blogspot.com). They are artists working only with recycled materials. They rework materials into fine art, clothing, accessories and jewelry. Their pieces are thoughtful and Luisa and Mario are beautiful. There are restaurants everywhere. I liked eating at the outdoor pizza place overlooking the ocean. For me, this is what I imagine heaven would be like.
You must hire a boat and see the sea up close. The Cerri Hotel arranged for our party of five to hire a skipper and small boat to spend the day touring the surrounding beaches and seaside towns. Our skipper was an able bodied, smoking 15-year-old (only in Italy). We stopped on our whim to dive into the crystal clear water to view the Grotta della Madonna, swim between the natural rock formations of Scopello, and wonder at the massive rock formations lining the coast. We docked for lunch at the port village of San Vito Lo Capo (www.palermoweb.com). A small beach town worth stopping for a few days to lounge on the beach discover the seaside restaurants, and tourist shops.”
Read about a special trip to Sicily, planned by well-connected, Munich-based travel group Culture & Travel Club.
