6.06.2006

Tusa and environs, Sicily 2006



2 comments:

MSP said...

How did you come across Tusa? I spent much of my childhood growing up in the old neighborhood of Tusa, and this, what I always called "the Strawberry Church" was always one of my favorite places to explore. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted this photo of yours! I always considered it a part of my own personal mythology, and as an artist myself, turn my sights back to Tusa in my work. I try to go back every year. I see it made an impact on you as well! Happy to see it here.

-Serena

Barry O'Connor said...

Ha! My wife and I were in Sicily for a week with my parents. We stayed in Palermo and Cefalu--from Cefalu we'd been riding around exploring the Madonie (sp?) Mountain villages for a couple days and came across Tusa by chance. It turned out to be quite a memorable experience. We drove into town hungry a bit after lunchtime. As you know there aren't many conventional eating establishments there--and none open after 1pm or so. A man saw us poking around and asked, "Mangia?", and then directed us to an unmarked door that looked like someone's home. Well, it more or less was, but inside a man and his wife were more than pleased to feed us. Feed us they did--maybe 8 or 9 different dishes, made mostly from his own produce, dairy, etc. It was an amazing meal and a great experience.

What was it like growing up there? What is the "Strawberry Church"? I thought maybe very old stables or some sort of sanctuary for animals.

The entire area up in those mountains seemed magical to me. I dream of returning often. You'll see several other photos from the area--cemeteries, churches, etc in Enna, Castlebuono

I'm glad you found the photo--what directed you to it?

-Barry