Mark Twain was a visionary

No politics here, although those who know me outside of this blog also know me to be opinionated. The current goings on in the USA are no exception. However, this is not meant to be a soapbox for politics. There are too many thin-skinned individuals out there who would easily take exception.

However, I would like to guide your eyes to this gem from a great American literary icon, Mark Twain (or Sam Clemens, to his family and friends):

Now, consider the following bit: in several studies, only between 3 and 5% of the population of the USA has ever ventured outside of its borders. Those numbers may have changed, but the outcome is the same: as a society, the USA is cozy comfy being within the confines of the USA. It's not a judgment, but it certainly reveals one aspect of why we find ourselves in a cultural conundrum at this juncture. As a larger society, the USA is insular. We fear strangers. We cast a jaundiced eye toward anyone who doesn't sound or look like us (this is an interesting concept, given the great melting pot that we were and from which we seem to be retreating). We are uncomfortable with moving beyond the tried and true.

Perhaps it's time the vast majority of our citizens move beyond the borders and explore another culture, get to know another society. In other words, we need to discover that we have more in common with our brethren in other cultures than we do that is not common. That is something that I and other vagabonds have discovered. Even in that *gasp* political arena, I have found that I and others who are are on opposite sides of the spectrum actually do have commonalities that bridge the gap. We may not agree on methods, but we agree on bottom line desires and goals.

It's time the USA as a society really understands this--before it's too late.

Cefalu - Part II

It seems like all tourists in Sicily come from the Italian boot; you would be hard-pressed to hear English, German, Russian or any other non-Romance language among the crowd. The truth is, Sicily is popular with Italians and non-Italians alike. And Cefalu, a crossroads of civilizations--like much of Sicily--is no different.

Cefalu is a medieval town at heart, with its center reflecting the epitome of the Norman epoch.  The town is magical: labyrinthene alleyways, town walls that reach down to the sea, villas dating from different periods of the city's history, and a delightful, if crowded, beach just outside of the medieval city.

To appreciate Cefalu, one must also understand the amalgamation of civilizations that make up the island of Sicily: Greek, Roman, Moor, French, Spanish, and, of course, Italian. The centerpiece of Cefalu--the Cathedral, or, known by its more formal name: Basilica Cattedrale della Trasfigurazione--was begun in the early 12th century. True to its Norman origins, it resembles more of a fortress than a place of worship. But step inside, and you will be treated to a bright and brilliant mixture of artwork and cultures! The Byzantine mosaics are intricate and geometrically precise. Many seem to resemble patterns found in mosques of Ottoman Empire. The interior's gold leaf somehow recreates a heavenly brightness that would otherwise be blocked out by the fortress-like structure. But perhaps a look might do more justice than mere words.

When walking the cobblestones of the old town becomes too much of a burden on your feet and legs, then stop by Lilie’s Club (at 21 via Bagni Cicerone) for a lovely Sicilian Rosé and some fantastic people watching. And when the sun goes down over the Tyrrhenean Sea, sit down for more wine and a great wood fire pizza at Al Gabbiano (17 Lungomare Giussepe Giardina) before hiking back, as we did, to our delightful respite, Bouganville B&B. Believe me, after the meal at Al Gabbiano, the hike will come in handy!

However, if you have time available (and a change to swimwear), do not overlook a chance to take a dip in the sea at the city beach, Spiaggia Cefalu. Depending upon the date, it may be crowded (as it was in late July), but the water is warm and the view of the old town is not to be denied!

In a nutshell, Cefalu is a gem among the gems of Sicily, and not to be missed. I will make it my life’s mission to come back to this delightful town. Let it be your mission to visit!

Peace, everyone!

Keeping things in perspective

I was just watching something on Create (PBS), and apparently the Creator saw fit to tap me on the shoulder and listen: "The work done within a honey bee's lifetime amounts to 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey."

When I get on my pity pot, I'll think about this. My hope is that it turns me around. I hope you get something out of this too.

And go visit my friends at http://www.thebeecause.org .

Peace. And perspective.

Cefalu, Sicily - An underrated place I plan to visit again - Part I: Where to stay

Back to the travel thing, because I want to generate some good vibes for myself and for you. One place I wanted to visit but had only a 24 hour window to do so was Cefalu, Sicily. I was not disappointed. On the contrary, I was despondent that I didn't have more time to spend there. This is one place I very much want to visit again (on par with Nice, France, which may occupy some space on the blog at a later point). My wife and I arrived here by car after exiting Palermo (if you want to have a true Fast and Furious experience with rental cars, try Palermo, if you dare!), with the expressed intention of seeing to discover if we liked it.

Yes. We liked it.

We stayed at the lovely Bouganville Bed & Breakfast which is situated a bit on the outskirts, yet still a manageable 20 minute walk to the center of town. There we were greeted by the especially energetic Fabio, who, with his cousin Alberto, a proprietors of the B&B. The grounds are charming, the building lovely and simply but exquisitely set out. Bouganville is set atop a hill just outside of the city center and may be a little difficult to find if you're driving there (and be aware that the lane is narrow, so yield to vehicles coming downhill toward you). Parking is in the back--just buzz the gate to be allowed entrance. I heartily and enthusiastically endorse this locale--just enough quiet to make it relaxing, just close enough to make for an exciting stay in Cefalu.

Now, I'll get talking about Cefalu proper, in the next post (I want to keep you coming back!). Suffice it to say, the town, anchored by a 12th century Norman cathedral is the epitome of the romantic, narrow-alleyed Mediterranean town that everyone wants to experience. But with its charm comes the fact that people DO live in the city center (along with creatively parked vehicles, and even more creative driving habits), so some annoyances may take away from an idealized expectation (diesel fumes from many scooters weaving in and out of pedestrian traffic; main "drags" being thick with tourist tchatchkies and the like; laundry hanging out two stories overhead), so come with open minds, and let yourself get a bit lost in the maze of alleys and streets. AND never forget the delightful beach just on the edge of town (most people don't, which explains why there were wall to wall locals the day we arrived).

So, for now, fill your head with visions of Cefalu, and I'll scrounge up some photos and memories to share from 24 hours there.

Ciao. And don't forget to check out the ads on this page. If  you have an interest, or a remote curiosity, feel free to click through. This is how I generate income to support this habit.

Peace and love, y'all!