Sicily
This is me, standing in front of the abandoned home that my great-grandfather left to come to America. Sebastiano left for America with his wife and next door neighbor, my great-grandmother Francesca, in the hopes of creating a better future for themselves. Francesca was one of 6 siblings. One by one they travelled across the Atlantic by ship, sending money home so that the next sibling could make the voyage to America. Only one sibling remained in Sicily, tethering a connection that would lead my ancestors back year after year to visit, bridging the gap between the generations and leaving me rich with family in a place that I have never known, until now.
It has taken me 23 years to make this trip. This was my 4th attempt. As my departure date approached, I came down with a 4-5 week bout of covid, complete with a touch of pneumonia. Just as I was feeling like I might actually be well enough to travel I suffered a concussion 2 days before I was supposed to fly to Rome and found myself in the hospital. Thankfully, I was cleared to travel. I just kept thinking to myself that all I needed to do was get on the plane and everything would fall into place. As I took my seat on the flight for Rome I cried, relieved that I was finally making the trip.
I have been warmly welcomed by 3rd, 4th and 5th cousins, all eager to connect, share family history and help me explore this beautiful island. My first meal when I arrived was lovingly prepared by my grandmother’s first cousin. I recognized all of the foods my grandmother used to cook and some that we still eat in my family today. A cousin of mine shared that his grandfather always regretted that he never travelled to America and he impressed upon his family the importance of family and to always remain close with their American cousins.
My 12 day vacation has turned into a 5 weeks stay. My father was able to join me here for a week and sharing this experience with him was truly special. I have explored the places where my ancestors married, worshipped and are now buried. I received a family tree going back 11 generations to a man named Silvestro. Most importantly, I have connected and bonded with precious family.
I have learned many things. Here are some of my favorites:
Sicilians eat dessert for breakfast (granita, croissants and gelato in brioche buns and cappuccino)….this explains why my grandfather ate peppermint stick ice cream and donuts for breakfast!
Food is the love language of Sicily. People show their love by feeding you…they eat late dinners (9-10pm) and they eat a LOT (antipasti, first plate - usually pasta, second plate - usually meat, side plates, salad, fruit, dessert with liquor and then coffee).
Sicilians have their own version of siesta. Everything closes daily from about 1-5pm for nap time after lunch….this would be reason enough to move here.
There is a profound wealth of culture, history, tradition and beauty here. My mind was blown as I toured neolithic caves that advanced civilizations lived in for 4,000 years. This island has been occupied by everyone (Greeks, Normans, Arabs, Byzantines, Romans, Phoenicians, French, Spanish and British, and more).
As my trip here comes to an end I am still processing everything and know that I will be for awhile. This has been one of the most precious and valuable experiences of my life. I would say I wish I had made it here sooner but Divine timing has brought me here now and I trust that.
I will say that it is important to take the trip. The Universe may create resistance for you to overcome once it’s booked but that is how you know it is a heroine’s journey.
