March 19, 2011

Today was our second field trip in Sicily. We headed out of Palermo through a picturesque road that ascends through beautiful green hills and valleys, which seemed to be up inside the clouds on that day. Our itinerary included a stop in the city of Santa Margherita di Belice to see the Gattopardo Museum, the St. Alexander Theatre, and of the Literary Park Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.

Giuseppe Tomasi, 11th Prince of Lampedusa (December 23, 1896 – July 23, 1957), was a Sicilian writer. He is most famous for his only novel, Il Gattopardo (The Leopard). In 1963 Il Gattopardo was made into a film, directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale, and which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

We also visited Planeta Winery on lake Arancio, the Planeta La Foresteria resort in Menfi, and the ancient Greek archaeological site at Selinunte.

Driving into Santa Margherita di Belice and a view of the old town ruins

Tasting a Sicilian mandarin in the garden of the Literary Park Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa in Santa Margherita di Belice

The city of Santa Margherita di Belice and a view of the old town ruins

It was the Feast of St. Joseph the day we visited Santa Margherita di Belice. We were taken to see the city's display of breads and pastries made for the feast.

We left Santa Margherita di Belice and drove to Lake Arancio to visit the Planeta Winery. They held a wine tasting for us and then hosted us at their near by coastal resort in Menfi for lunch.