Film directors and photographers have often been inspired by Sicily and many have used it as a backdrop to their films or placed it center stage in their photographs.

It is one of those places where great pictures are easy to come by: Mediterranean sunlight, evocative landscapes, interesting architecture, sharp social contrasts, intense religious rituals, and faces, looks, postures and gestures that are steeped in history and tell a full story in just a frame.

In these health conscious days, cheese is often the first victim in the diet of anyone trying to lower their cholesterol level. There is, however, a way out - goat's cheese is lower in fat and cholesterol when compared to cow's or sheep's cheese. Depending on the exact type there may about 40% less fat and 30% less cholesterol in goat's cheese. Goat's cheese is also great for those who are lactose intolerant.

Just wanted to let everyone know that Catania airport will be closed from 1600 of May 12th all through 1400 the 15th of May because of necessary repairs to its main runway.

Get in touch with your flight ticket providers for details to what happens to your flights - several are being re-directed to Palermo.

Unfortunately there is nothing on the Catania Airport Website but there is a small announcement on the Alitalia website.

Sicily’s Easter processions and celebrations are the most famous in Italy. They are the legacy of the 17th century Spanish domination of the island, and still bear a close resemblance to current Easter traditions in Spain.

"I Misteri" procession, in Trapani, represents the most important traditional event of the year for the local community, attracting many of visitors.

Last October (2007) we had the great pleasure of meeting food writer Toni Lydecker during her trip around the island doing research for her forthcoming book on Sicilian fish and seafood.