Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: My Sicilian Challenge

 

All photos, F LoBuono - Motta D'Affermo

Perhaps some of you are aware that along with my stepson, Jeremiah, we purchased a villa in a village in Sicily named Motta D’ Affermo. It is an ancient place where time has remained little changed for centuries. In fact, the current village dates back to the early Middle Ages built over an even more ancient, Greek settlement.

This is both its blessing and curse – Motta is a living paradox.

The village, located about 90 minutes from Palermo, high in the mountains above the Mediterranean, can be a challenge to get to. You can see it, glistening in the distance. 

Getting to it is another matter.

Of course, this is the 1st of many paradoxes: they built these villages there because they ARE difficult to get to (i.e., to keep invaders out). And they ARE special BECAUSE they can be a challenge to drive to.

In other words, they are off the beaten bath, providing adventurous travelers opportunities to experience a truly Mediterranean culture. If you’re looking for a valet to carry your bags, go to Firenze!

It is blessed with its ancient homes and churches, spectacular vistas, ancient olive groves, delicious, fresh food, and soulful, friendly people.

However, it terms of modern conveniences, little are found there.

There are 2 small grocery stores, a pharmacy, a small night-time bar, and, of course, the obligatory coffee shop. But there is no sit-down restaurant – a deficiency that the remaining residents understand needs to be addressed.

And Motta is quiet at night – very quiet. There are only about 600 people left. Most of the younger people have left to find work on the mainland.

Again, here is another paradox – what makes it too quiet for some, appeals greatly to others – people like me.

At this point of my life, I’m in the been there, done that phase. I had a long career in the media that involved its share of both challenges and rewards. I left few stones unturned. Now, it’s time to find another reality, one of a quieter nature.

I believe that I can find it in this ancient, frustrating, and magical place.

Besides, my entire family is Sicilian. Both my mother’s and father’s ancestral villages lie within driving distance of Motta. And as soon as I breathed the fresh air under an azure sky, a blazing sun, with the aqua blue Mediterranean in the distance, a deep, abiding peace came over me. I felt that I had come home.

Sicily, and Motta, is not for everyone – and it shouldn’t be – that’s what makes it special. I hope that it is for me.

And, perhaps for you too.