Edited by Seema Iqbal
Last summer, I took my family to my ancestral land of Sicily, Italy. My children are finally at an age where traveling with them is not only fun, it is heartwarming to watch them grow acquainted with a lifestyle I experienced on a much deeper level as a child. It wouldn’t be a stretch to write that our tour of Italy brought us closer together as a family.
If you look at the photographs I’ve enclosed in this post, you will develop a keen appreciation for the fact that life in Italy flows at a rather generous pace compared to the sort of gallop folks experience in the United States on a near-daily basis. There is a deep sense of tranquility and simplicity punctuated heavily with pure and innocent fun that you might not be able to experience elsewhere.
Amongst the places on our roster was Mussomeli – a little known mountain town located in the province of Caltanisetta, Sicily. The town’s name has roots in the Arabic language which serves as a subtle reminder of the Muslim conquest of Sicily – a period in time that stretched from 965 to 1091 A.D.
Next, we went to visit the temples of Erice, an archaeological wonder that is quite reasonably in a league of its own. The town of Erice is named after the revered Greek figure, Eryx. When the Arabs took over Sicily, they named the town ‘Gebel Hamid,’ or the ‘Mountain of Hamid’. That name, of course, remained until the last Arab ruler wielded his power.
My children were truly fascinated when we visited the church in Naro where my mother made her first communion. Both my parents were born in the town of Naro, so I feel a deep connection there. I must’ve mentioned the church, Chiesa Madre Di Naro, to my older daughter a million times in the days leading up to her first communion… but giving her the opportunity to experience the tranquility felt inside that holy space solidified in her a memory no amount of personal narrative ever could. I can see proof of that now that my younger daughter is preparing for her communion. She informed me that she will proudly walk down the aisle in our church just like grandma did!
I hope to return to Italy with my family as many times as possible in the years to come. Every visit is sure to not only strengthen our bond as a family, it will most certainly etch in their beautiful young minds the most precious, indelible memories.
Carolyn says
I have been to Italy once and want to go back. It is just so historic there. Your kids must have felt such a connection to family.
Jessica Curcio Benjamin says
It was truly special. We were blessed to be able to be there with extended family from near and far.
Holly Lasha says
What a fun trip! I love Italy!!!
Jhumki Nag says
Italy has so many hidden gems. Loved the places you visited. I went to Cinque Terre and it was so majestic.
Jennifer Corter says
I’m absolutely loving all of the photos! It looks totally stunning there!
Jessica Curcio Benjamin says
Thank you Seema for sharing this post on your blog. We have been blessed to travel with our daughters-showing them this beautiful world and exposing them to multiple cultures. This was my first trip to Sicilia since I myself was a young girl. It was a unique experience- my children, nieces and nephews all walking the streets that my parents played in themselves as children…very profound. I also was able to see parts of the island I myself had never heard of and fell in love with, the quaint and beautiful mountain town my brother in law is from, Mussomeli. Even there the dialect and culture is quite distinct, not to be missed- the vistas from that mountain top gem are some of the most breathtaking views I have ever had. Sicilia has profound well known Greco-Roman history and the temples here in Erice and the theater in Segesta are literally awesome. Equal in beauty if not in size to the Temples in Agrigento- which are stupendous! Though it is an Island Sicilia is huge! We only saw a small fraction and I can not wait for our next adventure hope to share with all.
Danielle M Andresen says
Looks like a beautiful family adventure. I can’t wait to visit Italy. It is on our list of places to go.
Jennifer Maune | Maune Legacy says
Wow, it looks beautiful! I’m glad it was an enjoyable trip. I would love to visit the temples.
Seema Khan says
It does sound like a very interesting destination. We tend to hear about more well known temples. It is refreshing to see places that are more exotic. Thank you for your comment 🙂
Jessica says
Thank you for this small glimpse of life in Italy! Wouldn’t it be so nice to move at a slower pace? I would love to visit Italy someday with my family as well. Sounds like there are so many amazing things to see!
Seema Khan says
You are very welcome. Yes, indeed! We don’t really realize the importance of slowing down until we either step away from our busy lives or see others return refreshed from a calmer locale. The freshness shows not only on a person’s face but also in their aura and attitude. Jessica Benjamin is an avid traveler. Hopefully, we will get to hear more from her! Thank you so much for your comment.