On Facebook, Sicilian Mafia Is a Hot Topic

ROME — Your college roommate is on Facebook. So are your cousins and colleagues and friends. But guess who else may find Facebook a great way to stay in touch?

Some people in Sicily who know a few things about networking.

In recent weeks, the Italian authorities have begun investigating Facebook discussion groups devoted to convicted Mafiosi, concerned that some members might be more than fans.

At the same time, a campaign calling on Facebook to remove pro-Mafia pages has been gaining momentum, while thousands of Facebook members have joined new anti-Mafia groups. Continued

Bad Weather in Sicily and Calabria, Italy

Bad weather in Sicily and Calabria, Southern Italy has resulted in damages to the agriculture, which will be a loss of tens of million euros. Consequences will be serious for the citrus sector, on cereals, greenhouse cultivations and on olive groves. More on This

Nilmar Move To Palermo Back On?

Reports in Italy suggest that Brazilian striker Nilmar Honorato da Silva may be close to a move to Palermo despite the club claiming to have lost interest in him.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has been in negotiations with the player all year in order to bring him to Sicily, but nothing had materialized until now.

A few months ago it was reported that the president had sent sporting director Walter Sabatini to International on official business, in order to negotiate for the young Brazilian striker’s contract.

Nothing had come of those rumors and on Monday the sporting director denied any further interest in the forward, but now it looks like a deal may soon be agreed upon, with the transfer window open and clubs more willing to agree to a deal.

The denial of interest in Nilmar may have been enough to put the player into a more agreeable mood in the hope that a deal can be made before the end of the month. Continued

Mt Etna -More Lava

The volcano in Mount Etna, continues to register seismic tremors and lava continues to flow down the mountain. So far there aren't any threats for the residents in Catania, Sicily.

More on this story Mount Etna

Palermo

The best city you may consider visiting while vacationing in Sicily would be Palermo. Palermo has many beautiful churches and museums that attracts tourists every year. Some churches that are popular are: The Cathedral of Palermo, San Cataldo, La Martorana. Museums: Teatro Massimo, Teatro Politeama.
A building that you may want to see is Palazzo dei Normanni. Tourists are always fascinated by the architecture of this building. Quattro Canti is a small place that lies at the crossing of very ancient streets that divide the town into its quarters.
Palermo is also known very well for their famous designer boutiques. Shopping in Palermo is quite an experience, it will remind you of being on 5th Avenue in New York City or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Some of the stores they have there are Gucci, Versace, Valentino, Armani, as well as many other stores. They have many exquisite jewelry stores.

The Cathedral of Palermo














Teatro Massimo













Teatro Politeama

My Experience Visiting Sicily

Sicily is one of the best places to visit in the summer time. The temperature can reach up to as high as 110 F and it is all dry air, no humidity. I'm going to tell you about the first day I went to Sicily. The moment my plane landed at the airport ( Falcone Borsellino), also known as Punta Raisi in Palermo, I was amazed by the beautiful mountains that surrounded me. As my father was driving me and my mother to our town in San Giuseppe Jato, we drove taking the road leading to Trapani. We drove through the country side. Everywhere I looked there was farm land that went on for miles. Farming is how some Sicilians make their money. The farms grow crops of grapes that are used for making wine, and they also grow olives, tomatoes, watermelons, fig trees, etc... Getting back to my ride from the airport going to my parents hometown... When we entered San Giuseppe Jato, I was stunned to see how diverse the town looked from my home town in New York. It looked like nothing I've ever seen. Pretty much all the houses in Italy are made of cemented stone. Some houses were built many. many years ago and are lucky to be still standing. The buildings lie close together and the streets are very narrow. On every other block you will find cafe's and pizzerias. They also have many small boutiques that sell clothes. shoes, and other necessities.