Kitty’s Kibbles ~ Unwraping Sicily / Italy
The 2016 Il Volo Tour has come to an end, and as much as you, me, and much of the world will be missing them, I’m almost positive that they are taking a deep breath and looking forward to, maybe, a little bit more free time with friends, family, and even themselves. Yes, they will still honor the commitments and projects already scheduled, but hopefully at a far less frantic pace than what they have just gone through. That’s not to say that they don’t love what they have obviously been gifted to do, but they do need some rest in order to do it. I pray that God will continue to watch over them, renew their strength, and continue to bless and guide them. They are a beacon of light amidst our troubled world today, and a ray of hope for our tomorrow.
So…..
Now seems to be a good time to honor them, by paying homage to the country they love, Sicily / Italy. Seems like the least I can do for them, after all they have done for us. If you’ve been following them for the last six or so years, you’ve probably learned a lot about the place they call home, but within this past year or so, they have charmed many many more followers as a result of the 2016 tour; actually ever since winning Sanremo in 2015. We have welcomed new members to our Il Volo family here, but there are thousands of others around the world who have just met our guys, and have fallen in love just as we did. Humm, funny how that goes. Newly devoted Ilvolovers are now trying to catch up on what they have missed. Many of us, on the other hand, have had the privilege of watching them grow into the fantastic young men that they are. It’s been a wild, and at times grueling ride for them to say the least, but they can’t wait to see what lies ahead, and neither can we! There are many things, besides their fans of course, that are of great importance to them within their journey, not the least of which is expressing the love they hold for their homeland; and why shouldn’t they? The Mainland of Italy, and the offshore Island of Sicily/Italy, are among the most beautiful places on earth. To honor Piero and Ignazio, and for the benefit of their new followers, and us as well, let’s revisit their beloved island. Ancient, historic, fought over, ruled, war torn, and parts destroyed by volcanic eruptions, Sicily remains. Many many centuries have passed, and each civilization to have inhabited this land has left it’s mark; like various influences on speech, indications of different customs, etc. and are still discernible. The beautiful art and architecture left behind still fills us with awe and wonderment. The incredible, natural beauty of the land itself? It has not faltered, and cannot be denied. SICILY – LAND OF MYSTERY AND MYTH , and the land where two very special young men call home.
VIEWS OF NARO: Where lies Piero’s heart:
Naro is an Italian comune in the Province of Agrigento. Latest population estimate was 7,817 in Dec. 2015. A Greek town, probably named after the river flowing by, (Naron means river). Mostly an agricultural center, with a lively cattle sector, it is also known for a renowned woodworking trade of artists – craftsmen. The town rose in the 12th century around an Arab hamlet, then in 1233, FREDERICK II of Swabia granted the town the privilege of a regal city, that is, (independent from feudal lords). In the 13th century it was surrounded by walls, and became a strategically important stronghold dominating a wide territory. Later on, it came under the control of the CHIARAMONTE family, and the imposing castle was built. In 1398, Naro returned under the direct control of the monarchy. In the Second World War, Naro suffered heavy Allied aerial bombings, the evidence of which, of course, remains. NARO,… still known as Queen of the Baroque.
These next two videos just warm my heart. Strictly homegrown, and filmed in the one and only barbershop in Naro; but they could not have expressed more clearly how they feel about their favorite son and the boys of IL VOLO. Made me cry, …again! 😿
*****
Something else that our guys demonstrate, is their attention to ordinary everyday things; all of which play a part toward what we call living. Sometimes we don’t really pay much attention to the things we “see”, but then do we “really” see them? Sometimes we take things for granted. I know I’m guilty of that; but the guys, they seem quick to notice, and not afraid to appropriately respond, They are keenly sensitive to what is needed; be it a smile, a hug, or at times the sharing of tears. So much goes into the living of life, and as I looked through pages and pages of photos, I set aside ones to use as examples, no reminders, of just some of the beautiful things that life holds. I was looking at life, but life was looking back at me as well. Here are just a few snipets, have you seen them?
NEXT TIME: IGNAZIO’S MARSALA, and more snipets of living. In the meantime……..a smile.
