They had an interesting experience in Sicily during their Italian lessons ...

John frm the U.S.A., Stephen from London , Fidelis & Josephin from Philippines, Ingrid from Germany, Gina & Judy from Philippines, Kathy from Netherlands

 

"Dear Stefania, I really enjoyed the Italian course in Agrigento. About 2 weeks before starting the lessons I sent the points I wanted to tackle and explained where my weaknesses were. It was outstanding, that everything – grammar, texts and excercises were tailored and readily prepared to my needs. Throughout the whole time we kept a good balance between grammar excersises and conversation so that I equally learned a lot and the lessons went by in no-time. Furthermore, I got a great insight into Italian/Sicilian culture, history and daily life. The major drawback was that I could take part for only one week. Hope to be able to return next year. Thanks again and a presto." Claudio from Germany Studying Italian in Agrigento, Sicily, an ancient city settled by the Greeks, was a treat for me. Stefania Tardino, the owner of i Fiori Blu di Sicilia, tailored the lessons for me.  She is both knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Sicily.  Our sessions were held in the Luigi Pirandello Library, a tribute to the Nobel prize winning writer.  The energy emanating from Pirandello’s works and his personal letters was apparent.  Talk about being in the ZONE; I was there.  My biggest regret is that I am not an Italian literature scholar.  To have access to all this and not take advantage of it was a shame.   I hope that my article will inspire others to go to Agrigento and stay a while…studying and immersing one’s self in his genius.  Years ago, I attended an Off-Broadway (in New York City) performance of Luigi Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author.  Never did I imagine that one day I would be in his birthplace. Our Italian language sessions were a mix of Sicilian history and culture lectures and grammar exercises. Stefania prepared well in advance of my arrival and e-mailed me about my expectations.  She far exceeded them.  Her pleasant manner and love for her work is apparent. The director and staff at the Pirandello Library are hospitable and accessible.  During my stay they invited me to Casa Pirandello (now a museum) for the 141st anniversary celebration of the author’s birth. This was a special time.  Stefania also arrange for a meeting with Enzo Sarda, the director of the Leonardo Sciascia Foundation in Racamuto, the birthplace of my father. Again I was in the midst of genius.  Sciacia and Pirandello are two of Sicily’s highly regarded literary geniuses. The Foundation houses all the works and personal letters of Sciacia.  I will have to return as an Italian literature scholar to take advantage of these treasures. Being Racalmuto was magical.  I was able to find the house where my father was born, as well the notice of his birth in the city hall records. Forget computers, the ink from 1902 posting was still legible. This was amazing to me.  I spent one afternoon in the Valley of the Temples, a very well preserved historical site and major tourist attraction for Agrigento.  One can only be in awe at the magnitude of these colossal Structures erected over 2,500 years ago.  Set high on the hills of Agrigento, they are a true architectural wonder and have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The oldest part of Agrigento, with it warren of cobble stoned steep streets (most with steps) gives the visitor a true sense of times past.  The myriad of Baroque styled churches with impressive art collections. Paula Cullison Contact Information: paulacullison@aol.com 011-602-863-9744 13058 N. Surrey Circle Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) 85029-1830   George from Florida and other foreign students