To market, to market, to buy a fat fish!
After a late return to Taormina, it was an early rise to meet Turi by his restaurant at 6:45. Arnie and I had to retrieve the cars down at the parking deck, which involved an extra ten minutes for us.
While we were missing some folks, most joined us.
Forget the fat hen. We were going to a coastal town to join Turi as he bought fruits, vegetables, and yes, fat fish!
He took us down a back way. Small roads we had not yet been on. The Garmin warned us of the severity of switch-backs when Turi went around the corners ahead of us.
A thoughtful leader, he did not lose us.
At one point he stopped beside an impressive gate, got out, and explained that this was the location for one of the scenes in The Godfather. The scene where the kiss signals the execution of the old man.
Not only that, but it was Turi’s dog that was used in the scene.
We started out at the vegetable market where we were greeting by these creatures standing at attention.
A phone call let Turi know that we should quickly head over to the fish market.
There were all sorts of fresh selections, and no fish smell. That’s the thing about fresh fish. They do not smell fishy.
I loved the way this handsome specimen looked at me through his tail.
Turi samples everything he buys, and back at the veggie market, one of the helpers showed Turi how aromatic the melon was. Indeed, it was, and Turi bought a case.
Our group was having a great time, finding shapes, photographing people, savoring the various selections. Yes, we were allowed to sample, too. Probably because we were with Turi. He told us earlier that there are times of day he does NOT want to be anywhere near there. The people can be very territorial, and if there is an affront, perceived or otherwise, knives may be thrown! He told us to always be watchful. We found, however, that everyone was very nice to us.
Turi’s little SUV was loaded up, front seat included, and packed so that the fish would fit on top.
Back to the fish market we went where many of us were given some tuna sushini. Amazingly delicious! Again, oh-so fresh! Meanwhile, the men kept on cutting and preparing the various cuts for their customers.
Turi took us to a local place for breakfast. As always, everyone seems to know Turi! Coffees, pastries, other things to keep our stomachs from growling until we got back for breakfast at the hotel. We had some time while the fishmongers finished preparing Turi’s order. It was nice to sit in the cool shade of the café and chat.
Turi got the phone call that signaled everything was ready. We returned with him to watch the last of the fish being wrapped and loaded.
We returned to the hotel too late for breakfast, but Julia and her crew kindly took it all back out for us. There is a reason we return to this hotel and others. The service is way above par. No grumpiness, no noses out of joint, just cheerful smiles.
Mid-day was reserved for imaging. Later, we were going to head up the hill to Castelmola, a tiny, medieval “city” with twisty streets and narrow lanes and LOTS of steep steps.
There was no way that Arnie and I could keep track of everyone, and we told people that. We did keep running into them, so we could answer this question or that, do an on-spot critique, and make some suggestions.
I was showing one of our participants the natural fill light I so love. This wall was a perfect example, as it glowed.
We walked together for a bit, and he remarked that the wires were frustrating for him. I reminded him that they are a part of Europe and many other parts of the world and to just celebrate them, then showed him this example.
Later, I ran into one of our “spousal units” and we decided it was half-past wine-o’clock. There was a multi-story restaurant with a sunny rooftop and a commanding view. We ordered the local house red, then navigated several flights of very steep and very narrow steps set into very tight passage-ways. The views at the top were well worth it. I peered over the edge of the railing, as I had a shot in mind. The green table cloths popped against the piazza tiles.
It was nice to sit and enjoy conversation, and we kept looking for the rest of our group that drifted into the piazza.
“Up here,” we called, and pretty soon everyone was enjoying the view, too.
Toward the end of the day, the light gets really pretty on Mt. Etna. It was close to that hour, so we carefully went back down the even-steeper steps (or so it seemed) so the viewpoint we like. The clouds lit up, and it was a great way to end our photographic day.
I can’t speak for Arnie, but I wanted to be able to drive back down the steep mountain-side while there was still light!
It was dinner time, so we dropped off our gear and went around the corner to a cute little place off the beaten track. Later, sated, we collapsed into our beds.
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It looks and sounds like you are having a wonderful time.
SuAnn,
Indeed, we are. We had a great group of participants, and they really made some amazing photographs!
Take care,
TBC
Great time! Well described and photographed. I was getting worried that you had given up early morning shooting until this day came along!
Not at all, David, but as you well know, the hours in Europe are a bit different than in the US. It was a great day, and Turi was our consummate host, as usual!
Take care, and glad you enjoyed it!
TBC