First Workshop Day
We enjoyed breakfast overlooking another clear Mt. Etna. Small wisps of venting were present, but they only obscured the very top outline of the mountain, the main crater.
Arnie and I took a walk, as we had some time before our noon, workshop beginning.
I bid some of “my” gentlemen who were sitting in the morning shade of the duomo, “Buongiorno!”
We found a spot on a bench for ourselves, getting up occasionally for shot we wanted to make.
It was time to head back to the hotel. Up on the rooftop terrace, we did introductions. One of our group still had not made it to Taormina. Another delayed flight. Arnie and I talked about the importance of light and what to do when it was harsh.
There were several props we could use to illustrate our points.
In the midst of that, our final alumnus arrived, tired from his long trip from Toronto, but glad to be here.
It was time to start putting things into practice.
As we ambled along Corso Umberto, Arnie and I pointed out different examples of light, guiding our students to more appropriate approaches for he subjects they chose.
We sat in the shade at one of the cafés on Piazza IX Aprile, savoring the day, some light lunch, and a glass of wine.
Arnie and I wanted them to see some marvelous gardens in Taormina. Besides, some of our group wanted to sample the gelato at the place we like, the place where they make their own from scratch.
There were plenty of things to photograph along the way.
As we headed down the narrow side streets to the gardens, we came upon some incredible sidewalk art, done with chalk, flower petals, and seeds. We had never seen the likes of it before. Lights were strung overhead and garlands of flowers decorated the wires.
A band came down, and we scattered to the sides of the street.
I found lines and graphics in so many places, from these steps …
To a long line of motorcycles …
I loved the way the light reflected off the intricate paving in the gardens …
And came through some leaves …
As we walked back up the hill to get ready for dinner, we saw more, intricate panels on the streets. The attention to detail was awe inspiring. One woman had “painted outside the lines,” so another briskly brushed it away, the the first woman had to start again.
Even the children did their own versions, budding artists … or not! They were having fun, which is what counted.
A long procession came through for what we gathered was a yearly church celebration. People were everywhere.
I encouraged some of our participants to join me up on some steps where we had a different vantage point and perspective. I was able to isolate these two elder gentlemen as they conversed with each other.
Before they came, many of our group asked what type of clothing they should bring. We told them that the dress code was all over the place, but that people (usually) didn’t look sloppy.
This scene, for me, typified the disparity of dress.
It was dinner time, and while there are no photos of the meal, Turi prepared all sorts of dishes for us, including one of the ones we had enjoyed the other day with Frank, the wine maker. There were different variations of tomato salads, some fabulous, oil-marinated peppers that practically melted in our mouths. Pastas, meats, and fishes. Carpaccio. Grilled Swordfish for me and my special gelatin dessert that two couples also ordered.
Pietro had selected a lovely wine, one we had our first night in Taormina, and we all left sated.
Turi came up and chatted with all of the tables, something he cannot often do these days with his busy restaurant. Later, I knew he was done in the kitchen, as we could hear him playing Bach, Chopin, and other classical commposers on the piano downstairs. He is a very accomplished pianist, although he says he is a bit rusty. Even “rusty” his playing is excellent.
Tomorrow, he will join us on Mt. Etna in the late afternoon.
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I love reading about your workshops and the photographs are great! I will just have to sign up for one of your many adventures!
Nancy,
We look forward to having you join us. It has been a fun group. Actually, all of our groups are fun. And later, you will see our participants’ photographs!
Take care, and thanks for writing,
TBC
Margo, Beautiful photos of the flowered chalk drawings. Sunday June 2 was the Feast of Corpus Cristi celebrating the Eucharist. Lovely to see the elaborate drawings. So glad you got some chat time with Turi, will need to hear all about it when you return…D.
La Tricoteuse,
Yes, indeed, complete with elaborate church vestments, Carabinieri dressed in their finest, children all in white, etc., etc.
Turi joins us today on the slopes of Mt. Etna.
Take care,
TBC