Mille grazie a Ustica!

I am finally home and back to life as usual, but Ustica is still very vivid in my mind. I’ve been sharing my impressions and very fond memories of Ustica and it’s people with my friends and family, as your beautiful community has had a profound effect on me. I’m sure the Usticesi people appreciate their culture, or maybe take it for granted, but, please know that such a simple and beautiful life is not found in America. While we have many wonderful things in America, the richness of a small community is not one of them. I will miss the warmth, the friendliness, the passion, the sincerity of Ustica; the clean air and water, the wonderful food, the rich history. Only in Ustica!

Thank you Pietro and Pina for your warm and gracious hospitality. I wish I could eat Pina’s food forever! The accomodations were stellar! Pietro, you made sure that we met everyone and saw everything on your island. Marlene and I felt like VIP’s and can never repay you. Salvatore Militello, thank you for handling our sea transportation. You got us on and off of the island successfully! To Aldo Cannella and his wife; thank you for the delicious dinner at your home and your hospitality. To Rosa Licciardi; it was a pleasure to share your wonderful colazione. I will treasure my “fish dish”. Letizia Manfre, you and your family are precious cugini. So nice to meet all of you. Thank you to Giovanni Martucci for your accordian playing. We had such fun listening to your tunes and dancing, too! And to Mario Oddo and family, thank you for watching over us while we visited Palermo. It was so gracious of you and Alfredo to take us to Mezzomonreale and Mondello. We couldn’t have done it without you. We had a great time in your home and meeting your family, not to mention Franca’s wonderful dinner. And thanks to Alfredo for getting us to the airport safely.

Someday, I hope to return to Ustica and bring my daughters. They would love you all as I do. Thank you again, and my home is always open to you if you are ever in San Francisco. I would be glad to return the hospitality you have shown to me.

Fondly,
Laurie Marchese