Ognina - a mile along the rocky coast from our hotel campus. I broke out today in a pair of old walking boots and these were a few of the images that I collected. Above - a branch of the "Guardia Di Finanza" - a military force that is tasked with tackling money-related crime including drug trafficking. Good luck with that on an island that is still home to an active Mafia network.
The arch in the sea near Ognina has become a symbol of the village. See the sign below...
Above - a coastal summer house with cacti growing in the garden.
Below - harbour scene at Ognina...
Did you swim through the arch??
ReplyDeleteThat's a very rugged piece of coast line. It's safe for the ganstas as it would be difficult for somebody to land.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen any Capi (plural of capo)? My grandfather was sometimes accused to being a Mafioso just because he was Italian, even though his people were from the Venice area. He was simply a dentist with a wooden leg and a temperamental nature. It looks beautiful there! How is the food?
ReplyDeleteThe rusted sign for the Guardia di Finanza says it all, with regard to the organisation. Don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI love the coasteal summer house, I'd live in it all year round. Love the sea arch at Ognina too, the water is so clear.
ReplyDelete"coastal" :(
ReplyDeleteDid you meet Gina from Ognina? I think she drives a Ford Cortina.
ReplyDeleteThe cacti surprised me.
ReplyDeleteThe Italian fiscal police watch to make sure you are offered a receipt when you buy something, assuming that if the sale is rang, the collected tax will be paid to Rome.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the weather like? I mean, temperature-wise.
ReplyDeleteThat photo of the arch and the sea is so lovely, Neil.
ReplyDeleteRumour has it that there's more active Mafia in Germany and many other countries than on Sicily. We have them all: Russians, Middle Eastern, and yes, Italians, too. Organised crime is still very lucrative and often far ahead in terms of technology and communications to what regular companies can afford, let alone official institutions.
ReplyDeleteThose summer houses - in campagna or on the coast - are a firm part of the Sicilian way of life. Nearly every family has one, sometimes not much more than a barn or shed; they offer a little relief from the intense heat in the towns and villages.
That IS a pretty cool arch. I like the cactus house, too. I'd rent it.
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