In September 2016, I went on a walking tour in Sicily.  I had been with a friend in 2001, and enjoyed Siracusa, Agrigento, and other ancient sites.  But, somehow the magic of Palermo eluded me.  This time I got hooked.  I am only sorry that I did not have more time, or a local guide.  

In addition to the ancient sites, I loved the flora.  I know that the prickly pears could be anywhere, including (as they are) near my old grammar school in San Jose, but I am in love with their shape, their shades of green, variety of design, with accents of color from the fruit.  And to me they are unquestionably, Sicilian, maybe because I grew up with kids whose grandparents had come from Sicily, and love the fruit.