Ciao PenPalz!

This month we have been staying local, saving up our energy and strength for our BIG trip next month! My mom is in town, and we were so excited to share this unique, picturesque Sicilian town with her. 

What I personally love about Sicily is that each of these little towns have their own unique “thing.” Whether its special chocolate of Modica, the ritzy glam of Taormina, beautiful beaches, or culturally special foods… each town is so unique!

Caltagirone is famous world-wide for it’s ceramics and the 142 steps lined with individually painted ceramic tiles. The town was also almost entirely demolished in 1693 after a devastating earthquake. They have rebuilt it, obviously, and it still bears so much of it’s original, rich, history.

I saw another military family took a kid-friendly workshop with a ceramics master, and decided to try it with our girls! Another family came with us about a month ago. We learned the process of the ceramics and pottery. 

This week, we returned to Salvatore and his workshop to paint! We learned how the powdered paint it made from different metals (cobalt, copper, lead, etc) and from the caves and is mixed with water. Once it burns in the oven, it’ll change colors to the unique styles of Caltagirone. 

Salvatore teaches at universities, he leads week-long intensives with artists, and trains others who want to do ceramics for a career. He was the sweetest gentleman who clearly loved to share his skills. 

Back in his shop, we admired some of his beautiful work and also purchased a few pieces to send to one special pen pal. We picked out a ceramic tile that can be used as a hot plate, or just a pretty decoration along with a ceramic wine topper!

After our painting, we walked the famous steps, got lunch, and then got lost finding the cutest little cafe for granita and coffee. 

It was such a beautiful day. And the history of this town is just so rich in beauty and culture, we had such a great day and are so happy to share this town with you!

 Coming next month… Ireland!