These holidays I received a chocolate bar from the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily. Here is what they write about their chocolate:
“The preparation of this chocolate, typical of Modica in Sicily, is directly descended from Aztec-Xocoatl. It was introduced to Europe by the Spanish in XVI century, who had learned the process from the Meso-American people. Since 1880, the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto continues tomake this chocolate with the same ingredients and methodology that was passed on from the ancient Aztec civilization.”
Delicious!
An Archimedes creation over 2000 years old was found around 1900. It is now been studied and reconstructed. The researchers have found it to be a fully functioning computer, showing the relative position of heavenly bodies in continuous cycles. The inner workings are gear-based and move via a knob that provides the energy of motion. Archimedes could have used the device to track the position of the moon and five known planets in the past, present or future.
Read more at TG Daily
The Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza recalls the traditional architecture of the area within the natural element of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. This hotel is a hideaway country resort, elegant, nestled amidst 328,000 sq ft (100,000 sq m) of landscaped park, inspired by Arabian gardens with fountains, gazebos and water features.
The Midnight’s Sicilian Dream Packages at the Kempinski includes:
- A Grand Gala night, with dreamy and fabulous sceneries from Shakespeare’s best loved Italian plays: A midsummer night’s dream, Romeo and Juliet, twelfth night, Much ado about nothing, All’s well what ends well… All the best novels in a magic and glimmering atmosphere with dancers, singers, musicians for an unforgettable midnight toast: Welcome 2009!
- 3 night stay in a deluxe double room*
- Daily Kempinski Buffet Breakfast
- New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner 5 courses, with entertainment**
- New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch with entertainment
- Welcome cocktail upon arrival
- Fruit platter in room
- Special gift in the room every evening
- Daily Music entertainment
- Complimentary use of leisure facilities: Indoor pool, sauna, fitness area, bikes and tennis courts
* including 30 & 31 December
** excluding beverages
Price: €2200 per double room, including tax
- Sabù Pony Junior Club program
EUR 180 for children (4-12 years) sharing room with parents*
- Special new year’s eve gala dinner at the Sabù Pony Junior Club Hall**
- Special new year’s Day jazz brunch**
- Full Kid’s program entertainment
- Funny gift every evening in the room
* 1 child only per room
** excluding beverages
More about the hotel at http://www.kempinski-sicily.com/en/home/index.htm?item_id=67725&details=1&offer=1Â
Bernini's magnificent Fontana Dei Fiumi, Fountain of the Rivers, has been uncovered after two years of cleaning, according to Globespotters. Fontana dei Fiumi, created in the 1650s, represents four rivers...
Fiesole, in the hills above Florence, makes a great Florence day trip or an alternative to staying in Florence. In summer, it's an especially nice place to escape the heat...
A sculpture of the Madonna with Child, attributed to Brunelleschi, is on display for the first time in Florence. Italian Pottery Journal has details about the sculpture and exhibit. This...
Italians ring in the new year with a dish of lentils and cotechino, fireworks, and red underwear. While most people around the world celebrate the new year, each country has...
Another incredible year for SicilyGuide: we tripled our web traffic and got the word out about our web site and the blog as much as possible! The feedback we continue receiving is wonderful. Thank you to all of you for your tremendous support! HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SICILYGUIDE.
We will be back on December 29 with other up-to-date information about Sicily!
