Eurprean Travels..Especially To Sicily
Welcome to the best blog about Sicily on the internet! Feel free to comment on any post!
Alfred’s Sicilian Newsletter
Alfred M. Zappala,esq.
alfredzappala@yahoo.com
Tel: 978-204-6574
www.alfredzappala.com
thesicilianproject@yahoo.com
Alfred’s Annual Recommendations!
PART ONE!
Announcing Something New! Travel Consulting!
Speaking Engagement Next Week!
A La Carte October ROME/SICILY Trip Oct 15-25 for UNDER $3000 INCLUDING FLIGHT INSURANCE!
Sicilian Villa Rentals!
LEGAL MATTERS AND CITIZENSHIP!
FREE SHIPPING CONTINUES FOR The Reverse Immigrant and Gaetano’s Trunk!
Prices slashed to $4.99 and $5.99 For Kindle Downloads! Wow!
Now You can Advertise here!
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“We Love Reading Alfred’s Newsletter!”
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Hi Folks!
Greetings to all my friends!
I will be speaking this coming Tuesday March 13th at 6:30PM at the Lawrence Public Library Lawrence, Ma. for the benefit of The Friends Of The Library.
Last year, I talked to this wonderful group at the Library and they invited me back this year to speak again on Sicily. I hope that you can attend this event! Please spread the word and save the date!
This week I want to recommend several place for you! I do this every year, so here goes! THIS IS PART ONE.NEXT WEEK I WILL CONTINUE. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PLACES/THINGS I TALK ABOUT I HAVE PERSONALLY CHECKED OUT/
Best Olive Oil:
My friend Dario Luparello from United Olive Oil in Sicily has several great lines: The Partanna brand, the Paisano Brand of great extra virgin olive oils and the Asaro brand of infused oils. They are truly spectacular.
My friend and brother Manfredi Barbera from Palermo makes for me the Villa Sant Alfio line of extra virgin olive oils that we both developed together. This line is exclusively mine and my friend August Garufi at www.allthingssicilian.com sells it.
The best in America. You have to try it!
BTW: I am now far too busy to deal with importing products any longer. However, if anyone would want to purchase the brand name “Villa Sant Alfio” along with my relationships in Sicily, we can work something out. Please contact me if you want to pursue this.
However, www.allthingssicilian.com has the best products on the internet in my view.
Best Pizza in Taormina
That is an easy one: “Antica Tratorria La Botte” Piazza Santa Domenica no. 4 in Taormina has no equal. www.labotte.it
tel: 0942 6322002
Tell them Alfred sent you
Best Inexpensive Hotel In Palermo:
Another easy one: Hotel Joli. I have stayed there many times over the years. Close to all the attractions and shops. Clean, quiet, and most of all safe.
www.hoteljoli.com
Best Restaurant In Rome
Another no brainer; “Tullio”
Via San Nicola da Tolentio no. 26 in Rome.
Since 1950, this restaurant has been kicking butt! Great Fish and the lamb is to die for!
tel: 06-474-5560
www.tullioristorante.it
You can’t go to Rome without eating here!
Another Great Restaurant In Rome
“Restaurant 34″ Via Mario De Fiori No. 34 (right at the bottom of the Spanish Steps)
www.webeco.it/al34
tel06-6795091
Again, I do not leave Rome unless I eat here too. Family owned and run for a long time, the ambiance is terrific!
Best Inexpensive Hotel In Rome
Hotel d”Este Via C. Alberto 4/B Rome
www.hoteldeste.com
I have stayed here a few times and like the convenience and the locale. It isn’t the Ritz, but for the money it is a bargain!
Best Photographer Of Sicilian Stuff
That is an easy one. My pal Joe Zarba (Images Of Sicily) had the best stuff, hands down
siciliabedda-beddasicilia.blogspot.com
j.angelozarba@gmail.com
Tell him I said hello!
Best Pizzeria In Sienna
Gosh, I just love Sienna. “Il Cavallino Bianco” Via da Citta no. 20 Sienna
(no web site) Will just kill you. Right on the main concourse in Sienna. Best pizza in town.
Best Sicilian Restaurant in New York
Caccio e Vino 80 2nd Ave. Run, don’t walk there! Terrific and authentic
www.cacioevino.com
tel: 212-228-3269
Best Sicilian Restaurant In Chicago
Again, a no brainer; Monasteros’s, 3935 West Devonshire Ave, Chicago
www.monasteros.com
Joseph is very active in my favorite group out there The Sicilian American Cultural Association (SACA). Great place!
NEXT WEEK I WILL RECOMMEND MORE!
Vacation Consulting
Guess what? I am now doing VACATION CONSULTING either by phone, email or SKYPE!
Here is the link:
http://www.alfredzappala.com/consulting.html
If you want me to help you plan a trip ANYWHERE, I can help you. By planning an effective trip, you will assure yourself that the trip will be safe, economical and fun! Check it out!
Etna This winter!
Rome and Sicily a La Cart
Last week I booked a party of 11 for 3 nights in Rome and 6 nights in Sicily on a “A La Carte” Vacation from June 25 to July 5th
Now, I am working on the same trip for you October 15-25th!
I can create a great vacation for you and your friends at great prices and you do not need a huge group to do it!
For just under $3000 including flight insurance, they will have a ball in Rome and then in Sicily at the Hilton in Naxos! WOW!
The price includes flight,transfers , flight insurance and hotels.
Yous can then select from an a la cart menu for “extras” such as a welcoming meal at Roberto’s restaurant, in Naxos,a cooking demo and Italian lesson there too, a visit to your ancestral hometown, or a special three day excursion package for day trips to Taormina, Etna,Catania, and Siracusa.
This way, you will control the cost.
Here is the link:
http://www.alfredzappala.com/travel.html
Better still, call me!
Maude Dexter
Wow! Last week I told you about visual artists Amy Berger and Sandi Berger who have designed some pillows with Sicilian designs on them. This past week, Amy posted several pilows that were just designed and they are simply wonderful. Please check the link below.
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If you have a favorite image, she can design a pillow just for you. The possibilities are endless: Children’s pillows, special occasion pillows, and pillows of images that you provide are only some of the possibilities. Please contact her directly through her website!
http://www.maudedexter.com/category_21/Romantic-Sicilian-Italian-Pillows.htm
Vanessa Chirichielli
PLEASE SUPPORT MY PAL VANESSA BECAUSE SHE SUPPORTS THE NEWSLETTER!
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Nitric Oxide Production:
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* Maintains healthy blood pressure levels
* Combats premature cardiovascular aging
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* Supports brain cell communication,memory and healthy cognition
Click here and learn more www.myqivana.com/vanessachi
For more information leave your contact info and sign up for your free Nitric Oxide Test Strip and Sample.
www.myqivana.com/vanessachi
Tel: 978-317-7600
My Newsletter
If you enjoy my newsletter, can I ask you to do two small favors? Can you please forward it to you friends who may enjoy my rants and can you also recommend my website to people as well.
That help me stay in business and helps me to continue my mission with Bedda Sicilia!
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Wow! I have 2 Facebook pages and together I have 3300 friends! How about you? Please ” friend” me!
Just search my name! About 1/2 my friends are from Sicily and I encourage mutual friendships!
ADVERTISE HERE FOR $1 a line
I am accepting a limited amount of advertising to help defray expenses of this weekly newsletter.
For only $1 a line, with a five line minimum,you get to promote your restaurant, store,service etc! A 4 week commitment is required, so you can get your ad here cheap!. The type will be this size.This announcement is 10 lines,so it would be $10/week.
email me if interested! alfredzappala@yahoo.com
FOR RENT!
VILLAS IN SICILY
I am now representing a terrific company from Sicily that has wonderful villas that sleep from 8 to 12 people and they are located in some of the most beautiful locations that you can imagine.
Some have pools too! Renting a villa is a good way to enjoy one locale and since they all have complete kitchens, you can “eat in” any time you like! Prices vary depending on the season and quantity of people, so email me and we’ll get started selecting a place for you!
alfredzappala@yahoo.com
SPECIAL On MY BOOKS!
FREE SHIPPING!!
Both Gaetano’s Trunk and The Reverse Immigrant now offer FREE SHIPPING on my web site!
This link below will take you to my site where you can buy either book for $15 and that includes free shipping!
http://www.alfredzappala.com/gaetano.html
The price has also been reduced for Kindle downloads too! $4.99 for the Reverse Immigrant, and $5.99 for Gaetano’s Trunk!
Buying a book helps me continue my efforts in Sicily…did you now that? Not only that, but hundreds of readers have written me and have thanked me for all the things that I write about!
My books make great gifts to your friends and family. Each one is personally signed by me too! If you want a personal note on the inside cover of the book, please let me know with your order!
I am still mailing every day, so if you want to send a check instead of ordering online, please send a check to my post office box!
Mail a check to:
Alfred Zappala,
PO Box 1632,
Lawrence, Ma. 0182
Retail Locations Selling my books:
1. Borrelli’s Deli Methuen, Mass.
2. Italian Kitchen, Lawrence Mass.
3. Lucia’s Bodega Rt.111 Windham, NH
Want to sell my books at your store? Please contact me!
Legal Service in Italy, Sicily and the EU
If you need help on just about any matter in Italy, Sicily, or the EU…we can help.
Attorney Massimo Grimaldi and I have handled hundreds of matters over the years in Sicily and Italy, and I am sure that we can help you. Just contact me and we can get the ball rolling. Please contact me 978-204-6574 or alfredzappala@yahoo.com
Italian Citizenship
A A lot of people have been requesting document retrieval from me lately. There is a lot of interest in finding paperwork from long lost relatives. My partner Massimo is in charge of this facet of our law practice. He has located many documents and requests continue to arrive almost every day. The cost is $135 USD per document provided the information that you give to us is accurate. Please provide any and all aliases of the names that you , plus a correct date of birth and place of birth too. While we can probably locate a document missing key data, the cost increases as the work is more intense.If you want my citizenship punchlist, email me at alfredzappala@yahoo.com and I will email you one.
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Alfred M. Zappala, esq. 978-204-6574 alfredzappala@yahoo.com
Alfred’s Sicilian Newsletter
Alfred M. Zappala,esq.
alfredzappala@yahoo.com
Tel: 978-204-6574
www.alfredzappala.com
thesicilianproject@yahoo.com
Information On The Sicilian project!
Another Selection From “Gaetano’s Trunk!
FREE SHIPPING CONTINUES INTO THE NEW YEAR!
Lower Pricing Now at Amazon and Kindle!
Info About Our Sicilian Trip, Italian Citizenship and more!
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“We Love Reading Alfred’s Newsletter!”
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My son Matt and me on Christmas Day. He is my best friend.
Hi Folks!
Before I get started today, I wanted to let you know that I hope that each of you had a blessed and joyous Christmas Day.
I also want to be the first to wish you a healthy, joyous, and prosperous New Year as well!
By prosperous, I do not mean “money” per se. Rather, I hope that you all experience deep love with your family and loved ones. To me, that is far more important than monetary things. Far more important!
dmatthew pics
My grandson MJ (Matthew Joseph). The youngest of my four grandkids,his “cappiduzzu” is a generational tradition in our family!
My Olive Tree In New England!
Here is a shot of my indoor authentic olive-tree Christmas tree! My tree is now seven years old, and for the last two years I have “harvested” 40 olives per year! I have enjoyed watching this guy grow over the years, and this year, since I am selling off and sending things to Sicily in preparation for my big move, I though that I should dress it up a bit!
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The Sicilian Project
As you all know, we are attempting to get “The Sicilian Project” off the ground and many of you have stepped forward and offered to help in some way. I wanted to give you an update and ask that you consider helping out too.
As I write this newsletter, my law partner Massimo Grimaldi is awaiting word from an important language school in Catania to use their facility for four weeks this summer. The idea is to teach four different groups of “students” the English language in an intensive immersion setting using native American teachers.: elementary children, high school students, college students, and most importantly, English teachers who teach in Sicily.
We envision educating roughly 24 to 30 students from each group, and hope to start off with 100 to 120 “students” this summer who will learn Basic English skills in an this intensive English language program.As I told you in the past, Sicily lags far behind the other EU countries, and young people are leaving Sicily in droves looking for employment. As descendants of immigrants ourselves, it is a moral imperative that we try to help out the best we can.
If we can pull this off and get this program operational, we can expand it to other cities in the future as we grow and get better organized.
We want to offer “scholarships” to these students. We feel that by having students “apply” for a scholarship, they will take the program seriously. It looks like it will cost roughly 300 euro per student to offer this program, so we will begin shortly to raise the funds to pull this off.Please consider helping us fund this project by making a pledge today to help educate one, two,or many of these students. You can pledge a half scholarship (150 euro), a whole scholarship (300 euro), or multiple scholarships, if you can afford it. Maybe your Italian organization can help out…who knows? The most important thing is that a vision is now emerging of how to help Bedda Sicilia, and we,as descendants of the original immigrants must help. How about it? Can you pledge something? No money is needed today. I just need pledges! Please email me at alfredzappala@yahoo.com if you can make a pledge! We sure need an angel…actually, a whole legion of them!
Now Is The Time To Think About Sicily!
Here is the link from my website on the two trips we would like to plan in May of 2012 and again in October of 2012.
http://www.alfredzappala.com/sicilytrip.html
If the link doesn’t work, just go to my website www.alfredzappala.com and it is all there. I wanted to let you know that the dollar is gaining against the euro, and this year might be an excellent time to come and enjoy yourself with me! I have planned this trip out with Roberto in Sicily, and Jo Toscano from Rite Way Travel, and believe me, this is not a “blue hair special”. We need 15 to 18 fun lovers to have the time of their life! How about it? Tempus fugit, no? Contact me or Jo Toscano for info!
Why Do you Write This Newsletter, Alfred?
Simple. I love Sicily and want you to love it too! Every week, about 5,000 people receive this newsletter. For free. About 1000 or so open it up every week, which is excellent I am told. That means that over a month, almost 5,000 enjoy it. Do you have someone who you think will enjoy reading it? Can you please forward it to them? Can you please ask them to sign up on my homepage for free?
I also promote my books which helps me continue my “mission” on Sicily. Thus, you actually help me “spread the word” by purchasing one online, or on Kindle or Amazon, or help me promote trips to Sicily at excellent prices or help folks who need assistance tracking down documents in Italy or have need for legal help in Italy, Sicily, or the EU. As I have said a million times, my law partner Massimo is the best, simply the best.
Thus, you can help the cause my “spreading the word” about what we do…which is a lot!
2012 New Year Book Pricing
I have extended the Free Shipping and $15 per book offer thru the New Year!
I am still mailing every day, so please go to www.alfredzappala.com as you can order online, or send a check to my post office box!
If you are an Amazon shopper, then this is the link for either Amazon or Kindle where the prices have been reduced too!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+reverse+immigrant+alfred+zappala&x=13&y=10
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My daughter Catie Rae! She also is an Italian citizen and is really a Renaissance woman! She lives in New York City where she performs with her band “Sway”, writes music, paints and is a wonderful photographer. She is a gourmet vegan cook too!
“Cut-Throat “Setti e Mezzu”
A Selection from my book “Gaetano’s Trunk”
When I was a little boy back in Lawrence, one of my favorite holiday events was playing the ancient Sicilian card games “Scupa” and “Setti e Mezzu” with my grandparents and uncles and aunts.
I have many fond memories as a youngster sitting around the dining room table with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins playing cards after a wonderful holiday dinner.
That was the tradition in our house…playing cards…Sicilian card games…after dinner.
In those days, we used an “American” deck of cards and played by removing the jacks, queens and kings. We didn’t have the “real” Sicilian playing cards, so we had to make do with what we had.
I loved the playful back and forth that took place as we played. Memories of long departed loved ones and their laughter still ring in my ears. I recall those wonderful moments now lost in time and wish that we could do it again. I can still see them in my mind’s eye, truth be told.
It seems that everyone forgot their troubles in life and were transported back to a simpler place for a while as they played cards.
Just like they did in Sicily.
I didn’t realize how important sitting around a table and playing cards was to a Sicilian.
There are many more “serious” card games that the “men” played in those days… “zicchinetta” and “briscola” are two games that leap to mind, but for me, it was “scupa” and “setti e mezzu.”
As the years past by and I got older, and as the old timers passed on, those childhood games with the family faded into the recesses of my mind.
Until last night. At Massimo’s house.
After nearly fifty years, I again played “setti e mezzu”…and loved every single minute of it.
For a brief moment last night, I was transported back in time to a simpler place, a loving place that I just wish I had never left.
Massimo and Anna invited me over to their house for pizza. Massimo’s sister who lives in Trieste in Northern Italy was in Sicily visiting her and Masssimo’s mother Theresa for the holidays and everyone was invited over for pizza and cards.
I love Massimo’s mom. She was born in Malta. She met her late husband Aldo while on holiday in Sicily fifty years ago, they fell in love, got married, and had four children.
As she told me ten thousand times “Alfred, I have lived in Sicily for fifty years, but I am Maltese.”
She is also fluent in English, speaking with a slight British accent, as her school in Malta was run by the British.
Being very religious and a very devout Catholic, I often tried to draw her into a religious discussion but she never took the bait.
“Forget it, Alfred” she’d say. “Benedict is the pope. Popes can do no wrong. They speak for God.”
I always sit next to Theresa at family gatherings, and last night was no exception.
In my halting Sicilian dialect, we talked about everything, and a few of the nephews joined in.
Pizza was the fare of the evening, and it was delicious. Anna had made it in the home “furno” that they have.
Afterward, we enjoyed the obligatory pantone and amaro.
Then, the air got serious.
Very serious.
It was time to play cards.
The pennies, nickels and dimes came out and everyone put on their “setti-mezzu” faces.
For the next ninety minutes the play was spirited, and everyone, young and old played.
I had forgotten the rules of the game, and initially had trouble deciphering the symbols of the cards. We were using authentic Sicilian playing cards, and there are symbols, not numbers on them.
Anna was the dealer and in short order she had a pile of pennies in front of her.
“Card shark,” I thought.
I never won a single hand, which was sad because Massimo’s five year old Marzio won two.
Geez.
In any case, for an hour and a half last night, I was a five year old boy re-living a very happy time of my life.
After I got home, I poured myself a cognac.
Sitting on my deck, I silently toasted my grandparents.
I missed the memories of a life long forgotten. I missed the sounds of my family, especially all those long departed.
I missed my mom and dad, my two sets of grandparents, all my departed aunts and uncles. Now, me, my brother, and my sister were the family leaders, with children, nieces and nephews and grandchildren behind us now.
We are the family elders now.
As I young boy, I thought that my folks would live forever.
I never doubted their mortality.
However, tonight…just for a few moments…I remembered and re-lived a bygone time.
I remembered them all. While playing a card game in Sicily.
Gosh, what a wonderful evening.
Authentic Sicilian playing cards.
Legal Service in Italy, Sicily and the EU
If you need help on just about any matter in Italy, Sicily, or the EU…I can help. Massimo Grimaldi and I have handled hundreds of matters over the years, and I am sure that we can help you. Just contact me and we can get the ball rolling. Please contact me 978-204-6574 or alfredzappala@yahoo.com
Have Mouth, Will Travel
If you have a group that needs a speaker on Sicily, please email me alfredzappala@yahoo.com . I would love to address your group!
Italian Citizenship
A A lot of people have been requesting document retrieval from me lately. There is a lot of interest in finding paperwork from long lost relatives. My partner Massimo is in charge of this facet of our law practice. He has located many documents and requests continue to arrive almost every day. The cost is $135 USD per document provided the information that you give to us is accurate. Please provide any and all aliases of the names that you , plus a correct date of birth and place of birth too. While we can probably locate a document missing key data, the cost increases as the work is more intense.If you want my citizenship punchlist, email me at alfredzappala@yahoo.com and I will email you one.
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9. Buy, Rent, Live!
Thinking Of Buying Or Renting A Place In Italy or Sicily?That’s easy! That is what Massimo and I do! We have vast connections all over the place there, so let me know what you need! From a house, apartment, condo, villa, to a mansion or hotel, I can make the arrangements! What to import into Italy! Export from Italy! What to start a business here! Want to Buy a business here? That’s what we do! Email me at alfredzappala@yahoo.com
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Retail Locations Selling my books: PS They are $15 now too!
1. Borrelli’s Deli Methuen, Mass.
2. Italian Kittchen, Lawrence Mass.
3. Lucia’s Bodega Rt.111 Windham, NH
Want to sell my books at your store? Please contact me!
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IDEAS!
Would your retail location or group like to sell any of my books as a fundraiser ? Please contact me and we will set it up! alfredzappala@yahoo.com
See you next week!
Alfred
Alfred M. Zappala, esq. 978-204-6574 alfredzappala@yahoo.com
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Alfred’s Sicilian Newsletter
Alfred M. Zappala,esq.
alfredzappala@yahoo.com
Tel: 978-204-6574
www.alfredzappala.com
Check out my newly re-designed web site!
More Reporting Direct From Sicily!
Electronic Version of Both Gaetano’s Trunk ($8.99) and The Reverse Immigrant ($6.99) Now available on Kindle!
Hi Folks!
Greetings to All My Friends From Sicily!
The weather has been great all week long here, and I am getting ready for the arrival of my group who will be here this coming Sunday!
I have been pitching in all week and have been helping my friend Roberto at his restaurant “Sikilia” in Guardini Naxos and have had a lot of fun acting as a greeter of sorts and meeting many people from all over Europe and America. What a blast I have had! Here is the latest news:
1. Last Wednesday we launched my newly re-designed web site www.alfredzappala.com and I am really happy with the way it came out! It looks beautiful and has a lot of content on it, and as we go on, much more will be added. There is even a section on the new Sicilian Project that I discussed last week and my blog has been re-located to the site too! All in all, I am very pleased with it! Check it out!
2. Speaking of The Sicilian Project, I am overwhelmed with the response from interested people. Two outstanding educators have stepped forward to help with curriculum development, and others with different talents are on board too! When I return on October 30th, we will hit the ground running! Please consider helping out. I posted on my website the first draft of what we would like to do, and you are invited to jump in and help out!
3. Do you have a Kindle? I was reading the other day that Kindle downloads are now out-selling hard cover books on Amazon, and judging from the downloads of my two books, I am now a believer. I am very happy that people are downloading both books and are enjoying them so much.
4. I hired a publicist two weeks ago, and she is busy organizing speaking engagements for me too. This will really help me “spread the word” about my mission I guess. In any case, I am happy that someone is helping me out, that is for sure!
5. Last Sunday, I took a tango lesson in Catania. It was a marvelous experience and I have turned that evening into a great story for my new book. I also spend time with a couple from Sweden this week and we had a lot of fun too, and that adventure will be in the new book too. As I gather experiences here and meet new people and visit new places, more material seems to come to life it seems. In any case, I just love meeting new folks here and introducing them to Sicily’s charms.
6. I cannot believe how high fish prices are! Shell food like clams, mussels (called “cozze” here) and soft mollusks like calamari and seppia are very inexpensive, but prawns, lobster, and white fish is very expensive. What is still a good bargain is sword fish, and tuna is almost non-existent right now.
7. On the other hand, “fico d’india” are in and they are succulent. We call the “prickly pears” in the states. This week I have been buying fresh roasted chestnuts too from street vendors who make them in big roasting pots. Yum. The white grapes are as big as a marshmallow too and are sweet as hell. All pricing is very good on just about all fruit and vegetables too.
8. Speaking about pricing, I have been asked often how much I spend every week when I am here. To give you an idea: Gasoline cost me 60 euro this week (about $80). However, this is because I have been driving far more than I normally do. Usually, I get by on $50 a week…just like in the states. Food shopping cost me 58 euro this week (about $90), and general “spending money was another 50 euro (another $80). Thus for a little over $200 a week, I “survive” very nicely here. Of course this does not include living expenses (condo, utilities, etc., but all my house expenses total about $1100 a month, including TV, internet and telephone bills, gas, electric…everything.). Bottom line: My expenses here are actually far less than America…..and the benefit of a healthier lifestyle, and a relatively stress free existence in a fantasy setting really has no price tag, I think. As I have said many times, if I am going to be broke, this is where I want to be broke! Plus, I get to gather experience, write about them and many people experience what I do! Awesome!
9. I want to say hello to my friends on Facebook who follow my gallivanting way of life every day. You can be my friend too…I am on there as Alfred Zappala…friend me!
10. New stuff: Massimo and I actually worked a LOT this week too! I actually worked 35 hours meeting clients and working on citizenship matters this past week. Thankfully, I am at the stage now where I am “paying my way” here, which was my goal. Massimo is a gem: the guy really is an excellent lawyer.
11. Thinking Of Buying Or Renting A Place In Italy or Sicily?That’s easy! That is what Massimo and I do! We have vast connections all over the place here, so let me know what you need! From a house, apartment, condo, villa, to a mansion or hotel, I can make the arrangements! What to import into Italy! Export from Italy! What to start a business here! Want to Buy a business here? That’s what we do! Email me at alfredzappala@yahoo.com
My books!
Please order my books! They are getting excellent reviews and people just love them! While I in Sicily,my daughter Jennifer will mail out orders as they come in so don’t worry!
Where Can I buy Alfred’s Books?
Easy! Here is where:
Online:
1. My website www.alfredzappala.com
2 At Amazon www.amazon.com
Download Version;
1. www.kindle.com (Reverse Immigrant is $6.99 (Special Offer) and Gaetano’s Trunk is $8.99)
Retail Locations;
1. Borrelli’s Deli Methuen, Mass.
2. Italian Kittchen, Lawrence Mass.
Offer For My Books Good Now thru September October15th! An Excellent Early Bird Christmas Special! OFFER EXTENDED!
I will let you “mix and match” any 2 or more of my books for you…reduce the price and offer free shipping too!
However, you must mail a check into the Post Office box as my web site cannot figure out how to do discounts! Read on!
Here is the offer;
Order one book…price is $20 Plus Free Shipping!
Order any 2 books…..price is $18.00 each
You save $4.00 Plus free shipping!
Order any 3-4 books….price is $17.00 each
You save $12.00 PLUS free shipping!
Order 5-10 or more books…price is $16.00 each
You save $20.00 MINIMUM PLUS free shipping!
Order 11 or more books…price is $15.00 each
You save $55.00 MINIMUM PLUS free shipping!
WOW!
Here is what you have to do:
1. On a piece of paper, tell me the quantity and the name of the books you want.
2. Mail a check to:
Alfred Zappala
PO Box 1632
Lawrence, Ma. 01842
That’s it! All copies will be signed by me too!
THIS IS A GREAT OFFER JUST FOR MY NEWSLETTER CLIENTS AND AN EXCELLENT WAY TO GIVE A LOVED ONE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS PRESENT!
OFFER MUST BE RECEIVED BY October 15th ! HURRY!
JUST LET ME KNOW WHICH BOOK!
Cooking Demo
On Sunday, November 13th I will do a cooking demonstration at Borrelli’s Deli in Methuen at noon. The reason that I am doing this demonstration is to test out some recipies that I am bringing back from Sicily.
In Sicily, everything starts with a sauce (not gravy!) so I will prepare an appetizer, several sauces,and a healthy desert too! The cost of the demo will be $25, first come, first served. If interested, please call either Carlene or Don at Borrelli’s at 978-687-7027 and they will reserve a space for you. Full payment will be required by November 6th. By the way, Don Smeriglio, the owner of Borrelli’s, will give you a 10% in-store shopping discount that day. His sausage and take away meals are flat out the best in the area!
IDEAS!
Would your retail location or group like to sell any of my books as a fundraiser ? Please contact me and we will set it up! alfredzappala@yahoo.com
See you next week!
Alfred
Starting today, Monday July 11, 2011, I will no longer be posting on this blog.
Instead, if you visit www.alfredzappala.com you can link to my new blog or go there directly at www.alfredmzappala.blog.com
Grazie!
Alfred
Pre-Orders are being accepted for my new book, “Gaetano’s Trunk” which will be available somtime in the fall.
I do not need any money now, but I would like an idea of how many I need to order.
You can do this two ways:
1. Go to my web site www.alfredzappala.com and in the “books” section click the icon for Gaetano’s Trunk. There you will find an email link to order.
or
2. SEnd me an email at alfredzappala@yahoo.com and I will take care of it!
Thanks!
ALFRED’S PRIVATE SICILIAN ADVENTURE
TRIP ESCORT: ALFRED. M. ZAPPALA, ESQ.
978-204-6574
alfredzappala@yahoo.com
WHEN: OCTOBER 15-23 (9 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS)
LOCAL ASSISTING TRAVEL AGENCY: RITE WAY TRAVEL (JO TOSCANO)
(978-682-3245)
TOUR OPERATOR: BELLA VISTA MEDITEREAN TOURS, BOSTON, MA.
(1-877-723-0802)
COST: $2,742.00 PP DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
INCLUDES:
1. ROUND TRIP AIR FARE FROM BOSTON VIA ALITALIA OR SIMILAR
2. SEVEN NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT CENTRALLY LOCATED SUPERIOR FIRST CLASS HOTEL IN GIARDINI NAXOS (HILTON OR SIMILAR)
3. TOUR EXCURSIONS AS PER DAY BY DAY IN A PRIVATE AIR-CONDITIONED DELUXE MOTORCOACH
4. HALF DAY PRIVATE ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE in SIRACUSA AND AGRIGENTO
5. BREAKFAST AND DINNER DAILY
6. ALL HOTEL TAX AND CHARGES
NO HIDDEN FEES
NOT INCLUDED: TRIP INSURANCE (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED APP. $130.00PP), TIPS TO BUS DRIVER, ENTERANCE FEES, ALL PERSONAL EXPENSES.
DEPOSIT OF $300.00 PP DUE IMMEDIATEDLY, BALANCE BY AUGUST 1, 2011.
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: RITE WAY TRAVEL . ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.
WE NEED: FULL NAMES AS THEY APPEAR ON YOUR PASSPORT (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!), DATES OF BIRTH, GENDER, ADDRESS
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 DEPART USA FROM BOSTON BY ALITALIA OR SIMILAR
DAY 2 CATANIA/ GIARDINI NAXOS
WE ARRIVE AT CATANIA AIRPORT WHERE YOU WILL BE MET BY OUR DRIVER, WHO WILL GREET YOU AND ASSIST IN YOUR TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL IN GIARDINI NAXOS BY PRIVATE MOTORCOACH. REMAINDER OF THE DAY IS FREE TO REST, AND TO BEGIN THE EXPLORATION OF THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF GIARDINI NAXOS. DINNER AT HOTEL.
DAY 3 GIARDINI NAXOS/ TAORMINA
AFTER BREAKFAST DEPART FOR TAORMINA, THE “PEARL OF SICILY” FOR A VISIT. IN THE AFTERNOON, AN EXCURSION TO MT. ETNA. RETURN TO GIARDINI NAXOS AND THE REST OF THE DAY AT LEISURE.
DINNER AT HOTEL
DAY 4 FULL DAY OF LEISURE.
SOME OF YOU WILL WANT TO RETURN TO TAORMINA. SOME OF YOU WILL WANT TO ENJOY THE POOL OR THE BEACH. SOME OF YOU WILL WANT TO HAVE A SPA DAY. OTHERS JUST ENJOY NAXOS.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO TAKE AN EXCURSION TO YOUR ANCESTRAL VILLAGE, THIS IS THE DAY. ALFRED WILL MAKE ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOU (THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE) THROUGH HIS JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY PROGRAM. PLEASE CONTACT HIM FOR INFORMATION.
DINNER AT HOTEL.
DAY 5. GIARDINI NAXOS/ SIRACUSA/ ACI REALE
AFTER BREAKFAST DEPART TO SIRACUSA WHERE YOU WILL VISIT THE IMPRESSIVE RUINS, WHICH ARE A TESTIMONY TO ITS PAST GLORY. YOU WILL VISIT THE GREEK THEATER, ONE OF THE LARGETS GREEK THEATERS KNOWN. ALSO YOU CAN VISIT THE ROMAN AMPITHEATER (2ND. CENTURY
BC), DIONISIO’S EAR, (THE ARTIFICIAL GROTTO FAMED FOR ITS EXCEPTIONAL ECHO), AND THE ARCHEOLICAL PARK. CONTINUE TO
ACIREALE FOR A SHORT VISIT (INCLUDING HAVING SOME OF THE BEST GELATO IN THE WORLD). BACK TO GIARDINI. DINNER AT HOTEL.
DAY 6. FULL DAY OF LEISURE FOR PRIVATE ACTIVITIES
BREAKFAST AND DINNER AT HOTEL.
DAY 7. GIARDINI NAXOS/ AGRIGENTO
AFTER BREAKFAST TRANSFER BY PRIVATE MOTORCOACH TO AGRIGENTO WHERE YOU WILL MEET YOUR ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR A TOUR OF SOME OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE GREEK RUINS IN THE MEDDITERRANEAN. THE ANCIENT DORIC TEMPLES REFLECT THE AMBER MORNING SUNLIGHT AND THE PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE VALLEY WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY! THE TEMPO DELLA CONCORDIA IS THE MOST MASSIVE AND BEST PRESERVED OF THE GROUP AND IT DATES BACK TO TE 5TH CENTURYBC.
DAY 8. GIARDINI NAXOS/ ACITREZA, ACICASTELLO
AFTER BREAKFAST, BOARD THE BUS FOR AN EXCURSION TO O WONDERFUL SICILIAN FISHING VILLAGE. TOUR THE NORMAN CASTLE. BACK YO GIARDINI. DINNER AT HOTEL.
DAY 9. CATANIA/ USA
FLIGHT BACK TO USA!
Alfred’s Sicilian Newsletter
Alfred M. Zappala,esq.
alfredzappala@yahoo.com
Tel: 978-204-6574
www.alfredzappala.com
Great To Hear From So Many Of You!
A big THANK YOU to all who called and sent me notes last week after I told you about my recent health issues. The good news is that I am feeling great, losing a LOT of weight, watching my diet, and making plans to return to Sicily in September for two months! Most importantly, I feel that I have a new lease on life and I plan to take advantage of it, and most importantly, I thank the Good Lord for giving me this chance. Hopefully, I won’t let Him down!
Sicily
Speaking of Sicily, it is time to really think about joining us October 15th to the 23rd as a group of us will go to Sicily and re-discover our Sicilian roots! Please join us on our tour! Why wait any longer? Tempus fugit, as they say….and there is no time like the present to explore Taormina, Naxos, Agrigento, Siracusa, Aci Reale….all the great spots!
We have worked very hard organizing this trip. All arrangements have been made through Rite Way Travel in Methuen, Ma. (Tel. 978-682-3245). Call and ask for Jo Toscano and she will help you out, or call me at 978-204-6574 and I will tell you about it too. I have posted the trip itinerary for you two places: the first is on my blog www.allthingssicilian.blog.com and the second is under the “Sicily” section on my web site www.alfredzappala.com Please consider coming!
My Blog
I will start posting regularily on my blog, so please check it every once in a while! Lots of info there!
www.allthingssicilian.blog.com
My Web Site
I am still working on getting the kinks out of my site www.alfredzappala.com
The computer programer who is working in it is the same man that is working on www.allthingssicilian.com I told him to get that one up and running before mine.
However, I have posted content on mine, but to purchase things you have to call me.
In a couple weeks it will be fully operational (I hope)
Haven’t Purchased My Book Yet?
Why not? All copies are siigned by me and people really love it! It takes a humorous look at life in Sicily and will bring a smile to your face! Call me at 978-204-6574 and order a copy,or you can order a copy at www.amazon.com or you can order a copy at www.kindle.com
I am sure you will love it!
Cultural Stuff
I have a few items left over from that shipment that I received from Sicily that I would like to move this week. In order take advantage of this prices, you must call me and follow up by mailing a check to me (The credit card processing thing on my web site still isn’t working properly, so you will have to mail me a check.)
Here is what I have:
I have 10 Sicilian “Muppinas” (T-Towels) with a beautiful blue background for $8.99 ea.
I have 12 large Sicilian Banners at $15.99 ea.
I have 10 small Sicilian Flags at $5.99 (I need to get a shipping tube on this one)
I have some La Zagra Perfume in 50ml and 100ml size ($15.99 and $24.99) ea.
I have some wonderful aprons at $14.99 each with the map of Sicily on them
I have 12 wonderful Cuccina Siciliana Cookbooks mistakenly sent to me IN ITALIAN
for $24.99.
If you order my book ‘The Reverse Immigrant” this week, I will sign it and offer free shipping. Plus, if you order a second book, I will take an additional five dollars off! Please call me at 978-204-6574 and we’ll talk!
PLUS, ORDER ANYTHING TODAY AND I WILL THROW IN A FREE GIFT!
SPECIAL THANKS, Vince!
A special thanks to Vincent Inserrra, and the wonderful members of the Sicilian-American Cultural Association (SACA) of Illinois, who flew me out to Chicago last week to talk about Sicily to their members.We had a delicious dinner at the wonderful Sicilian restaurant Monastero’s (3935 West Devon Ave., Chicago tel. 773- 588-2515, www.monasteros.com , and after dinner I talked dinner about Sicily.The primary purpose of SACA is to promote a greater public awareness of and interest in Sicily, its arts, its history, its traditions, its culture, its people and its image, and the folks in Chicago have done an outstanding job doing exactly that! What a wonderful group!
Speaking Engagements:
Have suitcase, will travel: Does your group need a speaker on Sicily? Well, I am the guy for you! I would be delighted to come and talk to your group! Please call me and we’ll chat!
Update on www.allthingssicilian.com
My pal August told me that by this coming Friday, the all-new www.allthingssicilian.com should be operational! He has been loading up his inventory on the site right now.
By the way, Massimo and I are busy organizing for him a load of products from Sicily that will include, Special Selection, Sicilian Sunset, Villa Sant Alfio Mediterranean Blend, fig jam, blood orange marmalade, tangerine marmalade, lemon marmalade, Ionia Coffee, all the Villa Reale pates (black olive pate, hot pate, peppers& almond, artichoke, eggplant, bruschettia, estrato di pomidoro, and Sicilian honey. I suggest contacting him on his web site and telling him what you want, so when we finalize the order next week, we will have enough for everyone!
Massimo and Alfred
Need legal work done in Italy? Thinking of importing, exporting, starting a business, buying a home, traveling, finding assets in banks, or anything else to Sicily? Then I can help you with your Sicilian/Italian legal needs. Please contact me at 978-204-6574 and we will chat.
Boys Town of Italy, Inc.
My dear friend Dr. Chris Di Turi of New York City suggested to me that I learn about Boys Town of Rome ,which I have been doing. This organization has been helping boys and girls since the end of the Second World War and has done marvelous things over the years, helping thousands of orphans . It is an organization that I now strongly endorse, and I know they need your support too. New York has a wonderful support froup for these people, but maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn more about these folks and maybe help them out a bit. What heroes they are! Their web site: www.boystownofitaly.org
Grazie Tante! Alfred
Alfred M. Zappala, esq. 978-204-6574 alfredzappala@yahoo.com
——————————————————————————–
I just returned from addressing a wonderful group of Sicilian Americans
in Chicago at Monastero’s Ristorante.
What a wonderful group of people!
I talked for an hour and then we had a question and answer session. Beforehand, the owner Jseph Monastero prepared a wonderful Sicilian dinner for us.
The web site is www.monasteros.com
I also want to thank my friend Vincent ,the Chairman of the Board of The Sicilian Sultural Association, who make the trip possible.
Grazie tante!
PS. I am available to speaak to any group about Sicily! Just call me! 978-204-6574
Alfred
Greetings!
I had a close call back in early May five days before I was to leave for Sicily. A chance EKG at my doctor’s office showed two 100% blocked arteries and the next thing I knew I was at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston getting two stents put in my heart!
Five days later, I stepped on a plane and headed to Sicily to recuperate, which I am doing nicely. First, I have stopped smoking (which, I found out, causes 50% of all heat disease). Second, I eliminated all the bad things from my diet (especially fat and cholesterol) and have dropped 25 pounds! Plus, I am now walking one hour every day!.
Thus, a chance doctor’s visit probably saved my life!
In any case, here is the latest:
1. My friend August Garufi, a fellow Sicilian, has taken over www.allthingssicilian.com . Right now, his staff is loading up the la Fede products and Partanna products and the site should be ready to accept orders in a matter of days.
2. Look for an email blast shortly from him announcing things. I will continue to work with him, and we are deciding on exactly what products we will bring in regarding our Villa Sant Alfio line of oils, our nut creams, Ionia Coffee, Villa Reale products, and we will decide very shortly on what and when the products will arrive. However, he is loaded with many products right now, so please visit his site, call him and introduce yourself!
3. My site www.alfredzappala.com is up and operational too. As the weeks go by, I will add more content to it. I will focus on law in Italy, promoting my books (more later), translations, trips to Italy, and will offer, on a limited basis, Sicilian cultural artifacts for you. Check out what we have. However, call me at 978-204-6574 so I can better explain.
4. On my site, is my current popular book “The Reverse Immigrant”, which has been selling very well. Did you know that I wrote a Hollywood screenplay? Yup. It is called “The Infinity Mission” and is now available on my site. I am sure you will love it. This screenplay also comes signed, and I am hopeful that someday it will make it to the “big screen”.
5. The big news is that my newest book on Sicily “Gaetano’s Trunk” is almost finished! By summer’s end it will be completed and I am hopeful that it will be available by October or November. I will make an announcement, of course.
6. If you have a matter of a legal nature in Italy, Sicily (or the EU for that matter), Massimo and I can help you. We can find you that dream condo, apartment, villa and do everything from soup to nuts there for you. Thinking of importing products into America? We can help too. We have a vast network of contacts and are ready to serve you.
7. How about coming to Sicily on our trip in October? We’d love to have you. Email me at alfredzappala@yahoo.com and I will send you the trip plans.
In any case, to those of you who sent me emails asking where I have been….now you know! The good news is that I will return to Sicily in early September for two months and continue my recovery!
Please call me at 978-204-6574 or email at alfredzappala@yahoo.com to say hello!
alfredzappala.com
Sicilian Cultural Items
Retail Pricing Information
Small Trinicria Banners 31 cmx24 cm $4.99
Small Italian Banners 31 cm x 24 cm $4.99
Large Sicilian Banner 90 cm x 150 cm $15.99
Sicilian Carts 22 cm $25.99
25 cm $29.99
30 cm $34.99
36 cm $ 39.99
LARGER SIZES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Sicilia Caps (Baseball caps) White $14.99
Blue $14.99
Grey $14.99
Aprons “Cuccinia Siciliania” $14.99
Black with Trinicria $14.99
Blue with Sicily $14.99
Blue with Italy $14.99
Wooden Italian Tops w/ string $4.99
Authentic “Scoppa” playing cards $13.99
Sicilian Lapel Pins (authentic) $4.99
Hand Made Sicilian Puppets
35 cm $29.99
50 cm $79.99
75 cm $149.99
LARGER SIZES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Zagra Authentic Sicilian Perfume
35 ml $15.99
50 ml $22.99
100 ml $35.99
Sicilian “mupina” T-Towels
Blue background $8.99
White Background $8.99
“Italia” background $8.99
All pricing does not include shipping& handling charges.
Contact: Alfred Zappala (978-204-6574) or email alfredzappala@yahoo.com
