Sicily: Mafia Territory

Gun shots, Pizzo's and Mafia initiations...

No, I'm just kidding, no gun shots.. but you can definitely feel the presence of the Mafia when visiting Palermo, Sicily.  When we got there we grabbed a late night bite to eat with some of the people on the trip.  We ordered in one restaurant and our food came from another, pretty sketchy, men coming in and out.  It might just be because we have been studying the Mafia all semester and have been paranoid.

Pizzo is the tax that IS STILL PAID BY 80% of businesses in Sicily to the Mafia.  It is a tax that is collected by Mafia members in order to have a business in Palermo.  We met with an anti-mafia activist on Saturday and a man that owns construction businesses in Sicily decided to stop paying the Pizzo and he was walking around with two body guards.  The mafia tries to instill fear in him on a daily basis.  I couldn't imagine living like that every day of my life.  He made the right decision though.  Slowly, but surely, the mafia is being refused. 

Friday morning we woke up early and visited the town of Cinisi where Pepino Impasado was killed for fighting against the Mafia.  We had watched a movie in class about him and now his brother runs a memorial in his honor.  It was really cool being able to talk to him and see how the Mafia affected him and his life.  After Cinisi, we talked to the anti mafia activist and then got gelato, which was UNREALLLLLLL!

Saturday morning, the rooster crowed and we headed to the fields! Our job you ask? To tie vines to a metal line to help the growing cycle of the wine buds! Such a cool experience.  Salvatore helped us farm and we had a great time out in the fields for three hours.  They then made us an amazing lunch full of wine, lasagna, bread, and sandwiches.  We then hiked this amazing hill where there was a castle.  The view was breathtaking. 

We visited Portella Ginestra which was where a massacre occurred against the farmers by the Mafia. We talked to some survivors which was really cool. Beside the fact when he was talking he told us how much he loved Obama and that we need to elect someone just like him because he gave people healthcare that didn't have any. Our teacher was wide eyed and shocked. All of us were shocked but laughed it off.

Sunday, Professor Piambino allowed us to sleep until 8:45! We headed to Segesta where there was an ancient Greek theater and a temple.  There were so many stray dogs and cats, we played with them because I miss Mollie.  After Segesta, we went to Mondello Beach near Palermo where we drank beer and played beach games.  It was a relaxing end to the trip! Lastly, we had an amazing seafood dinner.  I had swordfish pasta which was out of this world!

As you can see, Sicily was filled with Mafia education and relaxing sun bathing time.  I had the best time. Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world.