“It irritates me they call Sicily backward because it isn’t. It’s traditional with a long rich history somewhat separate from mainland Italy.”
You are right. I was stationed there in the mid-70s and been back a few times. It’s a beautiful place with some very modern, classy cities and tons of history well worth studying. The people are warm and friendly, beautiful women (while young!), the food excellent, the ancient ruins are comparable to much of what you’d see in Greece or upper Italy. Heck, I took my family there and they loved it.
Did you notice the women hold their beauty well into their 50’s there? Must be all the vitamin D from the sun and natural non processed food diet.
I’ve been there 3 times. I’d love to see it one more time through more experience eyes. Probably won’t happen though.