I go to Italy twice a year, Sicily in August, then Tuscany in December.  My in-laws are Italians, so I am lucky to have a chance to learn a few things about this beautiful country on a very personal level.

Sicily is located at the Southern tip of Italy, it is an island about half an hour away from the main land.  In the world map, Italy shapes like a boot and Sicily is the football at the tip of the foot.  Although Italy is not a big country, its culture varies significantly from North to South, especially the 'football' which is particularly different with its own unique culture and distinctive dialect.  The weather is very hot and dry in the Summer and Winters are mild.  I usually arrive at the hottest time of the year and come back to Hong Kong 10 degrees darker than my normal self.

Sicily has a very rich culture, its people are warm and laid back, everyone loves food and wine- and a lot of it.  Sicilians are the stereotypical image of how non-Italians view a 'typical Italian': dark, curly hair, excessively friendly, with fat mama's who are also great cooks.  Many of these 'typical Italian' Italians can indeed be found in Southern Italy.

Many Hong Kongers who are used to the city life may find Sicily boring because there are hardly any shopping malls.  I love Sicily is because of its beautiful, natural scenary and its delicious cuisine.