Varvacani (Pantescan)

Barbican - The town of Pantelleria's main landmark is the Castello Barbacane. It is probably built over a Byzantine blockhouse and later enlarged, demolished and re-built on a number of occasions. It owes its present 12th century Norman appearance to Frederick II of Swabia, and served as a bastion that defended the port and the town entrance over many centuries. Prior to modern sanitation, the ancient inhabitants of the town used the aria behind the castle as a toilet, leading to the local slang of any dirty or messy place being labelled as varvacani. Nowadays, it forms a more tidy backdrop for wedding photos.

Giardino arabo

Arab garden - The 'Giardino Arobo' is a stone garden built like a temple, usually circular, designed for citrus plants, such as lemons, limes, mandarins and oranges. It has high walls which crowns are shaped downward towards the centre. This way the threes have utmost exposure of the sun whilst there's still a maximum protection from the wind.

Deep in the woods

More dead animals! These remains I found when I was looking for eatable mushrooms.

One of the great things about Pantelleria, is that obscure twinkle of adventure which is ingrained in daily routine. Yesterday, on an afternoon walk in the Grand Favare, I found this skeleton of a grown-up cow. There aren't many cows on the island. But more surprising is the fact that on this island of 80 square kilometres, and with around 200.000 visitors in the summer, an animal can rot to the bone without anyone noticing it.

San Fortunato

Senso unico

Punta di Nicà

Weird wedding party

A few days ago, we had the privilege to witness this spectacular weather phenomenon,... I’m not sure what it was but made a great impression on us all.

Meanwhile, a little project was made: a book, containing 25 images of the island. Every book is handmade, has its own unique design and is published in a limited edition of 25 signed copies. You can download a low res. pdf by clicking here.

Yesterday evening, we went to the opening of an exhibition of handbags in the only art gallery of Pantelleria. Valérie, also one of the participants, was wearing for the occasion her beautiful kimono.

Arco dell'Elefante: according to the legend, the elephant pumps in water from the sea when the island is too dry.

Crappulla at the Lago Specchio di Venere

Land, sea and tourist.

The tourists are here!

We're back on the island! One of the first things that I witnessed was a pig slaughtering at 6.30h in the morning. It's tradition to do this as early as possible. It wasn't a nice experience; not for me and certainly not for the pig. Un vero momento terribile!
Afterwards, there is the traditional BBQ and drinking (this can go on all day).
Interesting detail: contrary to Belgian custom, the first blood isn't used to make sausages but instead it's used to make 'Sanguinacio': a cake based on chocolate and pig blood (recipe will follow).

This blog is temporarily at rest.

New post can be expected around the third week of May, when I return from Belgium.

View from our terrace

These last weeks have been very particular for the island. Since the 25th of December, people have been starting to celebrate carnival. There are dance gatherings every night (except Monday) and the apotheosis should be sometime next week. The festivities are quite extreme. It's no coincidence that all this partying and heavy drinking happens this time of the year. The population here are by tradition mainly farmers, and during this season, there isn't a great deal to do on the land. Everything happens in the 'Circoli'. These 'circles' are private clubs, which principally all have a long history and are keeping a strong tradition.
I've been photographing in these clubs. Because of the different 'artistic' approach of the subject, I gathered some of the result onto a different web log: http://pantelleriacircoli.blogspot.com/
Like this site, it's a work in progress. Still, feel free to visit and comment!

Empty harbour.

Here some landscapes, which I recently recorded.

The sea,... so many things have already been said and written about the sea. I wont even try to describe its beauty, power or temperament. Let's just say that today, I've got my feet wet whilst taken this picture and that I think that, in my life, I will never again live apart from it.

Moonrise !

Playing with nature's bits and pieces. It may sound a bit too idyllic, but it's how our children are spending a lot of their time here. It's remarkable to see how fast they learn to fully value and respect natural phenomenon as flowers, insects, stars and striking landscapes, or even the silence and tranquility of the evening.