Television

I got a call from Jacque, a friend at Sigonella. There was a cinematographer from another base in the north who wanted to shoot some footage in my area. She wanted to know if I would be available to show him around a bit.

What a wonderful time. Robert Sekula works as a civilian for the Department of Defense Armed Forces Network, which broadcasts American TV to DOD personnel around the world, and also does a bit of its own programming. I was thrilled that they wanted to do some shooting on this side of the island.

On a wet and miserable day, I met Robert near the highway, and after talking with him for a few minutes, we headed off to earthquake territory. Even though the earthquake museum in Santa Margherita was closed, he was able to get some great shots of the reconstruction work they were doing there. Then it was off to Poggioreale, where we walked through the ruins.

As I held the umbrella over the camera to keep it dry, he found incredible shot after incredible shot. At one point I was able to look down at his viewfinder, and his ability to frame shots was spectacular. Bravo.

After the earthquakes, and a great lunch, we went to a small family run winery just around the corner from my apartment (DeGregorio) and I translated as he interviewed the owner and his two children about their passion for wine, and their love of the land. The owner is a full time doctor in Palermo, as is his wife, and his two children are both going to medical school. They are also excited about working with the vines each year, and helping to produce several types of red and white wine.

Robert spent the night in my space bedroom, and after he left the next day, I sent him a long list of other possible featurettes he could do on this side of the island. I expect one day he will be back, and for several days, as he works to produce some more information about a part of the island that does not see as many tourists as perhaps it should.

Thanks, Robert, for giving us a bit of publicity. It was great meeting you.