My parents went on their honeymoon in Sicily and, ever since I heard their romantic stories about it as a child, I wanted to travel to this part of Italy. It’s a place that used to hold many half-images for me… dramatic landscapes and winding rivers; hot, dry summers and damp winters, rural locals and bustling cities. Now that I’ve visited, those half images have sharpened into some of the fondest travelling memories I have.The thing that stands out the most is the food. I ate more cannoli than can possibly be healthy for me, but it just tasted so good! However, it was the actual sharing of the food that works so well in Sicily. Family is such an important part of the culture. All the old people are treated with such great respect, as, of course, they should be, and this comes across most during mealtimes. I particularly admired the pride of the inhabitants of this island. They live in a beautiful, interesting and historical place and they’re well aware of it.I stayed in a huge variety of accommodation, from small holdings in the mountains to hotels like the Timeo in Taormina. I spent three weeks just travelling round the island, visiting the vast wealth of cultural heritage that greets you wherever you look. No wonder my parents had such a wonderful time here. They haven’t been back though… it’ll be nice to reassure them that their dreams could still be refreshed if they choose to return.