I have been captivated by Sicily for nearly two decades through time spent there travelling and discovering the island, and reading some fabulous books about this seductive, capricious and at times dark place.

I couldn’t do without the keen observations, emotions and knowledge of some of the most fabulous works by writers who I have come to know and love:  Elio Vittorini, Peter Robb, Frances Prose, Douglas Sladen, M.I Finley, John Julius Norwich, Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa, Matthew Fort, Simonetta Agnello Hornby, Renata Pucci Di Benisichi, Sciascia, Mary Taylor Simeti – the list is long. They have been my companions along the way in my discovery.

When I am in Sicily I like to travel the scenic SS 643 from Polizzi down to the A roads, the A19 and A20, before taking the coast road, the  SS113 to Cefalu to spend a few summer hours by the sea to rediscover the simple splendour of this seaside town’s 12th century Norman cathedral and the perfect piazza in which it is set.

Trucks loaded with pure spring water from the Madonie Mountains are often seen hurtling along Sicily’s A19 autostrada to deliver one of Italy’s purest waters. Emblazoned with the Acqua Geraci logo, Geraci, they have made their way down the SS 120 from the lofty heights of the medieval village Geraci Siculo.

In the last days of the Sicilian summer of 2013, Australian interior architect and food stylist, Sarah Trotter, passionate about food, creating recipes, and places to eat and cook in, travelled to Sicily for a week.

Serious about food, she started the food blog Trotski & Ash in 2007 with imaginative minds, Romy Ash and Lauren Bamford.