First Snow of 2011

Okay, so Sicily's first snow of 2011 was on Mount Etna and then in the Nebrodi Mountains a week or two ago, but our annual "measure" is based on visible snow on the mountains around Palermo - which aren't nearly as high as the higher peaks of the Madonie or Nebrodi, not to mention Etna.

Yes, a few of Sicily's higher towns may actually have a white Christmas this year.

The arrival of the first snow heralds the true Sicilian winter, such as it is, with a touch of cooler temperatures and rain. For many of you reading this, that's comparable to autumn.

Here in Sicily it's a welcome event.