Immersing in Sicilian Culture with Helen Cane Tarpinian

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This is the 2nd interview I did while in Sicily.  This interview is with a dear friend Helen Cane Tarpinian.  Helen and I reconnected recently around the same time I was researching WWOOFing farms in Italy and landed an opportunity in Marsala, Siciliy, about an hour south of Helen's Terrasini home. 

When I arrived at the Palermo Airport on Oct 11, 2025, Helen picked me up and we went back to her beautiful home in Terrasini Sicily.  The bedroom I stayed in the first night had a view of the water and of the majestic Sicilian sunset.  Mountains on one side of her home and water views on the other.  She was also steps away from jumping into the Mediterranean waters.  What a paradise.

Helen is an American living part time in Sicily. Her husband Vincenzo is from Sicily.  So, her perspective of Sicily and my small perspective from the 12 days I spent there became a conversation that I wanted to capture for the podcast.  One story that we somehow forgot to talk about in the podcast - as there were so many stories to cover - was Rossalini’s farm tour and Italian farm to table lunch  in Terrasini.  Rossolini not only has a farm - he is also growing several tropical fruits not normally grown in Siciliy such as papaya and avocado - but he is also growing coffee.  Of course I had to ask about cacao - and he actually did try to grow it, but they were hit with a frost and it didnt’ survive….but he is determined to try again!  I definitely want to connect him with Jeff from Moka Origins - not only about the cacao but also the coffee!!

The farm tour was amazing - we tasted our way through - and then we sat down for a real authentic Italian farm to table meal - 3 courses - plus wine…and more wine…and an after dinner cocktail made from passion fruit grown at the farm - accompanied by authentic italian music and singing….Although I knew few words….i could feel the sense of family, connectedness and joy during this festive gathering.

So Join Helen and I as we explore my first few days and last few days in Siciliy - which were filled with more family, more delicious meals, visits to historic city streets, markets and churches, hikes, majestic scenery, gelato, cannoli and much love and connection.  It was amazing and unforgettable.

A Special thank you to Helen, Vincenzo, and Anthony for graciously welcoming me into their home and making me a part of the family!   This is jen ross, your agritourist podcast host.  Enjoy my interview with Helen from Terrasini Sicily.  If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe, share and comment!  Ciao! 

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.

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