Trip to Sicily

[chris_4622]

I've started planning a trip to Sicily for early next year. This will be a LF focused trip, well that and food.

I was thinking of sending my film over via Fed Ex, not because I'm concerned about the scanning it would go through, but more of an insurance measure against the robots who work security at the airports. Is there a concern of them opening the boxes if it is in my checked luggage?

I'll pack the camera and film holders in my checked luggage but carry the lenses with me. The tripod will fit in the luggage without the head on, so maybe I'll carry that as well so it doesn't go missing. How prevalent is theft from checked luggage?

Other check list stuff; Italy SIM card for my phone, possible laptop, changing bag in case I can't make the bathroom into a darkroom.

If any of our Italian members on the forum has any experience with getting around by bus while in Sicily I'd like to hear from them. Right now the plan is to stay in one city, probably Ragusa and maybe go to a few other towns for day trips by bus. I don't think I want to rent a vehicle.

Thoughts, suggestions welcomed.

chris

[arthur berger]

Don't put the film in your luggage- a sure way to get it exposed to excess radiation. I wouldn't put my camera in the luggage either, too tempting for thieves.
When I travel abroad I carry my camera lenses and film on the plane in a carryon backpack. The film holders, tripod and tripod head and changing bag pack in your luggage.
Have a great trip.

[Frank Petronio]

Please don't ever check film in your luggage, it will be ruined!

[Kirk Fry]

Do not miss Agrigento (10 huge 600 bc Greek temples or Siracusa (Oldest Christen church in Europe also 600 bc (yes BC you have to figure it out). Don't bother with the Theater, it is covered up in plywood so they can use it.

[Gabriele Campagnano]

Hi Chris

I can suggest some good online source for LF film in Italy, you might have it shipped to your hotel.
I am not from Sicily (I am in Naples) but I will be happy to help.
Gabriele

[Ian David]

Do hire a car if you can - Sicily is a big island and having your own car is really useful.
As others have said, make sure you carry your film in hand luggage - the checked baggage scanners will fog it.
Check out the Aeolian Islands too if you get a chance!

Ian

[chris_4622]

Thanks for the responses. I will ship my film and holders since I'm only taking a small suitcase and a day pack for my carry-on. Via FedEx is pretty costly, I'll look into the USPS but I'm not counting that to be much less.

I doubt I will be moving around much. I want to get away from the tourist thing and get a feel of living there at a slow pace. Right now Ragusa, Modica, Scicli are enough.

chris

[r.e.]

Friends who spend their winters outside Noto, not far from where you're going, tell me that some sort of personal transport - car or scooter - is all but essential. Anyway, I'm spending November with them. If you want, I can send you a personal message after I get there about what might be involved in getting around by bus. As I understand it, that whole area is quite rural. By the way, my understanding is that you can rent a scooter in Sicily with a regualar driver's licence, no need for a motorcycle licence.

[chris_4622]

r.e.,

yes any information on your experience would be beneficial. When you get back I'd like to call you and hear about your trip.

[r.e.]

r.e.,

yes any information on your experience would be beneficial. When you get back I'd like to call you and hear about your trip.

I'll send you a personal message after I get there and figure out the transportation situation. I'll include my North American phone number, but my travel plans are very fluid and I may be in Europe for a few months.