History, mystery, resentment await Chips in Sicily

In Roma, Milano, Torino and points north, the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy (Garibaldi and his red-shirted militia accomplished that a year after landing is Sicily) was observed Thursday with much fanfare. But here in Catania, deep in the neglected and often resentful South, flags were few and patriotic speeches virtually nil.

Taorima, a summer resort allegedly frequented by the rich and famous, is best known for its Teatro Greco, originally built by Greeks in the third century BC. The Romans redid it for gladiator fights in the first century AD. It looks south with a stunning view of the coastline and Mt. Etna.