Travellers who find themselves continually bemoaning the loss of traditional customs and cultures to the all-devouring monster of Capitalist commerce might find a trip to Castellammare del Golfo, near Trapani in Sicily, refreshing. This ancient port, with its medieval fortress, has retained its fishermens’ heritage and many a stocky Sicilian still earn their living by ploughing the Mediterranean in a shabby blue and white boat, enticing various fruits of the sea to hop in and join him. Monika Chodakowska was struck by the simple charms of daily life at Castellammare del Golfo, and thankfully had her camera on hand when she visited one Sunday morning.

“People from the town had come to the port just to buy their fish for lunch. The transactions were made straight from the boat, and within 15 minutes everything was gone!”