Stan Walsh will transport Salt Lakers armchair-style to "Italy's Fabled Isles — Sicily, Capri and Elba." The screening will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kingsbury Hall on the lower U. campus.
The highlight of his travelog, according to Walsh, is a visit to Capri's beautiful Blue Grotto, where he followed in the wake of the late world adventurer, Richard Halliburton. "Our boat shot through the same 'keyhole' where we discovered, like Halliburton, the same 'bottomless sky full of unearthly blue light.' It was indeed exhilarating," said Walsh.
The main feature of Sicily, on the other hand, is two-mile high Mount Etna, one of the world's active volcanoes. The island's mix of incredible scenery, ancient buildings, old towns and lively people "make a heady and delightful brew."
Rich cultures that flourished there are reflected by Greek temples, Roman villas and hillside theaters. Agrigento's picturesque Valley of Temples reflects a simple Greek design. Stones of early western Greek settlements found on today's farmlands reveal that Sicily was the "garden island" of Magna Graecia, producing wheat, wine and honey.
The Monreal Cathedral, built by the Normans after they freed the island in the 11th century, is a dramatic manmade feature near the capital of Palermo.
The small island of Elba just off the Italian coast is where Napoleon was kept under house arrest before he returned to France in 1815 to retake power.
Walsh also made a quick stop in Sardinia, a prosperous tourist center.
Walsh considers all the world a stage for his camera. Exotic adventures are carving an increasing niche among travelers, he says. And his camera follows.
His ports-of-call on this trip include places mentioned in Homer's "The Odyssey," and by Richard Halliburton in "The Glorious Adventure." He also visits landing sites of World War II.
Tickets are available at the box office prior to the show. A free shuttle bus will begin service from Rice-Eccles Stadium parking lot at 6:30 p.m. For information call 581-7100.