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Here’s what the French traveler Andre Guillet had to say in 1676:

"We were foreigners, we didn't speak the language, but after a couple of days we convinced them that we were people of integrity. The Messinians then treated us with the same warm hospitality as if we were family. Bread, cheese, olives and wine were all offered, and plentifully. We talked for days, and learnt many things from each other. Always around the dining table."