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Tuesday16th - a 2 hour train journey to Palermo, although Liam is always excited about hopping on trains he is a little over it today due to another early start. The trip was quite picturesque as it followed the north coast and it was nice to see the ocean. Since deciding not to hire a car we chose a little more upmarket hotel. It was a little further walk from the train than we thought, ok for me and Rob, but a big walk for little legs. Liam is doing extremely well pulling his case along the cobblestone paths and up over huge curbs. First impression of the hotel was very nice, our room has recently been refurbished and there are tea making facilities - yeh a cup of tea before bed. Liam is excited he has a queen size bed all to himself. Dad keeps teasing that he has to share with Mum so Dad can have a bed to himself!
Walking out around the streets of Palermo it reminds me of Naples, buildings are quite run down, there is rubbish all around and many street stalls selling all the same stuff, one wonders how they make a living. There seems to be a police car on every street corner making one think should I feel worried or safe?
I remember last time in Italy everybody smokes, well in Sicily I think even more do! Cigarette butts are littered everywhere, you never see any public health warnings against smoking. Another area I find interesting is the many cafes where you get the best coffee, and its particularly nice in Sicily, the cafés are lovely and clean but the toilet is often disgusting and under stocked of supplies.
Wednesday 17th - today we saw some of the beautiful churches in Palermo. The first situated off the Piazza Bellini was "Martorana" where Italian/Greek Catholics worship. It dates back to 1143 with Greek & Arabic influences and has an amazing 12th century mosaic dome, and painted ceilings. Next to this church is a small chapel - San Cataldo which is a stark contrast of bare stone walls and one large ornate cross. The next stop was the Cathedral which again has a very Arabic look to the outside, with construction beginning in 1185, inside its very ornate, off to one side there was a display of miniature nativity scenes from all over the world. I didn't see one from Australia!
The weather has been great for us so far with only a little rain, and mostly sunshine with a cool 16 to 17ºC, nice to walk around needing only a light jacket.
Thursday 18th - visited the lovely seaside town of Cefalu' (pronounced Chefaloo) it's usual population is around 14000 but triples in summer making the winding little streets very crowded, so winter is probably not a bad time to visit. Apart from the coast and beaches, which are sand and not pebbles, the other attraction is the Cathedral which is quite plain for Italian standards. The streets are decorated with red and white cyclamens which are really spectacular, also everywhere are red poinsettias to set the Christmas scene.
We have had some very nice meals at night time in little restaurants. Mostly we don't need to order for Liam because he eats the bread given as a side dish & some salad.
Walking out around the streets of Palermo it reminds me of Naples, buildings are quite run down, there is rubbish all around and many street stalls selling all the same stuff, one wonders how they make a living. There seems to be a police car on every street corner making one think should I feel worried or safe?
I remember last time in Italy everybody smokes, well in Sicily I think even more do! Cigarette butts are littered everywhere, you never see any public health warnings against smoking. Another area I find interesting is the many cafes where you get the best coffee, and its particularly nice in Sicily, the cafés are lovely and clean but the toilet is often disgusting and under stocked of supplies.
Wednesday 17th - today we saw some of the beautiful churches in Palermo. The first situated off the Piazza Bellini was "Martorana" where Italian/Greek Catholics worship. It dates back to 1143 with Greek & Arabic influences and has an amazing 12th century mosaic dome, and painted ceilings. Next to this church is a small chapel - San Cataldo which is a stark contrast of bare stone walls and one large ornate cross. The next stop was the Cathedral which again has a very Arabic look to the outside, with construction beginning in 1185, inside its very ornate, off to one side there was a display of miniature nativity scenes from all over the world. I didn't see one from Australia!
The weather has been great for us so far with only a little rain, and mostly sunshine with a cool 16 to 17ºC, nice to walk around needing only a light jacket.
Thursday 18th - visited the lovely seaside town of Cefalu' (pronounced Chefaloo) it's usual population is around 14000 but triples in summer making the winding little streets very crowded, so winter is probably not a bad time to visit. Apart from the coast and beaches, which are sand and not pebbles, the other attraction is the Cathedral which is quite plain for Italian standards. The streets are decorated with red and white cyclamens which are really spectacular, also everywhere are red poinsettias to set the Christmas scene.
We have had some very nice meals at night time in little restaurants. Mostly we don't need to order for Liam because he eats the bread given as a side dish & some salad.
- comments
Pam Batten How cute are these?
Pam Batten Dad's still got his coat on! Liam can't be feeling the cold.
Raelene Mariani Haha he is always on the move so much he doesn't have time to feel the cold