Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We left bright and early from the cool (temperature) hills of Tuscany down towards Siena and the A1 Autostrada for Roma. A few pit stops on the way for cappuccinos followed by washroom breaks and in just less than 3 hours we were at Fiumicino Aeroporto outside of Rome. Dropping of the Renault was a breeze and soon we were checking in at the Alitalia desk. There was no chance off us being able to carry-on our carry-on luggage. Due to some shopping and souvenir excursions we were now overweight. No problem we thought, we'll just check'em through. They said, sure no problemo. 40 Euro please, per bag. Yikes. The ticket to Palermo (about a 1 hour flight) only cost about 70 Euro in the first place. Now we know why it was so cheap. Oh well, live and learn.
The owners of our place in Palermo had graciously arranged a car to take us from the airport into town. Vincenzo, our driver met us (see pic) and whisked us away. Fist impression of Palermo is that it is a fascinating city in it's faded glory. Grittier and more aged that Florence and the Tuscany towns we visited. If you look past the dark stained facades and scaffolding supporting some wobbly buildings, the architecture has a more exotic feel, I think due to it's Norman and Arabic past. Really looking forward to visiting the city and seeing some sights. We are here for just 3 nights so won't have time to see it all. Fulvio, the owner met us and showed us their apartment. It was the best welcoming we've had so far. He gave us some background on the building, his father-in-law was born in the apartment 80 years ago. They have done a lovely upgrade, everything was spotless. He even stocked the fridge with some provisions, water, juice as well as some pastries and fruit. Then he showed us the rooftop terrace. The one we had in Florence was OK (a little small, no room for chairs or table). This one is glorious. There's a table large enough to sit 6, another covered lounge area, a couple of lounge chairs and an outside sink (which we later used for washing a few clothes). It is much warmer here in Sicily and I can see this space being used a lot. The apartment itself feels more regal too, higher ceiling, tiled floors, better windows. We are very happy!
After chillaxing on the terrace for a bit we headed outside to wander a little and grab a bite. Well, what do you know! Another gelato festival. They've closed one of the main streets and there are kiosks lining both sides for almost as long as you can see. We bought a card for 5 Euro which gives you 4 tastings, not too bad as its good until Sunday. Went with the pistacchio for tonight, tomorrow I'll venture into foreign land and maybe try lemon or something.
- comments