Well at last a fine warm day - blue sky even!
Up early to beat the traffic and tourists - a city tour basically today. We visited the main cathedral in Palermo, the palace (that is now used by the local government) and then another church built back in the 12th century. What showed in all of these was the mix of religions as well as different ethnic groups influence - from Christian to Moslem, Arab to French, Spanish and Italian.
After this the traffic was thicker - Italians consider most road rules you or I would use as something to take into consideration only - especially when it comes to parking - often two abreast on streets that struggle to have two lanes anyway and motor cyclists (and cyclists) weave in and out of the cars - often on the wrong side of the road. Pedesrtian crossings are largely ignored. If you want to cross you just have step forward and stare at the motorist as you cross (hoping they will stop and the motor bikes will miss oyu as they dodge you. I believe Naples is worse!
We then travelled to visit the Palantine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans which was covered in fantastic mosaics, just like the 3rd church (Monreale Catherdal) we visited after this (but it was much bigger).
We had time to explore the rest of the village. and had a cappucino as some pastries (well I did anyway even if Shona didn't)
We also had a great view of Palermo and a huge tree.
We then ehaded back to town and we headed out for lunch near our hotel in the centre of Palermo.
Out to tea tonight in a seaside restuarant. Tomorrow more around Palermo visiting Cefula and the Capuchin Catacombs. We don't come back to the hotel tomorrow and then catch a ferry to Naples so it is highly unlikely we will have internet access for a few days!
So enjoy the rest of your weekend. Catch you in few days
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