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Palermo
Palermo
Palermo was much different than at least Jen expected. Densely packed with relatively short buildings, there didn't seem to be a direct route anywhere. It also didn't feel European. Jen quickly realized it reminded her more of Cuba than anything.
It was both busy and quiet at the same time. We saw few people on the street, yet lots of cars driving around. Old and new stood side-by-side, as if empty space got filled in as time went on, causing few streets to run straight for very long.
Palermo street
Driving in Palermo
Driving in Palermo
The only way 5 adults and all of their luggage was going to fit into one vehicle was in a full sized, 9-passenger van. It is not an ideal vehicle for Sicily, where 2-way roads look like pedestrian walkways. And driving in Palermo was not like driving in the US, or even much of Europe. Tiny cars were the most effective in tight streets. Motorcycles and scooters seemed to do what they pleased. Stop signs were suggestions. And many 4-way intersections had no signage at all.
Grand Hotel Wagner
Grand Hotel Wagner
The hotel lived up to its name of "Grand" (Grand Hotel Wagner), and Jen felt as if they were transported to be nobility in a different age. The group enjoyed some Prosecco in one of the lounge areas, and the rooms were regal.
Streets of Palermo & Remnants of Mussolini
Streets of Palermo & Remnants of Mussolini
We only spent one evening in Palermo. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Tritalo Mediterraneo, then wandered through the streets. There seemed to be lots of people enjoying a coffee or dessert, sitting outside, chatting with friends and family. The group split up, Jack and Bill going to get sweet treats, Cecilia and Anne looking for interesting shops, and Jen taking pictures of various things.
Pistaccios are everywhere!
Upside down fascist symbol
At one point, Jen was taking a picture of a weathered door, when two ladies approached. In Italian, they insisted that she take a picture of what appeared to be a services cover or sewer cover. Jen confirmed what they were asking her to do, then inquired as to why. The ladies spoke quickly, but the basic explanation Jen took away was "fascism", "1940", and "Mussolini". "Ah, ok! Which way is up?" Jen asked in Italian. The ladies walked around the metal cover and examined it from all sides. They had no idea! They finally agreed on one direction, and Jen took the picture. (Later research at home indicates this might be upside down.)
One of the ladies lived in the building with the picturesque door. The other followed Jen, Cecelia, and Anne as they made their way back to the hotel. She asked where they were from, if it was America. The group had decided the easiest answer to that question was New York, instead of listing several states and backgrounds. "New York isn't really America, is it," the lady offered. She and Jen chatted about this philosophy for a block or so, then everyone wished everyone buona notte.
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