Palermo Reprise

This is our second visit to Palermo, Sicily and we must admit to having developed a soft spot for this place. On our prior visit it compared badly to Rome and suffered from it's first impression being after a night on the train. This time we arrived in relaxed, luxurious style with the Grand Navi Veloci ferry from Genoa. Let me tell you, this port compares very favourably to Genoa. We arrived and disembarked very smoothly and were able to find our hotel without trouble thanks to it's large neon sign. Don't let the neon fool you, this is a classy joint, with Murano glass chandeliers throughout.

We ate a very tasty meal at Vino and Pomodoro "ristaurante, pizzeria, wine bar". The closing apperitivo was an almond flavoured liquor that we were so taken with we asked where we could buy it. Ah, let me see said our multi lingual waiter. The reply? Only here at the restaurant for Euro 25. We succumbed and the pre-used, and re-corked, Kientzler wine bottle was presented to us with the bill.

After our meal we felt in need of a walk. During our prior visit to Palermo, we felt rather inhibited when it came to evening walks. This time, we were part of a throng of people out walking. As it turned out, some of them were walking with a purpose as we discovered once we heard live music. In front of the Palermo opera house (just finishing a run of Don Quixote) was a stage and the live band was playing salsa! We danced a little, Chris danced more, most impressed with him self for remembering the steps. Who would think we'd dance salsa in Palermo, Sicily and not in Colombia?