Leisure Day In Mazara

Today was one of those days that are set aside as a leisure day where nothing is planned except for dinner at a local restaurant. There are a number of these leisure days scheduled throughout the tour. We took a bit of time having breakfast as there was no big rush. By the time we got to breakfast it was pretty well over. We decided to try to walk to the end of the pier where all the pleasure boats are tied up. However they was a “sign” discouraging us from going all the way. We backtracked and walked along the river pass all the small craft that are tied up along the water. We thought that as the main fishing port in Sicily we would see the big ships like you would see along the coast of Nova Scotia in Canada. There were a few but apparently they are restricted to when they can fish. You would have to really like fishing to go out in the small ones.

We retraced the route from yesterday along the main street. Today the shops were opened. Then we followed the small pedestrian street where the most expensive shops are located down to the Piazza Mokarta which is near the water. Someone had a mechanical dog – really ingenious – chase other dogs and small kids. Very entertaining.

After a bit of a rest we wandered through the Kasbah again crossing many of the same alleys that we saw yesterday. We did come upon an old “monastery” where an artisan had produced miniature (scale) models of all the churches. Apparently he had spent 30 years at this task. They were quite well done. By then it was mid afternoon and wandered our way back to the hotel, having a light snack on the way. Before dinner the tour manager had us gather where we did shooters compliments of the managemennt. Then off to a restaurant for pasta swordfish and red wine. An of course dessert. All good.