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.

Touring Mazara Del Vallo

Touring Mazara Del Vallo Today was a bit of a relaxing day as we had a half day tour of the Kasbah of Mazara Del Vallo. Before getting to that yesterday when we were Erice a tour group passed. It was clearly from a Royal Caribbean ship, tour group 18. Here we are along the coast of Sicily and a cruise ship passed us. We found out later that big cruise ships are now stopping so that they can visit the same ruins and this town that we had seen. Another ship was stopping today. Also someone on our tour met a neighbour touring with a different company. Small world.

Today Mazara is widely considered to be one of the most important fishing and agricultural area of Italy. Its port has the largest fishing fleet. We started out tour at the portion if the old wall that surrounded the city and then went into the Kasbah which is the old Arab part od the city. However all the groups from the Greeks, Arabs and Normans have left their mark on the city. As we were taken through the “maze” of the area, it quickly became obvious that any invader would get lose here. Lots of twisting narrow “roads” as well as dead ends.

A few years ago in an attempt to “upgrade” the area a series of tiles depicting various historical scenes were embedded in the walls. The original inhabitants were the fishermen and very poor people. We followed the guide through a previously developed walking path. Plazas and churches seemed to be at every turn. There are at least 15 churches and of course the main Duomo.

The highlight of the a museum that has the Dancing Satyr that was found off the port of over 500 meters. It was caught up in a fisherman's net. A head was pulled up and the later the r7est of the sculpture was retrieved. They have determined that it was produced by a Greek artist. A very interesting museum that displayed artifacts that have been caught up in fishing nets. The tour ended with the tour manager treating everyone to a gelato or a cold drink. Having finished with the tour we wandered around the main part of the city but returned to the hotel for some needed rest.

Tonight we went to a local pizza restaurant for dinner. We had a choice of about 20 different types of individual pizza with a whole host of different toppings. I ordered mine with sausage and it came with cut up hot dogs. You can see what they looked like What was really nice was that the whole group was sat at one table. It was another nice mixer. Everyone (26 on tour) seem/s to be getting on quite well. Everyone has interesting life stories Tomorrow is a day at leisure. We plan to wander the town a bit more.

Segesta, Erice and Mazara Del Vallo

Today was a long day with over 10 hours of sightseeing before finally making it to our new location around 7pm. Our first stop was the ancient ruins at Segesta. Sicily is at ts crossroads with many different cultures controlling and occupying the island over time. Segesta is such a place. It is one of the best preserved Greek sites but there are many different cultures represented in the are starting with settlements going back to the 3rd century BC right through the Greek, Arab and Norman domination.

From the Greek Agora, amphitheatres, temples, and Norman churches – ruins can be seen in the area. It is interesting to note that most of the ruins are on the top of the high hills. Just getting the materials up that high was an effort. As we walked around a front end loader was taking limestone blocks up to one of the sites to be used in rebuilding some areas. It passed us 3 times on our upward climb. The Greeks could have finished the temple with that type of aid before war broke out and stopped the building permanently.

Our next stop was a town called Erice which is literally built on a mountain top 750 meters above sea level.. The bus driver did a great job navigating the snaking, switchback filled road. The town itself was another defensive position. Narrow street, churches (Norman) and now plenty of shops and restaurants occupy the site. It is a prime tourist site. Lunch was at a local restaurant. Another great Italian meal. The day ended when we reached our next hotel in the sea side town of Mazara De4l Vallo where we will have a few days of lighter travel before putting in another fully day.

Shrine Of Santa Rosalia and Leisure Time

Shrine Of Santa Rosalia and Leisure Time

Today was a somewhat easier day as we only had a morning tour and the afternoon was free time. We were up Mount Pellegrino to the shrine of Santa Rosalia, a cave where the Patron Saint of Palermo is located. She lived in the 11^th century and wanted to become a nun but opted to live her life in solitude. She died at 28. Hundreds of years later the person who found her bones had a vision. It told him to carry her bones around the city as it was suffering from the plague at that time. They did what the vision said. When that happened, the plague was gone. She became Santa Rosalia .

Inside the Cave

The shrine itself is in the cave where she lived. It has a church built inside. There was a mass going on when we were there but we had a full explanation before going in. 0 This is a very catholic area and she is held in high esteem. Hence the patron saint of the city. That basically took up the morning with stops on the side of the road for overviews of the city.

Once we were back in Palermo, we stopped to view the opera house from the outside. That ended our time with the local guide. It was a convenient place bid farewell. It was in the central part of the city. We found our way back down the main street and headed to the royal palace which we had seen the day before. The palace dates back to the 11^th century is the same style as the Monreale which we visited yesterday. We bought tickets to see the royal chapel which was very much is the same style. Someone said that they had the same interior designer. Very ornate with mosaics, patterned floors, etc.

Royal Chapel

We also had a ticket to see many of the artifacts. It was extremely interesting seeing the foundations under the palace which go back the the 3^rd century BC. A visit to the royal gardens ended our tour.

Having walked “miles” we headed back to the hotel for a rest before dinner. Tomorrow, we are moving to our next hotel in Mazara Del Vallo for a 5 night stay, sightseeing along the way. Packing our bags for the move was not something we looked forward to!

We had another very nice meal tonight. It consisted of the sea food risotto. The main course was a very nice swordfish. Both were very tasty. And of course lots of wine. Check out and travel day tomorrow.

tomorrow.

Monreale And The Cathedral

Monreale And The Church

After a really good sleep we were off for our first day of touring. Last night dinner was a typical Italian meal with 5 courses. Breakfast was the “usual” Italian (?) buffet with more things to eat than you can imagine. No octopus on the bar like last night's salad.We were on the bus at 9 this morning and did not get back to the hotel until nearly 5. Everyone was really tired after a full day of touring on top of the long flights.

Mosaics

Church Interior

Our first stop was Monreale – a church built in the 11 century by the Normans. Of course it was massive. The thing that was really impressive was the interior. I don't think we have ever seen an interior covered with so many decorations. Scenes from the creation of the world, the early bible, the Christian part – it was all there. All were rich mosaics. The church columns were done in tuff (volcanic stone) and marble and it was built with in the Norman style of architecture. The main entrance was bronze with scenes from the bible. It reminded me of the cathedral doors in Florence. As was to be expected, the craftsmanship was outstanding. The entire church was completed in 7 years!
   We next went back into the city and visited the market which influenced by the Arabs when they occupied Sicily This market was mainly food and vegetables. I was expecting a big building but this was basically an alley. Many locals were eating lunch catered by the local stalls. We ordered something – not sure what. When in Rome (Sicily) eat like the locals! 

Eating Like Sicilians

After lunch our next stop was the Cathedral in Palermo which was built much later and was more in the style of the churches we are use to seeing in Italy. It was not nearly as ornate as Monreale and had been redone over the centuries. The whole alter area had been remodelled. It had about 32 original statures and now has about 4. They are all carved marble and were mounted in other places in the church.

Gelato

We thought we were done but the guide then took us on a walking tour of the main squares of the city and pointed out the importance of each. She continually emphasized the importance of the blending of the many cultures in Sicily. By then, were all starting to fade. Helen our guide could sense that so she bought entire group of 23 some gelato! Nice touch! Then we walked some more! Discovery Tours only use local guides who are very familiar with the area. Out guide provided almost too much information. We were using the small receiver which helped keep us up to what we were seeing.   

     Another great meal tonight.  This was the entree - stuffed chicken. And lots of wine.  More tou ringtomorrow to the Patron saint of Sicily.  Only the morning is conducted with the afternoon free time!                                          

TRAVEL DAY AND FINALLY PALMERO

 We arrived at the airport in Toronto where we met by our tour guide (Helen) at 5:15 and our “Manager” for the trip met us. Where we received more information before our AC flight that left at 8:15pm. The flight was just under 9 hours, arrived in Rome Italy around 11am Italy time, Needless to say cramped in an airplane for that long is the price one pays for travelling to Europe. We cleared customs in time gathered in the people from Montreal and “rested” before our1 h9our flight to Palermo and finally we arrived at our hotel around 5pm. All together from 5 pm ro 11 Ontario time it took us about 318 hours to get here. Needless to say we were tired by the time dinner was served around 7:30 local time. The Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel is a bit older but located right in the city. We managed a bit of down time before dinner.

Palmero

To The Hotel

   There are 26 people on the tour and most seem to be fit enough for the activities planned. We will have local guides for all site seeing 3wh8ich should make for 1plenty of local knowledge. So everything starts  tomorrow.