Putrid Palermo

Hello all.
Palermo needs to change its name to pigsty.  Bangkok is cleaner.  Watching old ladies spit on the foopath at your feet is an interesting sight.  Hey mum, if you ever get the inclination then come to Palermo, you'll fit right in.  Accomodation was interesting.  The elevator serviced 3 hotels in the same building.  Dominique, Mark and Georgina will remember Barcelona when Mark  jolted the elevator and caused the light to fall out and some it hit Steve on the head.  Well my elevator had 2 of its 4 light bulbs missing but someone was kind enough to stuff a hunk of bread roll in the socket to toast it.  And I won't even mention the porn graffitti on the elevator door.  Enough whinging.  Palermo has fantastic history and some splendid buildings and parks.  I did the on off bus to get my bearings then did a 7km walk back to the water front and found a little cafe with a set menu based on seafood.  6 courses with a bottle of white that was quite delicious - all for 20 euro.  Bit of an easy lunch that afternoon.  Had a run in with some brill creamed keith at the next table who decided to light one up.  Instead of upsetting his mates with it, he decided it was better to blow it in my face whilst I was eating.  When the wind changed and the BBQ blew ash and smoke all over him and his mates, he couldn't understand why I was pissing myself very loudly at him.  Cranky looks from him and his 4 mates convinced me to continue my touring of the city.  Sunday reminded me of Sunday as a kid.  not much open, everyone at mass then home for a big feed.  BUT come about 4.00pm and everyone gets dressed to the nines and goes out window shopping or walking in the park or just chatting in the streets.  2 major streets in the city centre close for pedestrians.  Bloody amazing.  Do you think I stood out in jeans and a T shirt with the blokes  dressed up like they were hitting the nightclubs, just to walk the streets.  Brill cream is still the norm in Palermo too.
Presently in Taormina.  Amanda lived here, Domo, Mark, Georgina and others have visited.  You cannot get a handle on the beauty of the place until you visit.  The Greek amphitheatre was fantastic with Mt. Etna smoking in the background.  The volcano shot out fire etc yesterday (allegedly - tour guide).  did the cable car down to another beach and, of course, had a beer.  Earlier gorged on Gelati ice creams and am now over them so that worked.  Off to Positano tomorrow.  6 hours on a train - gotta love it.
Photos soon.  No card reader here.  Love to all
Lucas