Day and I are here, in Sicily and more specific, the capital city, Palermo. I’ll try to give some history, without plagiarizing Google, Wikipedia or mine and Day’s favorite, Rick Steves, too much.

Sicily is one of the 20 regions of Italy, and the largest island in the Mediterranean. It’s approximately 10,000 square miles, and takes just 3 hours to drive from the west coast to the east coast. On the eastern edge is Mt. Etna, Sicily’s most prominent landmark and one of Europe’s highest and most active volcanoes. On the southern coast is the city of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples (the well-preserved ruins of 7 Greek temples). And of course, Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, which is approximately in the northwest corner of the island.

The earliest archaeological evidence of human activity on the island dates from as early as 12,000 BC. And, given it’s strategic location in the Mediterranean, Sicily has been conquered by everyone; Phoenicians, the Normans and of course the Romans.

Sicily is a fertile mix of geology and culture. Eruptions from its volcano, a glowing sun, generations of hard work, and wave after wave of civilizations storming through over the centuries – they all come together here, giving visitors a full-bodied travel experience that engages all the senses. And, at the heart of it all, misunderstood, underrated Palermo may be Sicily’s most delightful surprise. For years it’s touristic reputation was tarnished: gritty, run-down, polluted, traffic-clogged, crime-ridden, and synonymous with Mafia violence. But those days are long gone. Over the last decade or so, the city has revitalized itself with new museums, gentrified neighborhoods, pedestrianized streets, and upscale shops and hotels. Today travelers are surprised by how much Palermo entertains them with striking architecture, a cosmopolitan vibe, and fun-loving engery – while still maintaining the wonderful edge that makes travel in Sicily such a treat.

-Rick Steves

Rick Steves and his writers are more eloquent than I am, which, now that I write that, amuses me. If I were to describe Palermo, I’d say it’s not eloquent, it’s rough around the edges. Palermo is hard-working, hands are calloused, and it’s skin is weathered and wrinkled from years and years of the sun beating down on it. Palermo is old and looks as if it has lived a hard life, because it has. Conquered by everyone, heavily bombed during WWII, Palermo, is like that old construction worker, who’s back aches, joints hurt, and skin is wrinkled and weathered from years of working outside.

Day and I have only been here a couple of days, but I already know, I like it. Palermo is the marina where the fishing boats are, not the fancy yachts. It’s the tavern where the locals go after work for a shot and a beer, not the latest trendy nightclub. Palermo is the “mom and pop” restaurant, not the fancy Michelin star restaurant. Palermo, is the construction worker.

Day and I just moved into our apartment, it’s a great neighborhood. We’ll sneak out for a week to do a loop around the island, but we’re here for a month. A month to wander every gritty alley in our neighborhood. A month to try as many restaurants and street food vendors our appetites will allow. And a month to soak up the rich history, and fall in love with Palermo.

Luv ya,
Curly