Wednesday. March 30 – Wow, jam packed day with lots of walking, churches and, of course, food.

Started with a sunrise jog along the waterfront. Then learned about the Sirocco, a hearty wind from North Africa that coats everything—the skyline, cars, tables, your eyes, in a fine layer of sand.

Tour then took us to the hillside cathedral of Monreale which was fascinating.

Then we returned to Palermo for a walk through the markets and were offered a sampling of street food. I am pleased to report that I bravely tried each of the options, which is more than I can say for others in the group. Dan, of course, ended up with seconds.

Then the afternoon was free to explore and I seemed to hit the grand tour of Palermo churches. Trying not to overwhelm with too many pictures, the most interesting aspect (for me) is the fact that there are a variety of architectural influences (Norman, Baroque, Byzantine, Islamic and Gothic) among them, even though they are all Roman Catholic.

Finally, a fine dinner and an evening stroll down the lively streets of Palermo. Tomorrow we move on!