The final leg run of my trip is in Palermo, Sicily. As usual, I took a bus than a train just for the fact that transportation is more accessible in and around Sicily via bus or car. Trains, of course are preferable in peoples' minds due to less hassle with luggage and people but in some cases the travel time is doubled if you're commuting to small towns or cities leading to transfer to other train stations with short layovers. Before getting to Palermo, taking the bus from Taormina to Catania was a tricky part since I had thoughts visiting there, though my plans changed.
And for an unexpected turn, there were two terminals in Catania and the main question was which one had the bus terminal that will transport to other towns and cities than just regional. As we arrived in Catania, the first terminal seemed almost the correct one to get off at but the bus driver didn't actually stop in the terminal parking lot but just at a bus stop across the street. So I hesitated and remained ready when the next terminal would show up which was at the train station. At the train station, I was looking for any buses that indicated non-regional but kept finding all of them that goes around the city.
So I went to the train station thinking maybe its better to take a train but realized the next one leaving for Palermo 5 hours later from the time I stepped into the terminal. So I made the decision to walk to the original first bus station that we passed on the way but I accidentally found the correct major bus depot for non-regional transportation that was next to one of the bus stops I got off at. If I didn't find the correct ticket booth quickly and bought my ticket, I wouldn't have made my original schedule bus time to leave for Palermo and would of waited for almost 2 hours for the next departure time. My first impression of Palermo when I arrived at the main terminal was that I felt like I was in Oakland the rough part off of International street but realized it reflected more of the essence of San Francisco.
There was many people from different ethnic backgrounds that are populated all over the city from Turkish to Africans to Tunisians to Chinese to Pakistanis, Greeks and many other nationalities. Palermo had the same issue with garbage everywhere but not as bad as Naples, its more of a unique city in my opinion. So much influence of religion, food, culture from the many ethnic backgrounds to create a palette of personality for the region.
Walking around solo in the city in specific areas of old town neighborhoods might not be the smartest thing to do especially at night since it resembles rough parts of Oakland, New York or San Francisco to name a few. But don't get me wrong, Palermo has alot to offer when exploring the city it just depends what your interest is and if you are with a group. During my stay here, I visited a nearby town called Monreale that is west of Palermo on a hilltop mountain that has a huge cathedral and is their main attraction for tourists to observe a great view of the seashore neighboring towns sitting next to Palermo.
The Teatro Massimo was something to really step into in person, this theater has definitely that opera house appearance inside which is definitely expensive to watch a ballet or musical performance. Back in the 90s, Francis Ford Coppola showcased his Godfather III film at the theater. And one of my favorite places I visited was the Catacombe dei Cappucini, an underground storage for many deceased mummified Palermitans from over the years. Definitely not for everyone, but an interesting look on how these individuals' bodies are preserved over time which alot of them were significant figures in Palermo history. Staying in Palermo by far was the most food I ate on my whole trip including sweets since I was staying with my aunt and friends, she didn't allow me to go hungry, so I appreciate the hospitality and love. Though spending my vacation in Italy and Sicily was just a wonderful trip, celebrating my birthday in Palermo with my aunt and friends was something I will really cherish in my heart forever.
Catacombe dei Capuccini
No comments:
Post a Comment