Arrivederci, Sicilia

We woke up early Tuesday morning to pack and head for the airport in Palermo for our flight back to Rome. Since we had a few hours, we drove along the coastal road for awhile, instead of jumping on the autostrada right away. That allowed us to drive once again through seaside Cefalu in the early morning. What a difference a day makes! On Saturday, cars parked everywhere - on the streets, on the sidewalks, in the alleys - and crowds of pedestrians strolling oblivious to the cars and mopeds swirling around and through them.

This morning, all is much calmer. We found and photographed the alley turn where I lost my Italian driving virginity and drove along the beach one more time. Now, to find some gas. On the way back from Taormina, I had mentally calculated our mileage to date and kilometers remaining to Palermo (anyone surprised?). Four to five liters should do it - 10 euros di benzina, per favore. The autostrada was a pleasure to drive - light traffic and everyone yields the left lane, a complete departure from the cities. When we passed through Palermo Centro, however, the typical insanity returned. There was a long stretch of city boulevard that had recently been paved, but not striped. It should have been 2 lanes and a shoulder - hah! The cars formed four to five constantly shifting lanes of traffic. By this time I was ready for it and joined the fun.

Check in for the flight and get on line for security ... wrong line. The woman in front of us had apparently emptied her bathroom cabinet into her carry-on and was arguing with security. Her 2 bags went through at least three times as she removed bottles and swore there were no fluids left. "What, perfume? That's not a fluid - IT'S PERFUME!" Che cretina!

Arrivederci Sicilia, but not goodbye ...

BTW - Thanks Cheryl! We'd be lost without you!