We got up and ate breakfast and then walked around outside the hotel a little. I wish Aviva had taken a dip in the pool - the view from the pool is incredible.
The
Pool at our hotel in Taormina |
We originally planned to take a train, but someone I respect at work as well as one of the tour guides on our trip said that was a mistake. Therefore we took a bus instead, and it was reasonably comfortable and quick.
Palermo is a large city - we spent at least 1/2 hour driving along the shore in outlying parts of the city.
We checked into our hotel, the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes. Its a very nice hotel. We have a standard double room which is spacious and clean. They have more upscale rooms that have been renovated. The hotel is in the process of renovation. As we've traveled around southern Italy we've noticed a lot of restoration going on - apparently the European Union has provided funds for this effort, and the Italian and local governments have finally provided their approval for this work, so a lot of churches and museums will be restored to their original look shortly.
We went walking after our checkin, going to the main arts and crafts street on the edge of the medieval part of town, and then walking down some of the fancy shopping streets. We ate a light meal in the hotel and slept soundly.
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email to Bob at electricbob@alephnaught.com
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email to Aviva at avivakramer@earthlink.net