Sicily

After disembarking in Palermo the first thing we received a huge welcome to Sicily.

We boarded our coach (tour bus) and headed toward the old city center. Along the way we passed one of the theatres, Teatro Massimo

After reaching the Quattro Canti (four corners) located between the city’s two main streets. ..

... I had to cross the street to photograph the last corner and caught a photo op.

On our way to Martorana, a Norman church built in 1143 our guide pointed out the “Fountain of Shame,” so nicknamed because of the nude statues. The fountain was a gift from Rome, but it was placed beside a convent, right under the rooms of the nuns. Notice the shuttered windows.

Then a short walk took us to Martorana, a church dedicated to the Byzantines.

Inside it was so beautiful! It is nearly entirely covered in mosaics, some of the oldest in Sicily

One mosaic is of King Roger receiving the imperial diadem from Christ

After returning to the coach we were driven to the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Inside there was a shrine dedicated to St Rosalie.

After our visit we returned to the coach and continued up to the hilltop town of Monreale. After we got off we had to walk up 110 steps to the town. Patsy found a restaurant that had gelatos.

Ooooooooh! Gelatos!

We visited the famous cathedral, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Sicily.

Yes, that gold color we see everywhere is real gold – 22 carat. I asked.

It’s even in the columns of the adjoining cloisters of the Benedictine Monastery.

Here we go again, back down the steps to our coach.

On the way back to the ship we saw one of the original gates to the city. The traffic was horrendous.

What a relief! The ship is still in dock! Believe it or not, we haven’t missed curfew even one day - thank goodness.

All of us managed to "dress up" for our dinner at the Carmen.