First full day in Palermo

Our first full day in Palermo was a busy one! Almost 1 million people live there and it is an amazing city. Catania was a party town; Palermo seems to be more balanced. We did a lot of walking - 23,172 steps to be exact! Of course we began the day with coffees and croissants! Then we checked out a very old church with amazing wall paintings.

Our landlord had mentioned that the botanical garden was one of the best in Europe so we decided to try it out. Upon entry we were able to download a self-guided tour. The garden is part of the University of Palermo and the initial building we went through had a classroom and a library with many plant specimens in containers. The plants which have been collected by the scientists are used to develop medications and new strains of citrus fruits, for example. They have over 250 citrus trees. There is a very comprehensive palm garden, cacti of various shapes and sizes and cycads which are among the oldest plants known. There was a huge banyan tree and many other interesting species.

After the refreshing visit in the garden we walked through a public market - it is along one street and goes on and on and on and on! They we went through the Palermo Cathedral.

Tuktuks are everywhere - the drivers encouraging people to take a ride. We walked and walked - there was so much to see. After a rest we went back out to stroll and find dinner. In the evening it seems like the entire population is out enjoying the coolness. Lights are strung across many of the main streets and police mix with the crowd, chatting with people along the way. There were many very interesting shops with good quality things, unlike Palermo where many shops catered to tourists.

We enjoyed a very tasty fish platter and headed back to our apartment.

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