Erice and Palermo

Yesterday we drove toward Trapani planning to take the tram up to Erice high up the mountain. It was closed until 1pm so driving up was our choice.   Following the Gps we drove to find ourselves curving up a narrow road going up the mountainside. I watched as it became narrower and rougher each meter until finally ending in a really narrow path continuing upward.  A goat path for sure!  So back down we went, hoping not to meet any car coming up. 

Reviewing the route showed us a better one up the mountain, still winding, but wide enough for the cars and busses ascending to Erice.  The quaint town is from medieval times with cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways.  We enjoyed a pastry at the famous shop and took many photos as we wandered.  Our last stop was a lovely hotel overlooking Trapani below where a glass of wine toasted the day.

Back in San Vito we found a restaurant adjacent the beach that opened a bit early for us. We had some typical dishes of the area and are learning to love the Sicilian bruchetta and swordfish.  There is also a local pasta that is an unusual shape and holds sauces so wonderfully.  I am bringing a package home!

Today we drove to Palermo to meet a guide for a city tour.  She was wonderful and so full of knowledge that we could have spent many hours with her.  At 3 hours we were pretty tired of walking around so ended the tour at at bar with her helping us to sample Arice..  This is a ball of seasoned rice with a filling of cheese and other things, spinich, ham, eggplant. It is breaded and fried then sold as street food. I also  had a Aprol spritzer with prosecco which I enjoyed before in Rome.  The cathedral was very beautiful  as was the capella palatina.  Very ornate with mosiacs and unique for the combination of Arabic and Norman designs.  The market was interesting with it's various foods and interesting people.

We rode the free bus with the guide and were squashed in the asiles.  It was an experience on such a hot day with many bodies.  Phew!

Back home we are relaxing with tapas again.  The late dinners are difficult for us and rising early each day makes for early to bed.  We haven't played cards yet!!!

Tomorrow the plan is to take a catamaran down the coast along the preserve to a fishing village.  It should be nice if it all works out!  A relaxing day would be nice.