Italy, Greece beckens us. Alas we must say farewell.

Sat 16^th

 Palermo

 We set of early to extend the care rental by another day and then MSK, Bisher and I decided to explore Palermo. Total driving for the day was 625kms.

 I need to mention a few words on the road in Sicily. These roads, other than those downtown Messina, are either as wide as footpaths or they are amazing motorways. The motorway, or autstrade as it is known here between Messina and Palermo needs a special mention. It is dramatic to say the least. It is 250 kms of a series of tunnels and high bridges carved through mountainsides and spanning high valleys. I looked on the net for a picture and the one I found does no justice to this truly amazing modern monument of the human beings ingenuity in overcoming obstactles.

Talking about monuments. The journey and especially Palermo provided a continuous spectre of ancient walled cities, castles, churches and statues.

We had lunch in Palermo overlooking the Marina, and then headed on down to the the peninsula behind Palermo. Mondello. Here we had our daily walk. About 3 kms today. Nice local seaside town. Not sure if it is because the won the world cup, or it is why they won the world cup, but at every turn kids were playing football on the beach. We have seen this wherever we go in Italy.

We then spent a hour downtime. An interesting area was close to the art gallery where we found the streets all named in Italian, Arabic and Mexican. (J).

Sunday 17^th

Well today we hope to get away towards Greece, so I will not make a post for some time.