Sorry for the delay but the internet with lousy on my Mediterranean cruise and again at the week in Palermo. The cruise was great but like all cruises you get a day in each port and a very limited feel for what it is really like to live there or what the people are like ( not just the ones hocking there wares to the tourist as) Now, Palermo we stayed a week in a very basic apartment in the old section of town. A block from a grade school, we saw and heard kids and parents walking to and from school. Sicilians are very loud and windows are always open so you knew everyone’s business on the small narrow street (if you spoke Italian, which I don’t). People were friendly and helpful. The very large open air markets were open everyday and had fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, olives etc. along with household products. Most locals shop daily and cook what they buy. We took day trips to Corleone (as in Vito), Monrealle, Mondello (beach resort town) and the small town of Ficuzza. Here are pics from the cruise and Palermo.
First 2 pics from the rock of Gibraltar, video of a cloud pushing up one side of the peak- really coolMonkeys live on the rock of GibraltarCruising companions and servers on shipGuide in front of leaning tower of PisaCathedral in Pisa ( tower on right)Another strenuous day on shipMore tough work on shipEveryone uses motorcycles in Europe- this from Genoa ItalyPalermo gates- I’m looking a little rough with a new beardPalermo cathedralWho wouldn’t want a little drinky at the Tinky WinkyPalermo food marketRenovations on a building down the street starting with the foundationMondello beach- water too cold to go inSahara sands causing haze overlooking Palermo from MonrealePalermo cathedral crypt- lots of important dead people herePalermo countryside on way to CorleoneExample of mountains around PalermoView across the street from our 2nd floor apartment. Many buildings are empty and in bad shape due to having many owners from generations of inheritanceView from our balcony down the small streetView from our balcony down the other way on the small streetFresh made cannoli-yumStreet food tour guide at a barVendor making a spleen ( yes, spleen) sandwich- it was very tastyFood market in PalermoFood market in Palermo
Rich Cope's Retirement 
Looks like a great time! I’m glad you didn’t wake up with a horse’s head in your bed. Have fun!
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No horse head (yet). House coming along ok?
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