Not much new news actually. Just thought I'd take advantage of the Internet access before I move on tomorrow.
Been spending the last few days in a campground in Sferrocavallo near Palermo, Sicily (I think I mentioned that last time). We've (the staffer and other campers) been having a good time basically dinking around, hitting the beach for a little snorkling and sunbathing, eating good food, and hitting the Palermo nightlife. Last night four of us went to a disco and danced the night away to some of the best dance hits from 2 or 3 years ago! The fashion may be cutting edge here (apart from the translucent plastic bra straps) but the regular disco music ain't. Great time, nonetheless. The disco was an old villa restored for the sole purpose of night life - 2 story interior ceiling surrounded by an upper level balcony, pillars all round, well-decorated reception area (!), and marble floors in many places. Absolutely beautiful. The second time the breakers flipped, cutting off the music (and the annoying dj- thank you!), we pretty much knew what to do - keep dancing! They even had a Latin-American drummer to keep the beat going during those dark times.
Tomorrow I hit the road again (I think I said this a few days ago) to do a bit more of Sicily before making my way to Greece. I'll miss the Italian food - I found a restaurant here (Il Delfino) that might be featured in global food guides. I know the French know it pretty well. For $15 you get a set 4 course meal with wine (no menu choices) of the specialties of the week. And each course features 2-5 different items, such as squid, boiled octopus, fried fish, lobster, giant shrimp, chili sardines, seafood risotto and maccaroni, spaghetti with clams, whole baked fish, etc, etc, etc. Man, what a feast. But believe it or not, I've gotten tired enough of pasta and pizza to start cooking a few meals of my own, especially anything with eggs (ommlettes!) or beef. Makes a nice change of pace...
Local news: the pic is of the local gas situation. Nobody has any! Truckers have blockaded the port and gas stations aren't getting refilled, so voluntary rationing is in effect. Its the topic of the day with everyone including the tourists, but because I'm on a bike, I didn't even realize it until I saw the lines. Vive le bicce!
Ciao, tutti! Mark
