When in Palermo

Palermo has quickly became one of my favourite cities in Italy. Over the years, I have travelled all over Italy, so I can compare different regions and cultures. I was a bit afraid before I came to the south for the first time as I've heard that it's way too relaxed for someone used to the Swiss structure, but I was pleasantly surprised, or maybe just lucky with the people I met. I've been coming back every year to meet ceramicists from all over Europe for a couple of weeks spent together, but there is always a weekend that I reserve for myself. I love the community, but I also need to be alone and do my own thing. They usually go together to a beach, but I prefer to take a weekend off and enjoy myself. Palermo to me means summer. Not only because of the weather, but also because of the atmosphere which is relaxed and holidays like. I love walking around the city, exploring the side streets, going to the smallest and dodgiest restaurants that turn out amazing, listening to the street artists, buying some handmade accessories, visiting museums and churches, walking along the sea promenade, talking to strangers, having cocktails on a terrace while observing people around me, simply enjoying everything what is happening there. Today, I will take you with me all around the city. We won't go anywhere specific, just roam the streets and enjoy the weather (with SPF 50 of course) I was lucky to score a table at a bar with the view of the Palermo Cathedral. Well, I could have stayed there all day...  ---- The streets are narrow, so you can get a bit of relief from the scalding sun, you are surrounded by beautiful buildings, scooters are parked everywhere, all shops have their items outside, and I could go on and on and on.  ---- All terraces have sun protection, but it feels like eating in the greenhouse, and I always prefer eating inside. Many places don't have aircon, so it's not such a difference, but it's still a bit cooler than outside.  ---- Most tourists walk around the main streets, and I usually look for the side streets as they are (almost always) empty...  ---- Yes, those scooters are everywhere...  ----- I only had 2 days, so I didn't do the siesta not to lose too much time, and enjoyed almost empty streets. But it was hot, and I was walking from one shade to another...  ---- There are surprisingly a lot of trees around the city. It's impressive how they survive and thrive in such rough conditions...  ---- The streets were as clean as in Switzerland (or maybe I was lucky) ...  --- There are many buildings reminding me of Spain which is not surprising as Sicily was ruled by Spain long time ago. I even visited a Palazzo where I learned more about this period, and I'll share it with you another time. ![9.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/plantfuljourney/EqBcB921mroT6bor1vvdVFRERMHmXB3cA2sqeHN3EnJ3z3ehwzh9pa2yDKUUXeDyJhV.jpg […]