Palermo: the Arab-Norman Marriage
Expecting the rain to begin at any moment as forecast, I made sure to pack my raincoat before setting off and resolved to walk the city before I would surely be relegated to indoor sights. In fact, it stayed sunny and warm throughout the day! First I did a little shopping, picking up a couple of tops at Blue Sand, an Italian brand selling colorful low-cost fashion. This made me work up an appetite. I stumbled on Bar Touring around the port where an array of salads, stews, lasagnas and sweets were displayed behind a glass. People streamed in and out with their takeaway treats but fortunately there were a few tables. I ordered both the octopus salad and the vegetable stew, having no idea the portions would be so large. Each was delectable. How is it possible that tomatoes, potatoes, olives and green beans could be SO GOOD? Well fortified, I decided to head to Palermo’s premier sight, the Norman Palace, now the seat of the Sicilian Parliament. Like so much in Palermo, it reflects a synthesis of Moorish and Norman styles. Built in the 9th century, it was transformed when King Roger II swept in with his Norman … Continue reading →