Hot nights in Palermo

From the ferry we went straight to a motorhome parking space in Palermo. It was only 2.5 km, but the traffic in Palermo makes a Central European sweat with fear. Narrow streets, countless mopeds and motorcycles constantly overtaking you on the left and right. Add to that cars honking and parking in the third row.

The parking space was top notch, the operators very friendly and helpful. They immediately gave us the address of the car repair shop they trusted.

So the next day we went straight to the workshop. Again just 1.5 km away, but this time in a traffic jam because the asphalt was being laid interactively, ie while the traffic was winding through the streets, in what was for us a chaotic manner.

As soon as I arrived at the workshop, a mechanic showed me how to do it right there on the street. I pointed to the rear wheel and he was already on his way with the jack to raise the car and unscrew the tire. In fact, a long, sharp stone had penetrated the casing. While I was looking for money, the tire had already been remounted. €7 had to be paid in the workshop office. I was happy to give the mechanic a €5 tip, which he was very happy about.

And the best thing - the air actually stayed in the tire.

We spent the next two days in Palermo. As you can see in the photos, Palermo is a city that you probably only "fall in love" with at second glance. On the one hand, the city is partly run down, but on the other hand, there are really beautiful squares and cultural sites. The cathedral, the Norman Palace and the catacombs in Capuccini are worth a visit.

The city seems chaotic, but the people are very helpful and friendly - whether on the street or in tourist sites.

Unlike perhaps Venice or Rome, much of it is still authentic. But there aren't the crowds of tourists like in other well-known cities.

And eating out is a dream. Incredibly good and prices like they were here 10 years ago - and that's the case even in the tourist hotspots.

The city reveals its charm especially in the evening after a few glasses of wine. There is hustle and bustle everywhere, people partying and having fun in the streets.

Of course there is also the other side with poverty and people who have nothing and have to beg.

Oh yes. The temperatures are, contrary to what was predicted, quite bearable. 33°-35° is not a low temperature, but it is very dry and definitely bearable if you drink a lot and look for a shady spot at lunchtime.