Solo Travel by Deb

05/25/2024

In Rome, in the center of Campo de Fiori, which is the little market that I enjoyed their stands of black hooded statue. It is the statue of a 16th century philosopher and catholic priest, Giordano Bruno. He was burned at the stake, in that very place, for his stubborn adherence to science, and his belief that the universe is infinite. He became a symbol of free thinking, and was proven correct by future philosophers and scientists. His statue faces the Vatican, who ordered his death, and it is said that it faces the Vatican as if to say, I was right - you were wrong. So many of these stories that I’ve heard along the way. Interesting but very dark.

05/21/2024

Here’s a few random pictures of St. Peter Square.

05/21/2024

After mass I wandered around a bit, took a picture at Saint Peter‘s fountain and waited for the noon time blessing that the pope gives to the crowd every Sunday at noon when he’s in residency. Never thought I would see it and I enjoyed so much the faithful who had gathered. Being alone I was all ears as I listened to the people’s anticipation. When he came out of his window there were great cheers and the monitors went on so that we could actually see him because he was barely visible from the ground.

05/21/2024

On Sunday, May 19, I spent my morning in St. Peter Square with His Holiness, Pope Francis. I arrived in the Square and mass was going on and it was fed to monitors with an incredible sound system and it was a particularly meaningful moment for me, growing up Catholic and having a mother who is one of the most devout Catholics I’ve ever known. I know I shared that moment with her.

05/21/2024

I have to confess that on the food tour I had a little fall. I had been walking footpaths in the mountains slippery sliding and cracking stones that were made to be sidewalks and streets and these little squares took me down! The tip of my gym shoe got caught in one of those and I almost caught myself but I did go down on one knee. It was a very easy fall if I had to have one but the new people I had just met (7 of them and guide) for the tour were all very upset and surrounding me and helping me get up. Yes it was very embarrassing. the tour guide wanted to take me to the pharmacy to get cleaned up but I had a little first aid kit (dollar store)and I wiped it up and it was fine. Once everyone felt better and knew I was OK and I could walk and we were going to move forward, then everyone started joking about it! Of what a burden I am and how they have to carry me around and blah blah blah. I was lucky to be in a such a great group with such great senses of humor. we just had fun with it. Later I did push the guide out of the way of speeding car so I feel like I did some good in return!

05/21/2024

This is a picture of the oldest bakery in Rome so it is also well sought after. The line is usually around the block. Bakeries here also serve sandwiches and pizza.

05/21/2024

I don’t see the Suppli in the photos I just posted!

We also had two different pizzas a traditional margarita and a chili Pepe. And our last stop was for gelato. I don’t have pictures of these.

05/21/2024

I am currently in Rome and my first full day I did a food tour which was great fun, excellent food, and a lot of history and stories. These tours are pretty reasonably priced and you get so much goodness and information. We started off with the appetizer of Suppli. it is a fried rice ball with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. Very similar to an iron Cheney that served mostly in Sicily. , cheesy and delicious!

The next thing we tried was a porchetta panini. I had been looking forward to this and it did not disappoint. Porky and crunchy and heavenly.

We then stopped for a truffle tasting at Fiore de Campo. This was the first open air market that I had been to and it was absolutely amazing. The gentlemen giving us tastings of truffles mixed with different things for creams and dips and pastas was very generous. I think we all ended up buying something from him although there was no obligation.

There is a Jewish section of Rome that has a very dark history, but is now flourishing and frequented by locals and tourist alike, especially for the food. They make the best fried artichoke. Another item I was looking forward to and I’ve never had a better artichoke.

05/14/2024

I went to the little minimart this morning and this is my bounty. All of this plus some paper towels for €16. Which is comparative to $16.

05/14/2024

I have arrived in Gibellina, Sicily!!! Home of my ancestors who left, after marry in 1902. It’s been my dream to come here and see where my family came from. It’s a tiny town in the Trapani area and so quiet and peaceful compared to where I was in Palermo. Quiet and calm is definitely welcome right now. Just walking around here are a few pictures.

05/14/2024

A few other interesting facts about Palermo. It also boasts being the most conquered city in history with over 15 different cultures having occupied the city at different times. So its culture and traditions have been formed by many other influences.

In these pictures, you can see Santa Rosalia church. She is the patron saint of Palermo. The fountain that’s in front of the church was commissioned by a Spanish noble. I’m guessing when it was under Spanish rule. And if I have the story right, when it was delivered and installed, the church had taken occupation in that Piazza. The fountain and surrounding sculptures depict multiple naked men and women cavorting. Obviously, the Catholic Church and the nuns who had to look out on it we’re very unhappy. And it is sad that sister Mary would get up every morning and shout out the window., “How shameful! You sinners will burn in hell”! Since that time it has been nicknamed the fountain of shame. And people love it.

05/14/2024

Palermo boosts the third largest opera house in the world. And as crowds gathered on those steps, there was more beautiful music with a woman singer, and a harvest. So beautiful.

05/14/2024

City center. There was always music from Street singers.

05/14/2024

I was in and out of Palermo rather quickly. And I really didn’t know a lot about the city itself. I stayed close to the city center and spent two days walking the streets and immersing myself in the people and the chaos. What do I think of Palermo? Well it’s very loud and proud, a bit grungy and well worn, with a kiss my ass attitude! Here are a few highlights.

05/13/2024

Anyone want to play dominos?

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

This one’s for you Nancy Carson White! Absolutely nothing like it in the states I’m sorry to report. Tomatoes were probably picked this morning, mozzarella was made by hand, with very little seasoning except some buttery olive oil, makes it perfecto!

05/10/2024

Highlights of Sorrento.