SICILY- PT. 2: The Showdown. (not really that epic).
So where were we? Friday? Friday. We started off at an ancient quarry where you can still see unused but quarried temple columns. We also got some awkward pictures of our professors, which was nice. After that, we took a very small boat (which miraculously fit about 45 people) to Motia, a privately owned island off the coast of Marsala. We walked around, saw wildflowers, beautiful views, and a spot where child sacrifice took place! We then boated back to shore and had an amazing lunch at a restaurant by the boat. We then drove up to Segesta where we saw yet another Greek theatre (*sigh*) and a temple. The temple was exciting, because despite the fence surrounding it, a few of us went inside and climbed around. I enjoyed the fact that when the professors noticed their students climbing around a 2000 year old fenced-off temple, they didn't yell at us, but instead used us as pointers to explain parts of the temple. Before we left, I kissed one of the columns. Just so I could say I've kissed a Greek temple.
Hey! I'm in a temple!
We then drove to Palermo, which is, in my opinion, a terrible city. On Saturday morning we drove to Monreale, about 15 minutes outside of Palermo, to see a cool mosaic-ed temple and have some free time. We then returned to a museum in Palermo to see 2 things and then had free time. During said free time we wandered the literally shit-covered streets looking for a place to eat. Finally we found a sketchy little street stand selling sandwiches (those are always the best!) and got some delicious food. After the lovely break we went to Zisa Palace, an old palace from the Muslim inhabitants. I thought it was cool, but many people were confused as to why we were there. After that, another 4 free hours! We found a market and some cafes, had an awkward run-in with an umbrella sales-man, and managed to get back on the bus with minutes to spare! Then it was time for the boat.
The boat was interesting. For some reason we all got it into our heads that we were embarking on some lavish cruise with a swimming pool and movie theater and all that... that's how rumors spread. The boat was pretty crappy, and a lot of people got sick. Luckily for me, I don't really get motion sickness. At about 1 AM I went outside with a few people and walked around the entire boat in what felt like hail... it was scary but fun!
The boat docked in Naples at about 7:00 the next morning, we all got on the bus and slept our way back to Rome. Once in Rome, I had 3 hours to unpack, pack, shower, eat, and leave again, this time for Barcelona!
TO BE CONTINUED...
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