Spring Break in the Mediterranean-part 2

Day two found us docked in Palermo, Sicily.  For each port a different family did the research and found information about what to see and how to get there.  We had all decided ahead of time that we would do things independently and not do the ship's excursions to save money.  This was "our port" and the options were to walk in to Palermo and and explore the city or to walk  or take a cab to the train station and then take the train to a scenic little fishing town about an hour's train ride through the Sicilian countryside.  
The Jaster's, McGraths and us decided on the train ride.  Well.... the "10 minute walk" to the train station ended up being about 45 minutes and when we got there we had to wait almost an hour for the next train to Cefalu. 

 Then the train was delayed, then it was cancelled, then we got on the train and then were told to get off the train and get on a different one because the original was having mechanical difficulties.  By the the time we got on our way, we realized we would just get to Cefalu, have about an hour there and then have to turn around go back. (We were now wanting to give ourselves plenty of time for cancelled trains etc...)   Anyway, Cefalu was a beautiful town right on the Mediterranean.  We all took our shoes off and walked in the sand and put our feet in the sea.  It was great!!  

Then we grabbed some pizza and panini and of course more gelato and then headed back up the hill to the train station for the ride back to Palermo. 






















Travis and Kailey made friends with a couple of Italian teens on the way.  

On our "10 minute" walk back to the ship, we found a fun alley way market and did some shopping.  It was a fun day even if we felt a little rushed and walked at least five or six miles.  We loved Cefalu but we thought Palermo was a dirty city. Germany is so clean, we are a bit spoiled, I think.  The train system is not as nice or reliable as the German train system.  But the architecture and the views of the sea and coastline are amazingly beautiful here.

Day three was Tunis, Tunisia in northern Africa!   I was a bit worried about this port from things I had read on the internet.  It is a muslim country, rich in oil and history.  There were warnings about doing anything on your own and it was recommended to do the ship's tours here, but the Abbott's did some research and said as long as we stayed in a group, we would be fine. 

 Right off the ship they have camel rides and of course all the kids wanted to get a ride.  I wanted to, but Travis wanted to ride by himself so I didn't.  It was quite an experience for sure!!  

There is a real "system" going on here.  All the taxis are owned by one company and they force you to take a  three hour "taxi tour"  you can't just hire a taxi to take you to town.  Oh by the way from here on out we discovered that the ship doesn't park right next to town, you have to pay to get yourself to town either by taxi or shuttle...or walk many miles (more on that later)   Anyway, we did the three hour tour with a very unfriendly taxi driver.  He didn't like women and wouldn't really even speak to us....only to the men.  His English was marginal.  

He took us first to the old Medina Souk.  Which was fascinating. 

 Tiny, narrow streets that are all filled with stalls full of wares, clothes, jewelry and much more.  It was just like Morocco in Disney World!!   Only, the real deal.   




We bought some handmade tops for the grandkiddies and I got a little mortar and pestle. 







Next he took us to Carthage.  Carthage is over three thousand years old!   Our driver told us we had 15 minutes here and it cost 3 euro to get in, so we just looked through the gates and took pictures from there. 

 There was a small market set up in the parking area and Missy got two ceramic bowls for 20 euro.  Well Mike tried to beat that price and couldn't but Rock got them down to three bowls for 27 euro.  It was such a game to Rock and Mike.  We had been told "don't pay more than 30 percent of the starting price", so it was a challenge everywhere we went to see who could get it for the best price.  

Then we went to this famous area called Sidi Bou Said.  It is near where the president of Tunisia lives and all the buildings are white with blue roofing.  Of course there was another big outdoor market here.  The vendors were quit agressive, grabbing your arms and following you all around.  Travis bargained all on his own for a nice little chess set.  
We were only in this port until 1:00 p.m. so the taxi driver took us back and we headed away from Africa and towards Spain.