Palermo is a wonderful city. The vast array of cultures, the intensity of the activity of a port city, combined with a young and vital energy – there is a lot to enjoy here.
Enormous churches, Palazzos, Villas – amazing streets filled with history. We took a visit to the Botanical Gardens – quite a different experience – with many Australian species growing happily – it was established by the University of Palermo in 1789. Some of the biggest ficus trees in the world are here.
Whether you want to do art, shop, eat, walk, sightsee, swim, sail – it’s all here in Palermo. And it is safe – contrary to what you might hear.
From Palermo we are making our transit to Castellmare del Golfo – around the cape and onto the west coast. Then we set sail to Sardegna which is an overnight sail and make our way to Isola San Pietro – Carloforte.
We had a nightmare crossing for the first 6 hours. A bad storm that we were expecting but it was so much worse than what was forecast. Luckily Jurgen and Gabriele were on board – Rog and Jurgen did all the work. It was too much for me – I couldn’t bear to look – the waves were huge, the wind was too strong – I had to head below decks and wait it out. Luckily I do not get sea sick but Gabriele was not well for 24 hours. We got blown off course and eventually got back on track. The upside was a fast sail.
Rog and Jurgen were stars and did the hard work through the night. By my shift we were through the worst and the wind had dropped but the sea was like washing machine. It was with huge relief that we saw land – Porto Zafferano on the south coast of Sardegna. We had left Castellmare at 7am and by 3pm the next day we were tied up in the marina at Carloforte. So nice to have flat water and for the boat to stop moving. It becomes the most tiring aspect in bad weather that there is never any stillness. We will have the night here and head off tomorrow for Mahon, Menorca – another overnighter but easy this time. We left Carloforte at 12 noon and we arrived on Menorca at 1pm the next day. A lovely sail across. Gabriele and Jurgen did the first shift until 2am and then Rog and I did the next.
It is always exciting when you first sight land and Menorca is so flat that is about 20nm before you start to see anything at all. That and all our phones start to ping as we come in range of mobile coverage.
We visited the Balearics last year and so liked it that we decided to come back and see more of these islands. They are all quite different. While there are around 50 islands all together only 5 are inhabited – Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Cabrera and Formentera. Our intentions are to visit Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
My cousins Christopher and Philip are coming for a few days. Gabriele and Jurgen have done an epic 12 days with us and it is time for them to head back to Munich. Chris and Phil are joining us the next day just for a few days. this will be Philip’s first time on a boat – Chris is an ‘old salt’. They are both diehard footy fans and we will be watching the Euro Cup Final – Spain vs England. I have a feeling they may be disappointed – 1966 was the last time they had success.
Alcudia is where we are – it is at the eastern end of the island of Mallorca. It is package holiday territory – lots of ‘poms’ wandering the streets waiting for the game. At the same time it is a fabulous holiday place with everything on offer. Big child friendly beaches and facilities. A shallow lagoon with white sand (unusual anywhere in the Med) makes for fun times.
Well you know the result – Spain won – in fact they won everything that weekend. Wimbledon, The GP and The Euro Cup – well done them – it was a great game and a lot of fun to be surrounded by enthusiastic Spaniards.
We are going to sail down the north coast of Mallorca and head for Port Soller. It is a protected harbour where we can anchor plus it has the town of Soller which is a very popular holiday destination. Philip is doing well, he has taken a Dramamine in case he gets sea sick – he’s not sure how it will go but he has enjoyed his breakfast which is a good sign.
Lots of fun with these guys. we have enjoyed swimming off the back of the boat, watching the antics of charter boats as they come inflate and try to find a place to anchor, great food – a wonderful restaurant called Patiki Beach with delicious food. Walks and talks, lots of laughs – and it is time for them to head to the airport. A 2 hour flight and they are back in the UK. Philip will do a few days there seeing family and then had back to New York where he lives upstate.
Okay – enough for now. I was seriously behind – it has been too busy to get computer time – if you can believe that. True!
Ciao ciao – Jane xx
janeandrogersadventure 
seasickness and big waves bad. Diving off end of yacht good. Hurray for Roger Admiral of the seas.
Palermo is the setting for White Lotus. Looks intriguing.
we have had storms and freezing weather but mild today ahead of a change. A ti tree fell but leaving it after cleaning up the bracken as it seems to have survived.
Watched a lot of Wimbledon and saw Will in the crowd centre court. Amazing connect from ocean grove to Wimbledon.
enjoy the sun
love Anne