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Sunday, 8 April. This was Palm Sunday. The rain clouds were clearing and the day would soon turn sunny. We had our usual breakfast before the bus left at 9:30 for Cefalu', easily visible to the east from our hotel. In 1063 the little town on this site was captured by the Normans, one of their first conquests in Sicily. In thanksgiving, it was transformed into an important city. The large cathedral was built 70 years later (1131).

Cefalu'  (on horizon) from Trabia

La Rocca behind Cefalu'

Closer view of La Rocca (right)

As we approached, we had a good view of the town spread along the shore with "La Rocca" (The Rock) towering over it. After being dropped off, we all walked to the Piazza Duomo where we were turned loose. Several of us walked directly to the cathedral where, fortunately, we caught a Mass just beginning. The church was magnificent richly decorated with gold mosaics. Afterwards Jane had a cappuccino in a bar while Darrell took some photos of the piazza. We walked a way through the maze of charming medieval streets, but returned to Piazza Duomo when we heard music coming from there. There was a fairly large band, all in uniforms. We stood and listened until it was time to head down to the beach where we all were to meet for lunch.

Catherdral (La Rocca on right)

Band in Piazza Duomo

Communal laundry (lavatoio)

We found our way through the maze of streets quite easily. On the way, we stopped at the lavatoio, a medieval wash area fed by freshwater springs. We finally reached the beach and followed it a short way until we spotted the restaurant. At 1:00 we had a lovely (and large) lunch in a bright, sunny room. Afterwards we had time for a pleasant stroll down the beach before the bus picked us up at 2:30. 

Cefalu' beach

Jane in restaurant

Beach promenade

Folklore show in Trabia

By the time we reached our hotel at 3:15, it was raining, but it stopped soon after. We read until 6:60 when it was time for the Italian lesson. As expected, it was quite elementary, but still fun. We had a buffet dinner at 7:30, followed by a folklore show at 9:00. The performers were very young, many of them children, but it was very entertaining. We retired right after the show.

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