Palermo — “like layers of an onion”

Empire State VI
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

By Johnathan Thayer, Cruise B Ship Librarian

Log from Sunday, July 9th:

We are underway this morning having spent the past four nights in the amazing city of Palermo. For most of us on the ship, this was our first introduction to Sicily. Looking back over my photographs I realize that I did not take many. I think this was because there was too much to see, smell, taste, and soak in as I walked and biked around the city streets.

While not attending to duties on ship in port, cadets out on liberty enjoyed the local pasta, pizza, and seafood, and took advantage of several excursions to local volcanoes, medieval towns, and fantastic beaches.

We are all back to routine this morning, and look ahead at an extended time at sea as we make way to our next port.

The Palermo Tourist Office’s website might describe the city, and all of its fascinating contrasts, best:

“Palermo is difficult to describe

Palermo is sensual and fascinating

Palermo is chaotic

Palermo has blinding light

Palermo is a bridge between east and west Palermo is a hell of traffic and smog Palermo in summer is an experience on the edge of reality Palermo is exuberant Palermo has an eclectic, multiform beauty In Palermo, you can eat any thing, any time, any place Palermo is sweet and sour, like many of its culinary dishes Palermo is made of layers like an onion Palermo has beautiful dusty museums About Palermo, in fact, there are many different versions going round.”

Empire State VI

Written by

Follow SUNY Maritime College’s training ship during Summer Sea Term with more than 550 cadets and 90 crew members aboard.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade