As my post implies, I’m actually in Italy! All those 2013 dreams have officially become a reality and my first Italian adventure has led me to Palermo, Sicily. Home of the mafia, apparently. I’ll be on best behaviour, promise. I did write a couple of posts earlier (see below), to give a kind of step by step account of my travels today but the airport disappointed with a lack of WIFI so here it is for you now:
10:30am-Wow, my journey to Italy has begun! After at least ten re-packs of my suitcase, and a lot of luggage sacrifice (especially on the chocolate front), I am now on the train, dressed a little like a packhorse with 3 cardigans, 2 coats and some very fetching trainers on my feet. Ah well, needs must I guess, especially if like me, you make the decision to only take cabin luggage. Oh boy, today’s going to be fun! Bring on Palermo and a large glass of Pinot Grigio!
12:30pm – Now at Gatwick Airport after being squirted and sprayed with everything the small Asian man at Duty Free had to offer, had a quick marvel at how Justin Bieber has managed to create a girl’s perfume but the Asian guy’s efforts weren’t for nothing as I ended up falling in love with a new scent – Cartier, Panthere. Anyone reading and wants to surprise me, big hint for you there! I’ve even taken a photo so you can’t possibly get confused. Feeling hungry and craving a Boots Meal Deal (odd craving I know, but they’re just so good), I endured the biggest stress of the day in deciding what to have. There’s just too much choice these days! Salads, sushi, sandwiches, wraps…. and that’s just the ‘main’ part of the deal! And when I had to choose between Chocolate Buttons and crisps (you can’t exactly put chocolate buttons in a sandwich), I was just lost. I had to call upon the help of a poor Boots guy to help with the decision making process, and called a couple of people – none of which were much help. So, I ended up with the below- think of it as you may. Anyway, flight’s boarding and I fear it’s the other end of the airport. Flight’s now boarding so I better run, speak to you in Italy! A piu tardi!
So, back to Italy! It’s now 7.30pm (Italian time – we’re one hour ahead) and I’m now in my hostel, which by the way, for my first solo hostel experience, is pretty damn good! Impossibly hard to locate given its just a door on the outside with barely any markings, so far you could definitely call it a hidden gem. Everyone seems friendly, not so great on the English front but they’ve not been the typical ‘ciao bella’ creepy Italian (so far anyway), or I just look horrific. Hmm, that may be the case… I’ll see what happens tomorrow I guess!
Anyway, I’m super hungry so I’m going to make a trek to the supermercato and pick up something as I’m currently eyeing up some guy’s pizza and I’m starting to fear for his stomach as he does keep leaving it unattended….