The Offer

We had our guy drive us to Palermo. It was extra but we felt it money well spent.  On the 1 1/2 hour drive, en route to Palermo, we learned that our driver was born in Corleone – the birthplace of the Mafia, and still considered a dangerous place to go.  Corleone is probably recognized by most as the name of Marlon Brando’s character, Don Corleone, in The Godfather movie -- based o Mario Puzo’s, book.

Palermo Bay

Sicilian countryside

Palermo is on the other side of a mountain from Corleone—on the Palermo Bay. Palermo is very... ahem... Sicilian.  You can tell it was conquered by many regimes and now is "part of the family". 

Noelle on terrace of hotel

Interestingly enough, our driver was born in Corleone and lived there until he was six.   He told us his father worked for the Carabanieri -- Even here in Sicily we saw Carabanieri – They are not police, but they seem to carry on police activities.  They have nicer cars and uniforms.  We asked Chase about them and he filled us in on the Carabanieri as he was briefed when he was in Italy in the navy.  But it was still unclear to me because they are everywhere in Italy.

So, since our driver's dad worked for them, I saw my chance and so I asked him the difference between the police and the Carabanieri. He explained (and note his use of words):

The Polizia get the bad guys

The Carabanieri are the Mafia’s Police

The Finalzie  are the Drug police

So we took that to mean that the Mafia is not considered the bad guys.  He went on to say that everyone pays the Mafiaoso 50% of their earnings. I said, “still?”  Cheerfully and emphatically he said , “YES! -- If not, there is an explosion!”

He says it is okay because Mafioso create so many jobs for people.  Without the people to work their vineyards, fields, docks, etc., Sicily would have nothing. He also told us that many of the important leaders have meetings at the hotel where we are staying, as well as weddings and celebrations.  When my eyes ‘got big’ he said, “don’t worry.  You will be safe. You are safe when Mafioso are around you”.  Then he told us about a recent wedding with 1200 guests, wherein he helped drive many there. When asked the price, he said “Don’t worry about it”.

Lunching in Sicily

We enjoyed two quiet days at the hotel as we were all still recovering from "authentic Sicilian" food we had in Trapani—known for it’s freshness. Sidebar:  Fish. Pasta. Seriously. This small authentic restaurant was recommended by our driver and he was very pleased when he saw us there – when I was eating my sardine pasta. *sigh* I won't have sardines for a while.

Lounge in Hotel

The hotel:  Old and Frank Sintra-esque. It is safe. Much safer than anywhere in Palermo. Beautiful. The architecture is really cool because you can seen the influence of the Romans, Normans, and Arabs. But, it is old and somewhat depressed... with many deserted ballrooms. There is something very "the shinning" about it... but in a good way. 

Amanda & Noey at Villa Iglea

Then on our last night,  true to what we had been told, someone 'big' was there.  The staff was quadrupled and very nervous.  It didn’t settle too well.  Kind of nerve-racking in spite of the 'safeness'.

So now we are happy to be off to Venice.

And we hope to see our new friend when he comes to explore America and visit with all the American friends he has made.

Ciao!