Day 5 in Sicily

A test run was necessary to work out "bugs" in the bike and to attempt an understanding of the directions provided by Iron Donkey, (the biking company directing us through western Sicily). This morning we rode a short distance and all systems are a go for tomorrow's "maiden voyage". We had lunch by the harbor in Mondello and Hunter fed the hungry pigeons, (missing the grandchildren who would love this activity!).

On our return trip to the hotel we stopped at a local fruit stand and learned about prickly pears, the edible fruit on the cactus, now being the ripe season. We learned they are called the "mother of Sicily". Full of seeds yet incredibly sweet we bought a few to eat this evening. Before cutting into one it must be soaked one hour to soften the thorns. Not my favorite because of the multitude of seeds-definitely not a fruit Americans would buy, but another interesting experience!