Palermo
We've all heard that famous saying by the 13th century Persian poet, Sa'adi of Shiraz:
The ultimate measure of civilization is the ability to get fine bread, fresh juice and good coffee without having to walk more than five minutes in any direction.
In case you haven't, don't fret. He didn't say that, I made that up. But I'm sure it's the kind of thing he would've said, had he lived in our times. Either way, most people would testify to the truth of the axiom. What's more to life than good bread, good coffee/tea and fresh juice? And by that measure, Palermo is the most civilized place on Earth.
If you lived a life where, at least a few times a week, you were able to indulge in the many joys of Palermo's Mercato BallarĂ², count your's as a life well lived.
It's inevitable that a place like this will breed a certain kind of people and vice versa.
Can't imagine a better gathering spot / third space.
This is the world the tech bros want to take from us.
Someone said to me, with no regard for my health, that they find Italy to be the same in every direction. I mean, that's quite a thing to say and easily refuted but even it if was true: who would complain about this repeating over and over again?
That's Palermo.
Next up: more from Sicily.
In case you missed it: Trinacria