I rode that very bus with no problems - although I was pickpocketed on a bus in Rome (he got one day's cash and an expiring bus pass). BUT... The solution isn't to take a taxi, it's to wear a money belt, which is where those credit cards should have been. Aside from just one in the wallet, perhaps.

Sounds great, kathrynj. Was Ballaro market the old one? I don't have my notes handy.

Fair enough thursdaysd!

Ballaro is one of the old markets but the best known one is Viccuria which apparently has changed a lot due to building going on in the neighborhood to gentrify it (according to some locals). I didn't make it to the Capo market which also is supposed to be interesting. I loved Ballaro!

Viccuria is the one we visited that our adopted taxi driver said was being kept alive by older folks and tourists. Glad Ballaro was nice. We didn't get to it or Capo.

Unfortunate about the timing and pick pocketing in Monreale. DH and I were amazed at all the gold leaf there and in Palermo churches.

More, please!