Wednesday, April 15, 2015

English in Mussomeli: Communicating, Interpretation/Translation, Tour Guide

The vast majority of older residents speak Sicilian, some Italian and no English.

However, one can find many people who have come back to Mussomeli after having lived, studied and worked in England or the United States.

Most middle-aged and all the young people also speak fluent Italian.

Most of the young people speak at least some English, having studied it in school.

Interpreters and tour guides (English mother tongue) are available, for a nominal fee. 

Staying in Mussomeli

In Mussomeli, there are several options for accomodations.

Viola Bed and Breakfast*
http://www.viola-bedandbreakfast-sicily.com (English spoken)

Padalino Bed and Breakfast 
http://www.bbpadalino.it (English spoken)

Collegio di Maria*
(A Catholic convent and the most economic choice but no English spoken)
No website, phone +39 0934 951253

Agriturismo Monticelli
http://www.agriturismomonticelli.it

Agriturismo Mappa
http://www.agriturismomappa.com

* = Centrally located in town.

Getting to Mussomeli

By Airplane

For those who fly, your two airport choices in Sicily are Palermo (preferable for reaching Mussomeli) or Catania.

One will then have to arrange transportation to Mussomeli, either by renting a car, taking a bus, a train, or using taxi service.

From the Palermo airport for example, one can either take the train from the Airport's station to Palermo's Central train station, or take a bus (http://www.prestiaecomande.it) to the train station (a quicker solution).

By Bus

1. The only bus that stops in Mussomeli itself is the A.T.M (Aziena Trasporti di Maida Angela), arriving directly from Palermo, Monday-Saturday, excluding several religious and civic holidays. Its stop in Mussomeli is at Piazza Caltanissetta, at the end of the so-called "Villa". It departs from Palermo's Central train station (Palermo Centrale) at the intersection of Via Rosario Gregorio and Via Paolo Balsamo streets, once a day at 2:00 (14:00) P.M. It then arrives in Mussomeli at 4:00 (16:00) P.M. The cost of a one-way ticket is (as of April 2015) 7.50 euro.

One can also take this bus, leaving Mussomeli at 6:15 A.M. to reach Palermo, arriving at the same intersection 8:15 A.M.

Call ahead to confirm times... (+39) 0934 992665.

2. The next nearest bus, is the "Sal" bus, which stops about 25 minutes away from Mussomeli at Motel San Pietro, on the Strada Statale 189, technically located in the town of Castronovo. It is very close to the Villa Giatra Hotel, and the Cammarata train station. One can take the "Sal" bus directly from the Palermo airport and stop here, several times a day. (http://www.autolineesal.it/PuntaRi.html) The cost is (April 2015) 12.60 euro.

One can also take this bus to arrive directly at the Palermo airport (http://www.autolineesal.it/PuntaAn.html), leaving at 7:30, 10:30 and 3:20 (15:20) respectively. The cost of a one-way ticket is 12.60 euro.

Call ahead to confirm times... http://www.autolineesal.it/contatti.html

3. One can also take other buses (Salemi and SAIS companies) arriving in the cities of Agrigento and Caltanissetta, respectively. However it is more difficult, and more costly to arrive in Mussomeli.

Please note that with Sicilian highway conditions and traffic, one is liable to run a little late. However the Sal bus to/from Palermo airport has an excellent reputation for running on time.

By Train

The closest train (railway) station to Mussomeli, about 20 minutes away by car, is Acquaviva, or more officially Acquaviva-Casteltermini. If one searches for tickets on the Trenitalia website, you must type first "Casteltermini" for Acquaviva-Casteltermini to appear. Or when purchasing a ticket at a kiosk or directly with an agent, always say Acquaviva-Casteltermini.

A one way rail ticket is about 7 euro (April 2015).

By Taxi

There are three men in Mussomeli who provide a public taxi service in all parts of Sicily, including airport transfers. Please note: they speak very, very limited English! 

Usually the trip from Palermo airport to Mussomeli costs 100 euro, and from Catania a little more.

1. Pino Mingoia (+39) 339 687-8569

2. Mario Genco (+39) 348 414-6777

3. Salvuccio Bellanca (+39) 320 484-3177

By Car

If you choose to rent a car, please use Google Maps or Mapquest (or your GPS) for directions.

Welcome! Benvenuti!

This blog has been created in order to provide helpful information to English-speakers who are planning on visiting the town of Mussomeli (CL) in Sicily.