[TI] TI in October, need suggestions please.

[patti covert]

TI Family,

I will be in TI the last week of October and would appreciate your suggestions of where and what to see, do, eat, etc.   I remember reading notes from those who went to the reunion in TI but, I don't remember what everyone said about places of interest, eating, gelato.  I do recall the 'soup nazi' story and no burra! ?? but don't know what restaurant that was?  The stairmaster from bassa to alta (oh...can't wait to do that!).  Is that near the train station?

We will be arriving by train from Palermo, how do you get from the train stop into TI?   Last time, travelling from Palermo to Bagheria, when the train stopped at TI, I couldn't see where to get up to TI because the wall was too high to see into the town, and I didn't see any stairs...Please, can someone give instructions, much appreciated :)

Is there a general tourist information center near the entrance to TI?  I recall one of the reunion pictures with many of the group outside & inside the tourist center (or something like our chamber of commerce ?? )
Would this be a good place to research some family contacts?  I really don't know how to start and maybe this isn't the place.  I think Kathy Kirkpatrick had some contact information, but I'm not positive.  I'd appreciate anyone's assistance, thanks :)  Also, I think Kathy had a contact name for day tour to Trabia or ??   Would you be able to share this persons contact informatio?

I'm hoping to make or attempt to make contact with family connections with family name(s) of Gentile, Piraino, Longo, Mercurio, Rini, Palmisano, Sansone-Chiari, Culota, D'Attilo, Trentanella, Rocca, and Badali.   I don't know where, except at the cemetary!

A while back Paul Caito sent (or I sent to Paul?)a note about a family connection we have.  I don't recall the family name and I've misplace that note.  Paul, if you recall the name could you contact me on the list?  

We are staying at Il Gabbiano II.  I don't know how far this is from the main piazza, part of town or the train station.  Does anyone know how long it takes to walk there from the train station?   

OK, too many questions, I'd appreciate anything from anyone :)

Now, is there anything I can bring back for the list?

Thanks!   Patti