We made it to Catania without any problems with flights or luggage, a smooth trip via Gatwick. We arrived in the evening so other than getting to the hotel near the stazione centrale via the local bus and finding some supper we headed to bed after a long trip.
Today we spent the morning visiting some of the sights on foot and on the tourist train. We were able to climb up into the dome of a church for a great view of the city, experience the sounds and smells of the daily fish market and attend the Strauss opera Salome in the famous Bellini opera house. We also put together the tandem so that we’re ready to ride tomorrow.
For supper we had some delicious pasta dishes, mine with sautéed eggplant (alla Norma) and George’s with gamberetti (small shrimp) and pistachios. For dolci we ordered some mini canoli but they came with pistachios sprinkled on top so I had to pass. Sicily is justifiably famous for it’s canoli.
Catania seems to be a bit of a gritty city. Sidewalks, if there are any, are narrow and full of holes and there’s lots of garbage strewn about. The roads also are quite potholed and we’ve noticed more cobbled roads than in other parts of Italy. I make a point of not looking or walking in places where I suspect there are rats. Hopefully things will improve outside of the city. Our hotel is just fine though.
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