4 April, 2016

Catania, Sicilia

Continuing to fill in the last few days, we reach Catania. The largest city in Sicilia, there are nearly one million inhabitants here. I believe that the highlight of the city for me was dinner the second night enjoying polpetta – Sicilian meatballs. We ate at the same restaurant our first night in town, and it was so good that after seeing the last night of an exhibit of Marc Chagall’s artwork, several of us decided to return. The first night I had beef meatballs with cheese and onion filling, and it was quite delicious. The second night I tried beef meatballs with Gorgonzola cheese sauce, and it was amazing. I’ve had some good meals here in Sicilia, but this dish might have been among the best ever.

In the morning we had gone to a WWII museum about the allied invasion of the island that was the start of the fall of Mussolini. Its very well planned out and executed displays show the history of the movements and battles, and they have a thorough collection of uniforms and equipment from all of the major armies involve in the conflict.

Continuing back to the city center, we embarked on a brief walking tour, briefly visiting the Duomo. Being there on a Sunday, we were only able to visit the side aisles of the nave as there was a mass going on. This is often a mixed experience I have found. Photos are often discouraged, and access is limited. The caveat is seeing the used for its purpose – filled with the sounds of the chanting of the priests, and music of the organ. Sometimes these are my favorite experiences, and I often make an effort to attend a mass whenever possible.

From the Duomo we made a quick stop at the Greco-Roman Theatre before having a quick lunch and departing up the coast to Taormina. This tiny village is perched on a promontory above the Ionian Sea. With history reaching back to the Grecian domination of the Mediterranean, it was once a strategic and very easily defended position with an Arab Castle perched high above the town on ground that looked to be practically impenetrable with medieval means. Today Taormina is a well preserved tourist destination. The theatre is the main highlight of this town for me. It is well preserved and maintained, but is a crowded tourist destination. Beyond that, I will let the pictures say enough.

Arrivederci!