"Sicily is like the rest of Italy turned up to 11"

That's a direct quote from Eric and it's so true!  To us, Sicily is like the rest of Italy at max volume -- crustier (in a good way), more colorful and more energetic than other regions we've visited.  We are excited to spend the next month here, exploring this fascinating island!

Here's how it all began...

waiting for the bus to MSP airport
with 43 pounds of 'stuff' in my backpacks

Eric trying to stay awake for dinner

After a long journey from Minneapolis to eastern Sicily by way of Amsterdam and Milan, we arrived in Catania -- a gritty city at the foot of Mount Etna.  A feast of meatballs including one made with horse meat (which is tastier than it sounds), and a glass of Etna red wine helped us recover from the trip.  We ended the evening with amaro and a Bellini on the rooftop of our hotel (thank you, Mike & Marsha!). Bellini lived in Catania, so it seemed only right to honor him in this way.

a Bellini in Bellini's hometown

After sleeping like dead people, we had a delicious rooftop breakfast.  Cannoli with a view!!  Then we set out to explore Catania before catching a bus to our next destination.  

my first cannolo of the trip

Piazza del Duomo -- Catania

Catania's fish market is incredible!  This market has existed in the same location for over 1000 years.  The vendors are especially boisterous, singing the praises of their fresh catch and encouraging shoppers to come closer for a look or a sample.  Eric couldn't resist a plate of anchovies, carefully prepared with olive oil, lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.  I'm not a fan of fishy fish, so he had to go it alone.  

We didn't take a ton of photos in Catania and we were only there 1 night, but we did appreciate 24 hours to wrap our heads around being in a different world.

~Peggy