Royal Catania

La nostra struttura, si trova nella via più
centrale di Catania, la sempre affollata e vivissima Via Etnea, da
alcune delle nostre stanze infatti, è possibile affacciarsi
direttamente sulla tipica movida Catanese, questa posizione rende
facile raggiungere ogni punto di interesse della città, dagli uffici
amministrativi ai locali di maggiore attrazione, alle università ecc ...

... disappointment we headed back to our hostel as the rain started to fall. It looks like we haven't left the bad weather behind us, yet.

We checked the weather report for the next few days and they weren't looking to good, with that in mind we decided to book our train ticket and head to Rome on the next overnight train.

We had one last day in Sicily and the weather looked like we could step out of doors. We headed straight for the bus ...

... and umbrella) on this side of the island. We picked our favorite color lido umbrella and got settled in our spot. The chairs had built in awnings to block out the sun if one wanted. It was a full service beach in that we were constantly being asked if we wanted a chinese massage (from a little old asian woman) or sunglasses or a bathing suit from many African vendors. The lido played music and it was great european ...

Wir flogen von lissabon nach mailand malpensa, wo wir im flughafen-hotel übernachteten. Wau! Tolle ausstattung mit allem drum und dran und hygienisch wie in einer klinik....war auch mal schön nach den hostals und so.

Am nächsten morgen dann wieder aufs easyjet-flugi nach catania auf sizilien. Dort angekommen auf den bus in die innenstadt spätabends und dann mit dem schweren gepäck auf die suche nach dem gut versteckten hostal, dessen strassenname in keinem ...

A lovely quaint very old area. Stayed in a lovely hotel with great attentive staff would recommend it to any couple looking for a romantic break or second honeymoon. Just off the main shopping street of Corso Umberto but found that the shopping was over priced so don't go expecting any bargains.

... an emotional bunch. In fact, they pride themselves on their emotions, their passion.

This emotional bent is also apparent by the many idols – statues of Mary, churches, looming dominance of God, crosses nearly everywhere you look. A sign of devotion as part of the Italian Culture.

Refugio

We stayed at a Refuge on Mount Etna – menu scant.

The beauty of this town was breathtaking. My wife, sons, sisters and brother-in-law strolled around town, ate with the locals and admired the Greek Roman Theater. We got a peek of the town from the cruise ship on our way back from Crete to Rome. It was just as stunning from afar as it was within the town.

... 30 minutes we were in shadow, dressed in shorts, sandals, and t-shirts, shivering against the evening wind. Oh Sicily have you no mercy? I grabbed the last rice, cheese, and meat sauce Arancinni at a local store and then Lauren wanted one so I gave her mine and had to go back in. They were now out of rice, cheese, and meat sauce Arancinni's so I was stuck eating one that was basically deep fried, chopped up spaghetti. "Yesterday's leftovers" as Lauren put it. The ...

Boo went to the kids' late night party last night. When they said "late night" they weren't kidding. The staff delivered her back to our room at 3:00 a.m. She had a blast, but was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Needless to say, we slept late today. Pretty much just another relaxing day at sea. I did become hugely aggravated when they scheduled a kids club event in the disco at the same time as the big on-board ...

Pizza overload Still sore from our hike, we press on to Catania the second largest city of Sicily. We were under whelmed by this dirty and somewhat sad town. Certainly, Catania has a charm to it but it seems to have been ridden hard and put away covered in Volcanic soot. For us it was at its best when visiting the lively outdoor market. Lots to see, eat and smell. I enjoyed watching Shilo trying to avoid the many dead things hanging all over the joint (Travel ...