Much like Genova, if you're into architecture you will probably have an orgasm here (sorry, again to those with a weak heart!). The Baroque style here is impressive and while I'm not an expert on architecture, I can't help but be impressed. The main street here is called via Etnea; aptly named because at one end you can see Mt Etna! Apart from the view of the volcano, you could forgive yourself for also being distracted by the multitude of shops on this street. V...

Welcome to Catania! Our location here is Aci Castello, a suburb a few kilometres out of Catania central. Aci Castello is located on a beautiful stretch of coastline north of Catania, also known as the Cyclops Riviera. It is thought that the legend of Cyclops was created here back in the days of Catania's Greek influence. We are met at the station by Concetto, Johanna's second cousin and head to the apartment that we have booked here. It turns out to be another v...

The theme of today is "Godbye's Suck". After spending a week with our family in Cessaniti we are now left to deal with the ultimate insult to happiness - The Goodbye! It doesn't seem to matter how much you do it, it doesn't get any easier, in fact, as you get older I think it becomes harder. We are now sitting in a train bound for Catania blowing kisses and waving to our cousins, uncle and aunty. The car ride to Lamezia was a procession of phone calls from people...

This morning, Zio and I head off to the local retirement home to visit Zio Leli. He is my mum's Zio and will turn 91 tomorrow. He knows that I am here so I want to spend some time talking to him about mum. We take him to do some shopping and to collect his dry cleaning. He insists on buying me a coffee so we stop at a bar and have one. He tells me lots about mum, much of which I already new but I listen with interest and ask lots of questions. Mum spent 8 years f...

We had a late start to this morning after a late night before. Breakfast here is a typical Italian one; a cup of coffee with a croissant or sweet cake or biscuit. We spend the morning chatting and then, later, head off to the local shopping centre for a look around. They are starting to build shopping centres in Italy like the ones we have at home; big, bright and full of brands that we have grown to know. If you ask me, that is not the way that Italy should go. ...