Catania, Sicily and It's Friendly People

Mount Etna....an active volcano in Sicily.  This is the view that greeted us when we arrived.  It was really great weather....almost T-shirt time there.

We spent most of our time watching and enjoying the people of Catania.  They are the draw to me.  

A fisherman mending his nets at the Port.

Crossing the streets in Sicily can be extremely treacherous.  I try to follow and walk with the locals because it doesn't seem to matter how slow they walk they don't get hit.  But I was wearing my 'big girl panties' here as I just went for it.  Stare them down...that works. 

These fellows just wanted to chat when I went over to get oranges.  The older man is explaining that the oranges are from California??  Funny guy.

New friends made on the streets of Sicily.

Cute as a button, this lady let Debbie take her picture.  We loved her.

The fish market in Catania.  Wow....this was awesome.  Didn't bring any fish back to the ship but got lots of pictures.

This fountain is hiding the huge fish market just below it.

These Sicilian street musicians were playing Christmas Carols while we sat in a cafe across the street.

Cleaning their catch of the day.

A produce market filled with huge fruits and vegetables.   Colours are awesome.

Back at the fish market the squid are on display....alive....for somebody's dinner table.  It was climbing all over the fellow in the purple jacket. 

Yikes.

So....do I take it home alive or dead??  I didn't stick around to find out.

A train for tourists from the port.  Five euros for about 1 and a half hour tour.

These are the best pictures that I enjoy taking.  The locals doing what they do best.  A group of Sicilian men hanging out, socializing and watching the funny tourists.

In the middle of a busy area on a main street is of course, an ancient amphitheatre.

People go about their business and pay to attention.  I'm literally hanging out the window to try and get a shot.

The only down side to Europe....the sellers that never stop trying to get you to buy their stuff.  

Even when you are waiting on the little town train or sitting in a cafe or wherever.

We just smile and say no and walk by, as politely as we can be.

Our bus stops don't look like this.