24 Crazy Hours in Catania

00:00 - Happy Parents landing in Catania

At 1:08am on Thursday morning, Westjet Flight 4919 touched down at the Catania airport with some very important cargo: my parents Jim and Holly Johnson!  We were determined to make their FIRST 24 HOURS in Catania a blast!

Despite being an hour late (which is well ahead of the 2.3 hour Westjet average), they had smiles on their faces – with my mom proudly displaying her new “Italia” felpa!  Immediately infected with Catania fever… we decided to make a quick diversion on our way home to the ‘Centro’ for a peak at the Duomo, Elephant Statue, and of course, BELLINI GELATO! 

00:12 - Italia Felpa!

We awoke the next morning slightly groggy (overnight sleeps here are often little more than naps) but excited about their first full day in Sicily.  The first item of business was breakfast, which during Summer in Catania means only one thing: GRANITA!

 10:04 - Mythos Granita!

This local specialty, which is tough to describe (filling the void in the universe somewhere between a milk-shake, snow-cone, and gelato) but tastes great, was an instant hit – especially with “Johnny!”  They opted for a very typical mix of Mandorla (almond) and Chocolate… with a little whip cream on top!  (There has to be some kind of nutrition in there!)

10:16 - Granita Action Shot

10:35 - Hitting the streets of Aci Trezza on our way home

We then decided to hit the beach for a little R&R, and after braving cross-town traffic, arrived safely in Mexico (or Capaninne Lido on Playa Beach as the locals call it).  We dozed, swam in the warm water, and had one very positive experience: Christie (aka The Dog Whisperer) discovered that her new friend – a small white “Pomeranian-Polar Bear” mix – had found a home!  Two days ago at the beach, she had discovered the little fellow wandering around looking lost, and made it her mission to clean him and make him comfortable.  She succeeded in that mission – and now can rest easy knowing that he has a loving home! 

12:54 - Catania Traffic at its best (this is supposed to be one lane each way)

13:02 - Capaninne Beach

13:45 - Mission SUCCESS!  Our small friend has a home!

16:22 - Last ones on the beach

After such a stressful day, we returned to Malibu where early evenings involve panoramic views and white wine.  Christie prepared a plethora of appetizers, including bread to be dipped with olive oil & balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and various finger foods.  We watched the sun go down and enjoyed great conversation.

18:33 - Watching the sun go down is a favorite hobby

Dinner was an incredible experience at our favorite local pasta restaurant, Pizzeria Al Tubo.  This spot has become an inside joke to us of sorts, revolving around its charismatic (at least in George’s mind) owner… for while the name of the restaurant – AL TUBO – means “in the tubo style” – George is convinced that the owner’s name is actually Al, as in Al Tubo.  He is similar to “The Godfather” in some sorts, sitting in the corner and generally doing nothing other than nodding at the regulars and making sure everything runs smoothly.  According to George - he also pretty much has his way with the ladies.

We enjoyed grilled swordfish, shrimp & asparagus pasta - and about 4 FREE EXTRA COURSES JUST FOR THE LADIES!  Seems as if Al has passed his style on to our waiter, Giuseppe, who happily brought out Mussels, Bruschetta, Extra Potatoes, and Sorbetto to cleanse our palattes.

22:18 - Happily posing with our great waiter, Giuseppe.  Our table itself overlooked the Marina and Aci Castello Castle.

23:56 - Ending the night with a Nutella Crepe, just 23 hours and 56 minutes after they touched down in Catania.  What a DAY!

The day closed with an amazing feat in Italian Gastrological History - the first ever "SICILIAN TRIPLE DOUBLE."  This amazing accomplishment was done by none other than our very own George Contreras, who had THREE GRANITAS and TWO AL TUBO MEALS in a single day.  Congratulations, George!  (Commentators Note: This is one record we don't predict will fall anytime soon...)

~ J. Twice