Catania Musings

You can make the Super Bowl, but if you haven't had Cannoli...

Being the "extreme experience" traveler that I am with such an over-abundance of curiosity, I make it a point to seek out all the local secrets of any new place I go. Obviously in my time on Sicily I have pretty much discovered all the 'secret spots' there are to know. So you can imagine my horror last night when a bunch of us were sitting around discussing local Sicilian cuisine that Richard Kovalchek - the same one who has been here for over four months - had NOT YET TRIED CANNOLI! The moment I found out I screamed "Blasphemy!" and vowed to right this wrong instantly. You see, Cannoli is not a secret, it's a revelation. An institution. A pillar upon which all dolce stands. It is... simply the best freakin' thing anyone has ever tasted. And no where else in the world can you get such wholesome goodness than in Sicily.

If Richard led the Elephants to the Super Bowl, but did not try Cannoli, his mission here in Sicily would have been a complete and utter failure.

The Master of Slant

We immediately jumped in our car (and Vespa) and raced straight for the centro de Catania. While I have discussed the many fine Cannoli establishments on the island, there is only one official ceremonial tavola calda where all who step foot on Sicily must first be indoctrinated into the mundo del cannoli: E'Toile D'or. (Or "Ecuador" for the hard of hearing.) It has perhaps the most standard of all cannoli, with a good sized slant (pistachio-covered angled edge). I immediately ordered two and placed one in front of Richard. He took a big bite and...

SUCCESS.

Another future Cannoli Lover of America. I think his exact words were, "Freakin' Amazing!" The season and Super Bowl Preparations may now continue.

OTHER ADVENTURES

GRANITA: Sicilian for "Breakfast"

So far every day we've also made sure to eat our fair dose of Sicilian specialties. One of these is Granita, a sort of gelato-esque slush that is eaten for, of all things, breakfast. It is so sweet, so light, that it literally melts in your mouth. The one pictured is a mix of Mandorla (Almond) and Gelsi (Berry). This is so good that it is worth jumping on a plane and flying 5,000 miles for breakfast. On a patio. Surrounded by beautiful people, blue water, and buzzing Vespas. But I digress.

We've also made sure to hit up some of our old 'haunts. We went to Giardini Naxos and got a message (or "rub down") from a Chinese lady. We went to Taormina for our customary Gelato and Parking Ticket. And we hit up the Market for some good ol' shopping deals and dudes from Senegal.

Can you spot the Canadian?

The weather hasn't been too "beachy" -- staying pretty cloudy and only in the low 70s. In fact, today we were one of 4 people at the usual packed "Capannine" beach lido. However, we did try to do something local last night, ending in the ultimate backfire ever:

A bunch of Elephants and friends were meeting to watch Italy's first World Cup match at a friend's huge mansion. There is a small yard where fierce games of soccer are played before and after the televised match. This has been talked about for some time. The moment we arrived we jumped out of the car and were excited to join in. Gregorio threw the ball to Christie, who promptly PUNTED the ball over the fence. Game over.

It was "like totally the most American thing we could do" and we felt terrible. We slumped into our seats and tried to look invisible during the first half. I could see the frustration on the Italian's faces, and we were sure they were all talking bad about us in their native tongue. Fortunately, a second ball was found and the game sprung up at half time. Spirits were lifted. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. Until the ball came to me -- and I promptly PUNTED THE BALL OVER THE FENCE. Game over, part 2.

At this point, I can only say that I am thankful that I am still alive. They were all very gracious, and I may be feeling overly guilty, but essentially it would be the same thing as breaking your mom's best China. On Christmas.

The good news is that after the game a third ball was found - a beach ball - and a nice game of Volleyball started. Until the ball came to the only other American within 30 miles -- Richard -- who promptly SPIKED THE BALL OVER THE FENCE!!!

3 for 3... we gotta get outta here!

Rich on the Vespa

... and into the Sunset he rides.

Ciao from Catania!!!

JJ