Catania, Sicily

 There were some rough seas overnight, but because of our cabin location it was more of a gentle rocking. We certainly had a great sleep! There was a great view of Mount Etna all through our approach, and an even better view once we had docked. It was still windy, and the air very clear. A beautiful day, about 20C.

This is a beautiful city, with mainly Baroque buildings built of lava stone. The city has been destroyed several times over the centuries by lava or earthquake, the last time in 1693.Today is Holy Thursday, before Good Friday, and there was a procession of priests coming out of the main church.

 We had booked a Sicilian Food tour through a company called "Do Eat Better". There were 13 participants of various nationalities, all English speaking. The meeting point was in the main square Piazza Del Duomo by the Elephant fountain. There used to be many small elephants in this area, so you see statues and pictures of elephants in many places.

 Our guide gave us some history of the city, and talked about some of the food influences from different cultures, especially Muslim. We had several stops to try different dishes. Arancini (risotto balls stuffed with various fillings and fried), mixed seafood deep fried and served with a local beer, then a pastry stuffed with tomato, ham and cheese, then pistachio or almond granita, which has no dairy but tastes creamy, and finally a cannoli, which we took to a nearby park to eat in the shade.

All very good, and we are now full! A slow walk back to the ship looking at various sites. I think it's time to relax and have a beer.

A lazy late afternoon on the sundeck. Then we take our left-overs from the food tour up to Windows buffet to supplement with soup and salad and wine. We sit outside to watch the sunset, then inside to eat.