Buon giorno,
My day started out in a less-than-optimal way when the power went out. Fortunately I'd already had my tea and breakfast, but I was stuck in the dark with only my computer screen for light, and I had to use my phone's hot spot because, the internet was out, too, and also there was no water. After a little over an hour (it seemed much longer than that!) the power and water returned, and I was able to go about my business.
It's the 960th anniversary of the Norman Conquest of England. The Normans also conquered Sicily, and there's a cool looking Norman castle used as the civic museum. It would make an idea destination for today, but alas it's closed for rennovations.
I decided to go to Catania's other market, which I understood to be more comprehensive and less touristy. The directions seemed straightforward, but I got turned around and could not find the street I needed--or so I thought. I was on the correct street, but it wasn't labeled, and I didn't realize I had to cross Via Etnea.
The market is huge. It begins very early in the morning. I was there mid morning, and the place was packed. It's mostly food, but some tourist stuff as well as household goods are on offer. I was astounded at the variety--and beauty--of the fruits and vegetables, some of which I did not recognize.
I dared not buy any as tempting as they were because I know from sad experience that the ingestion of foreign veg leads to gastric disaster.
The exception is olives, which are OK because they've been cured. So after hunting around I found an olive stand presided over by two very good looking young men. One of them spoke English, and I got my loot. Friends, they taste as good as they look!
I had a stroll around the quiet streets near the market, and decided to visit Rinascente, the fancy department store. Most Italian cities have one. I helped myself to some perfume. Guerlain has reformulated L'heure bleu, but I like the old one better. I went downstairs to snoot around their food and wine department. Then I headed for home.
Apero is a bit different today. I have my almonds but also some of those lush black Sicilian olives plus some grappa. Grappa is distilled from wine left overs. I've heard much of it, but I got a small bottle because, although I feel obliged to try it, I don't think I'm going to like it. Let's have sip. I was right. I don't like it. The high alcohol content makes it fiery. I'm feeling the booze after just two small sips. I suppose one could cook with the stuff, but I'm going to pour it out
For dinner, I am also doing something different, but it's still pasta. I've having tortellini filled with spinach and ricotta. I'll douse it in garlic and olive oil.
Ciao for now.
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