Catania (Sicily, Italy) | A Flaneur Once Again - 30 Apr, 2023

The view from the Belvedere at Chiesa della Badia di Sant'Agata (Church of the Abbey of Saint Agatha) is incredible! Below and to the west is the Plazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) with the Fontana dell'Elephante (Elephant Fountain).  

Amaro is incredible! I feel good this morning and sense that my stomach is headed in the right direction. It's about time! I didn't take full advantage of being in the Calabria Region, but this happens when you travel at times. Leaving some things on the table for future trips is always good.

The ancient  Roman Amphitheatre in Catania is quite remarkable because of the excavation and preservation of the site. The modern city is built on top of most of the Amphitheatre, which dates back to the 2nd century. Today only a tiny portion of the once very important and elaborate Amphitheatre is exposed. The Mt. Etna eruption buried the site in the mid-17th century, and it disappeared for nearly 300 years.

At the eastern edge of the archaeological site are the remnants of columns from the upper parts of the Amphitheatre. The columns were placed there in 1906 when the site was excavated and preserved. Unfortunately, the area was closed for renovations to the public during my visit to Catania. However, I could still get a great view from the surrounding streets by looking down into the site.

This site is unique because it was excavated and preserved by archeologist and architect Filadelfo Fichera. At the time, the area was entirely covered by the modern Piazza Stesicoro. Fichera found a unique way to expose the important Amphitheatre in a way that serves the city well. You can learn more about Catania Amphitheatre and see what it would have looked like during Roman times. 

Something interesting has happened to me over the last 10 days. During one of my morning meditations, I asked myself, "What is my job?" It's a question that I ask myself periodically. I started asking this question long before I started traveling. I realized that the lack of clarity on this question meant I had a desire to not work for a while. It is how I discovered that I wanted to travel.

When I started traveling last June, I promised myself I wouldn't think about my next job for at least 6 months. Six months have come and gone. I have collected ideas but have yet to devote much time to clarifying the answer about my future employment. 

Notably, I'm fast approaching one year of traveling and living off my savings. Unfortunately, I know my funds will not last forever. I've begun to wonder what lies ahead? When, where, how, and why will I re-enter the workforce? Over the last 10 days, I have found myself entertaining ideas about my passions and how I can mold one or more into the lifestyle I want to live in the future. It's still all very fluid, and I have no clarity yet.

However, about 10 days ago, when I asked myself, "What is my job?" something completely unexpected happened. During my meditation, I was presented with an image. I witnessed a knight cresting a high mountain pass. The knight was exhausted when he reached the top of the pass. I remember feeling that his quest was now completed. Since then, I have had many similar images, some in vivid dreams. They all center on a common theme, completing a quest. This is something I need to explore more during my retreat in France.

Plazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) has a fountain with a basalt elephant called u Liotru with a large obelisk on its back. The Fontana dell'Elephante (Elephant Fountain) is believed to have magical powers and is an important symbol for the city.

The building below catches my attention when I walk past it. I love how this photo turned out. The building has no particular purpose and is of no interest, really. Nevertheless, I am drawn to it. First, the long straight sidewalk draws the eye to the back of the photo. The light glistens off the wet pavement and grows brighter towards the end of the path. The dark trees look as though they are burnt and scared. The building is well-weathered. I feel as though a battle took place here, and I am witnessing the aftermath. I can't help but feel optimistic when I look toward the light at the end of the path.

I love these types of photos. I wonder what caused the plaster or cement of the building's exterior top coat to disintegrate. It is as if the building is shedding a faux exterior. Behind it, I notice multiple different building materials and the building's true core. There are many types of blocks. Some have odd shapes and sizes, as well as various colors. Was the wall rebuilt multiple times? Or was there a shortage of building materials when it was built? Why use so many different materials? As I admire the building, I drift into the moment. It reminds me of myself in many ways. I, too, have stripped away my perfect façade.

I find an outdoor market while wandering Catania. This part of the market resembles a flea market. There are all sorts of old Italian things here. There are wooden birdcages, old keys, and various household items, including antique flat irons and cameras. There are also newer items like porcelain pine cones, ceramic Moor's heads, and cutting boards.

 

As cool as the flea market is, I find myself following my nose. The smoke and aromas of the street food pull me in another direction. The prevailing smoke is coming from grilled artichokes. I stop when I encounter this vendor. He has an assortment of grilled, fried, and raw seafood. I was lucky to take this photo between the waves of people. Sardines, calamari, oysters, octopus, shrimp, swordfish, bruschetta, and other plates abound on this small boat.

The lull does not last long.

I finally feel great, and my stomach tells me it is time to eat! I remind myself that avoiding fried foods, like calamari or fried sardines, is best. Instead, I ordered the grilled octopus (middle), grilled artichoke (left), and bruschetta (right). A tasty lunch! I love the flavor of the artichoke and never considered grilling it. Ideas are circling in my head on how to improve the artichoke dish. I find that this is happening more frequently now. The ideas float through my head now when I am a dish. I really enjoy this. The octopus is fantastic and cooked perfectly. 

The food boat is nearly empty when I finish my meal. And why not? The plaza is packed with locals and a few tourists! When I leave, only a few plates remain. The smoke from the grilled artichoke is mixed with the sweet smell of grilled seafood. It is intense and smells so lovely! A great way to enjoy the day!