Trip to Catania

On Saturday we, the mcas students took a trip to Catania, a city northof Siracusa to check out the city and some students. We walked around and saw some cultural sights, a Roman amphitheatre, the symbol of Catania which is an elephant holding a pillar stolen from the Egyptians, and another Greek amphitheatre. Then we had a brief break for some shopping, a slice of pizza, and a gelato. The slice of pizza was delicious. It was a round piece of dough with sauce and mozzerella- baked to perfection. It only cost 1.40 Euro. They have the round pizzas in Siracusa too, but this one was the best by far. Perhaps it was that we were famished, or perhaps it really is that good.

After the historical tour, we walked around with some students from the local University of Catania. They told us about some fountains and showed us the river flowing underneath the city that supplies water for most of the fountains. One particular fountain is called the "Sheet" fountain, but because of the Italian accent and the particular smell radiating from the fountain, I thought our guide was saying something entirely different. Pictures will show the sheet, you will have to imagine the pun.

Our guides were 2 guys about 22 who chose to hang out with Gary and myself. They taught us the most famous Sicilian word "Minchia!" This word can be used to describe anything. For example if you see a beautiful painting, "Minchia!" if you enjoyed your pizza, "Minchia!", and even if you fall on your face, "Minchia!". It is used for everything! But not with professors, as the guides told us. I keep refering to them as "the guides" because I cannot remember what their names are! Ugh! However one was born in Spain, has a mother from Annapolis, MD, and speaks fluent English. The other has long hair, sleeps until 1am and taught us this wonderful word. That is all that I can remember I know Gary will have some more to add.

The slide show will be added shortly, we just have to sort through our pictures.

minchia.