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Sicily,
Italy
We left Taormina on the 21st of July
2005 and as we entered the city of Catania we hurriedly grabbed our bags
and fought our way through the many people gathered in the small hall of
the 1950’s train and headed for the exit. The ride had took about an
hour and even though the ride was short compared to our
countless other rail adventures, we were both ready to get settled into
our pre-booked hotel rooms at the Hotel
Mediterreano. Armed with the address we headed off in another
expensive taxi ride. After experiencing such inflated costs throughout
Europe, I would never again complain about the taxi fares in the USA.
The short 7 minute ride cost us 15 Euros and needless to say…there was
no tip involved. The hotel was shadowed on a very small street and
seemed out of touch with the surrounding buildings, as it was a modern
oddity amidst 200-year-old apartment buildings. Our scheduled arrival at
the hotel had been anticipated and the greetings with the manager and
one of the owners were pleasant and thoroughly informal. We were shown the lounge, the bar, several small
meeting rooms and the breakfast area, which were designed for easy
access directly from the lobby. The weather in Italy and here in Sicily
had been un-relentlessly hot and after unpacking our barest of
necessities, and turning the air-conditioning to its coldest settings,
we hit the beds for a short nap, which turned into a 5 hour much needed
rejuvenation. Awaking around 6:PM we headed out to explore the
city. Dressed as coolly as possible and armed with our cameras we walked
toward the heart of the city. It was not built up as a tourist
attraction and that was what we appreciated…it was the Sicily I had
wanted to get to know. Un-crowded streets, more relaxed and less
stressful people, fairer prices from the vendors and restaurants…it
was all a pleasant surprise! The city seemed to be the real soul of
Sicily adorned with a real working class. Being genuinely friendly and a
curious people that offered their goods and services with more
harmonious smiles and appreciation for our business. The tourist
vultures were housed in the major attraction centers of Italy, Rome,
Florence, Naples, etc. and in this city of 100,000+ the atmosphere was
and is a good example of the true Italian spirit and hospitality. Walking around the city for the next 5 days we
got to know many of the shop keepers, the managers and the staff of
countless sidewalk cafes, fine restaurants and even though most Italians
do not speak any other language, their smiles and friendly greetings
were much more expressive of their sincerity. Catania is definitely not Paris, Rome or other
European city laden with endless attractions, but does have a lot to
offer its visitors desiring simply to have a pleasant, no stressful
vacation. The city will not only provide some, although limited,
cultured attractions, it is fluent in fine architecture, large open
squares, an ancient Roman Forum and some excellent dining choices, and
in addition…the city will save you money. Be advised to stay away from the beach, as it is
not safe for swimming or for walking on the sand as both are
contaminated with open sewage runoff. Travelers Digest recommends visiting the city of
Catania, which is only a 2 hour train ride from Taormina,
and staying at the Hotel Mediterreano…it
is a proud member of the great family of hotels…Best Western, where
quality, comfort and price is assured. Click here for Rates, Reservations, or just Inquiries! Review written by the touring editor; Mike Smith. This editorial in its entirety is the sole property of Travelers Digest and may not be distributed, sold or copied without prior written permission of Travelers Digest and/or its licensed representatives.
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