Catania

As I sit in the café outside the amphitheatre (Greek and then Roman on top of it), a pair of men play guitar and mandolin, singing of love lost (Ciao, Bambina!). You really know you’re in Sicily, the land of the costa nostra, but also the land of romance! Across from me is an ancient square, flanked by churches that date back centuries. The square is reportedly where Elizabeth Taylor smashed a guitar over Richard Burton’s head in a fit of pique. Most of my students won’t know those names (ask your parents or even grandparents!). The churches have skulls and crossbones over the lintels and at the cornices. When I asked why the grim reminder, I was told that it was for just that purpose. Repent your sins! You too will die. Sort of a grim reminder of why we confess, but true none the less. As a Catholic, I feel right at home in this very Catholic of countries, though I must confess that I also felt at home in Jordan, though it is 96% Muslim. Perhaps it is because in Jordan, other religions are so widely accepted and respected. I must head back to the ship as we set off for another part of Sicily tonight. Ciao, bambinos!