Sara, Pina and I start the morning with the usual routine which I have been accustomed to, Granita and Brioche! Oh my God, I had a chocolate Granita, followed by a Sicilian Ricotta Cannoli and a Pasta Mandola . 

My cousins have a habit of racing me to the register when it comes to paying the account. Not only is their generosity overwhelming, but its now getting to the point it is ridiculous. Saro has this annoying saying which is irritating! "Guests Don't Pay"! It starting to become embarrassing, especially that I am a guest in their home and I haven't been allowed to contribute! I have said to then that this is not acceptable, but I keep falling on deaf ears. I will have to do something soon!

We visited a market which is regularly held in Catania. Bargains to be had, shoes, clothes, cds, etc.... I was told to watch my bag as pick pockets run rife. I picked up a pirate copy of Raffaella Cara's Greatest Hits for €1 and was pleased with my bargain.

We then visited the Amphi Teatro Romano. Standing at street level, looking down where the ancient Roman city once was, we could see the remains of the Theatre's original form . Roman buildings often served as foundations for later structures, which did not always preserve the constructions in their original forms.

Built around 300 BC, the theatre was built on an older theatre from 500 BC. Covered walkways, corridors, some small stairways and parts of the Cavea (audience Seating) and orchestra pit, the latter being paved in marble remains from the ancient theatre. Theatrical productions had an essential role in Roman Society. A entrance was free, every echelon of society mixed from the least to the elite. A marvellous way to see, to be seen and entertained. In this way it was a place for social cohesion, endorsing a sense of community, regardless of class or rank.

Unlike Greeks, until 30 BC, the Romans did not have stone theatres. Their first performance spaces were wooden constructions. They were collapsable and portable, they were erected in a variety of chosen spots, such as a Circus or in front of a temple . These make shift platforms became a hazard and had the propensity to catch fire, as flaming torches and other special effects were used in performances.

We returned home to join Zia Graziella for lunch before visiting Zia Agata (Mum's sister) in an nursing home ruined by Zia Carmen. Unfortunately Zia Agata is bound to a wheel chair these days and not the spritely woman I met 22 years ago. In all there are 5 sisters including my mother and Zia Congettina. 

Sara and Pina took Zia Graziella and myself out for dinner that night to a restaurant called "Ficodindia" and I had chosen poorly. They don't make steaks in Sicily like they do in Australia.
The Steak Florentine would have been the best choice, but they are one of the most expensive choices on the menu.