🇮🇹 Catania, Sicily - First Impressions & Hidden Gems

Arrived at night in Sicily's second-largest city – initial shock with all the chaotic scooter noise 🏍️💨! But by daylight, the historic center felt safe and lively 👮♂️✨. 🔥 Local Vibe: • Streets were prepping for the Festival of Saint Agatha (Feb 3-5) – they carry a giant silver statue through town! Look for the elephant + "A" symbol 🐘🔝 everywhere. • Protest alert ⚠️: Saw posters for upcoming demonstrations (common here). 🍴 Must-Eat: • Horse meat ("carne cavallo") – sounds wild but it's a local delicacy! Try it as steak or in pasta 🐴🍝. • Mercato della Pescheria: Fish market with dirt-cheap produce 🍊🍆 (blood oranges €1/kg!). 🌙 Night Tip: Avoid sketchy alleys – stick to Via Etnea for aperitivo 🍷. #SicilyUnfiltered #CataniaDiaries #ItalianAdventures 🗺️