This is another Zoom call recording (Catania and Taormina Zoom Call) that I presented to my Italian Meetup group in Tampa.
Catania Cathedral
This cathedral, with its resilient history that dates back to 1078, when construction first began on this site, is truly inspiring. Despite earthquakes and fires that have left the cathedral in ruins many times, it has been rebuilt. Now, it stands as a Baroque-style cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Catania, Saint Agatha, in the city’s main square, Piazza del Duomo.
Catania Underground
A series of underground ruins, churches, artifacts, and passageways was created by the lava flows from Mount Etna. Tours are available to learn more about the Catania Underground.
Taormina
Taormina, a picturesque town to the north of Catania, is a sight to behold. Its beautiful cobblestone streets and quaint little shops add to its charm. It’s no wonder many are drawn to this Sicilian city for its enchanting allure.
Funny T-shirt that has mafia connotations
There is a T-shirt design with three monkeys that try to capitalize on the history of the mafia in Sicily. I see these shirts for sale in many souvenir shops throughout the island. The Italian vocabulary section below provides an explanation of the meaning.
Fichi D’India – a cactus fig
These are also known as prickly pears, and you can see them throughout the island of Sicily. They come in various colors and are edible despite having many seeds. You can eat the fruit, use it as a marmalade, or drink it as a beverage. There is even a liquor that is distilled from the cactus fig.
Straits of Messina
In the video, I am on the Sicilian side looking at the mainland of Italy. The Italian government recently approved funding (13 – 15 billion euros) to fund a bridge that would connect Sicily to the mainland. It would become the longest suspension bridge in the world and an engineering marvel.
There are environmental concerns, as well as seismic concerns, due to the area’s susceptibility to earthquakes. The engineers claim they can build it to withstand the seismic activity.
There are also political interest groups and other parties that want to leave the status quo.
On the other hand, there is a compelling argument in favor of the bridge. It has the potential to generate more jobs in a region that is in dire need of economic growth. Shorter transportation times between the island and the mainland would facilitate easier commerce, offering a promising outlook for the future.
The Alzheimer’s Association of Catania
I came across a sign in Catania that was simple, to the point, yet also heart-warming.
The sign says:
Non dimenticare chi dimentica
The translation would be “Don’t forget those who forget.”
Italian vocabulary for this Sicily Zoom Call video
Nativity Scene – presepio
Three Wise Men – tre saggi or tre re magi (three magic kings)
Cathedral – cattedrale or duomo
Catania Underground – Catania Sotterranea
Shirt – camicia
Tee Shirt – maglietta
Monkey – scimmia
Three monkeys – tre scimmie
Italian Verbs related to this Catania Video
To forget – dimenticare
To hear – sentire
To see – vedere
To speak – parlare
Meaning of the Funny Sicilian Tee Shirt with Monkeys
Non Vedo, Non Sento, Non Parlo
Non Vedo – I can’t See / Non Sento – I can’t hear / Non Parlo – I can’t talk
I hope you enjoyed the Catania and Taormina Zoom Call.
Italian Language Online Course
Views from Palermo Cathedral Rooftop
Photo Attribution for Catania and Taormina
Taormina pictures by Pixabay: user32212 / Catania Cathedral by Pixabay: lazer_taras
