travelguide TILMPE May. 2015 | Page 46

CATANIA SHOPPING HOW TO BEHAVE How to behave in Catania Shopping Don't care about loud voice of people, it's quite an everyday thing, If you go to Sicily, you must forget about eating at fast food "restaurant" chains like McDonalds. If you visit Catania, it is almost a crime to eat at a fast food "restaurant". You have to go to a “tavola calda” (warm table) and taste In the heart of the city, there are quaint local markets, close to the well-known shopping streets. The most famous are Via Etnea, Corso Italia, Via Umberto, Via Garibaldi , Viale Jonio, Via G. Leopardi, Viale Libertà, Via G. D’Annunzio. Just here it’s possible to find shops which can meet needs and tastes within everybody’s reach: chic c lo th ing , spo rt in g goods, jewellery, house - hold goods, chain and general store. If you love street market you can’t give up he pleasure of a walk through the sounds and colors of the historical fish market “La Pescheria” and “La Fera o Luni”, which are set respectively one be-hind Duomo Square and the other in Carlo Alberto Square. The craft objects made from lava stone following traditional techniques are extremely characteristic as well as the ceramic ware, the famous Catania Pupi and other souvenirs and local handicraft, which can be found in any gift shop in the area of Duomo Square. “arancini”, “crispelle” and “pizzette”. Don’t leave unattended mobile phones, bags, cameras or other things that could easily be stolen. Be careful when you cross the street, do it at the traffic lights or on the zebra crossing, this does not necessarily mean drivers will always slow down to let you pass, but if you cross anywhere else this will also mean that they will stop for you. At the restaurant, be patient if the waiters don’t come immediately for your orders, they wait for you to socialize with your friends. Tip them if you feel like and if the service was satisfactory, but it’s not compulsory. 46