Last Friday we finally got to check one very fun cultural activity off our to-do list: ride the tour train in Catania! The miniature train is always driving around the center of “the big city,” and we see it parked by St. Agatha’s Cathedral when we bring visitors to see Catania or go to the market. Lena’s been asking to ride it for months! After I learned kids ride for free (and adults pay 5 euro), the trip takes only 45 minutes, and it leaves every hour on the hour… well, it just seemed too good to pass up.
We invited my friend Sarah and her two adorable sidekicks — Matthew and Aubrey — to come with us, and off we went!
Three very excited kids. Well, Gil was kind of clueless… except that he really wanted to eat Matthew’s train ticket.
Lena: “Why helloooo, Matthew….” Just kidding, I have no idea what was going on here, but it was so hilarious that I had to include it.
And we’re off!
Two very small and very intense train riders.
Matthew with his toy train, and the Teatro Massimo (opera house) where Elliott and I went to a concert for our beautiful anniversary date.
Through the narrow city streets!
Family portrait…
Because Sarah and I had chosen not to snack on Cheerios during the entire train ride, we were in need of fortification afterwards. (Wrangling four children while bumping down cobblestones and carrying on a disjointed conversation must — I am quite certain — burn about 500 calories per hour.) A cappuccino and arancino set this mama to rights.
Unfortunately, our children only took a few bites before dashing across the piazza to dangle precariously in the fountain. So much for a relaxing meal!
After Sarah gathered her troops and headed back to base for an appointment, my children and I had time to kill, so we decided to get a gelato and enjoy it by the fountain. Lena chose lemon gelato, which was a gorgeous shade of green, like the new green lemons of the winter. She and I loved it, but Gil’s expressions made me laugh out loud. Obviously it was good enough for another taste, though… and another and another!
Such wonderful training! The Gelato pics are absolute classics. Everytime I see a Gelato shop these days I think of you guys and your wonderful adventures.
I’m going to miss such delicious and readily available gelato!
I am dying over the arancino! It looks so delicious. What a lovely day! It reminds me of how kids favorite thing to do at zoos etc is ride the tram. I also love Lena’s hair with the purple headband.
Aww, thanks for all the fun comments, Katie! I am kind of obsessed with arancini, especially since I know I won’t be able to eat them anytime I want in about 6 months. :-(
Hi Becca! Thanks for checking out our travel blog! I’m glad the kids enjoyed the tourist train. We had a blast, and I’m going to ride it again with family coming to visit in a few months. We should have a little blogger meet-up sometime and compare experiences!
Emily, I think we’re planning to go again today with my mom, haha! Twice in less than a week! It was a hit.
I’d love to meet up and learn more about your experiences and trips! I definitely want to go to the Noto flower festival like you guys did last May. It looks so beautiful!
We’ll be transferring there this Spring. Great to see a kids activity.
So glad to hear you’ll be moving here, Becky! There’s a lot to do for kids, and I think they have a great time here. Good luck with the transition!