We all re-grouped and found our way to the B&B,  which certainly maintained our record for unusual places to stay!

From the entrance side it was a narrow Sicilian street (which nonetheless had a view of Etna at one end) and we went in to a small courtyard with balconies from which hung a variety of washing!

We roused the family owners, and they were very nice, allowing us to lock up the bikes and showing us to effectively an entire landing with rooms and kitchen on the second floor.

At the far end the room gave out on to a balcony overlooking a castle and a pleasant square with bars and restaurants, a total contrast to the other side!

There followed a tearful reunion with Jan and Richard and then some ceremonial hanging out of cycling kit to dry before I went to re-position the van in the street under the supervision of some 5 or 6 septagenarian Sicilian women who signalled to me from their various balconies overlooking the street!  I had a strong feeling that it would be safe overnight given all the local surveillance!!!

Then into Catania for a stroll, a drink and a meal, but only after Jo had received an electric shock from one of the sockets which led to endless jokes all evening!

No air conditioning and a breathless night made sleeping tricky and I even spread a wet towel over me at one stage in order to try to get comfortable. “Breakfast” consisted of some odd bits and bobs in the fridge, with which we didn’t really bother!