Well, it has been a busy few days for Inky Mouse and Lion.
They arrived in Sicily on Friday after a long, noisy but comfy sleeper journey all the way from Rome. They tucked themselves into Rev Breakey’s bunk and watched the world whizz by. It was exciting when the train coaches were disconnected and shunted onto a ferry. Lion and Inky Mouse took the chance to have a breath of fresh air up on the deck of the ferry. Even at 7am, it was a lot warmer than the Cairnryan ferries.
Once safely back on solid ground, the stowaways wasted no time. They went exploring in Catania, a small town near Mt Etna, an active volcano perched on the Eastern side of Sicily like a fiery guardian next to the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot. The ancient Romans once called this place home and built a spectacular amphitheatre right in the heart of the city.
More than 2000 years later, the amphitheatre still whispers stories from the past. Rows of stone seats curve round the arena where people once cheered for races, mock sea battles, and gladiator duels. Inky Mouse tried to imagine what it would feel like to be in the spotlight, while Lion quietly decided he much preferred modern snacks to ancient swordfights.
The grand marble that once lined the theatre was taken away to build palaces and cathedrals, but the sturdy brick seating and dark, echoey passageways still remain. Much of it is hidden under houses and shops now, but our intrepid soft toy explorers found their way into the sunlit arena.
There was no danger of gladiators or runaway chariots, just the warm Sicilian sunshine and the perfect photo opportunity. Inky Mouse posed dramatically, while Lion tried to look brave but ended up lying flat on the warm stone, purring in contentment.
They agreed it was a very fine place for a stowaway adventure, and there may have been a gelato or two involved afterwards. What’s next for these mischievous travellers? Keep your eyes peeled — you never know where they’ll pop up next.
To be continued…
