Robyn and I arrived in Catania, Sicily, early afternoon Monday after 30 hours travelling. It was raining lightly and 17 deg. There was also "black ash" being washed out by the rain making a mess on cars and on walkways. White cars were patchy grey and white. Drivers were pouring bottled water on their windscreen to help the wipers cope. The cause? Mt Etna, 35km away. Apparently lot of flights were cancelled that day. 

 

We've now been here 24 hours and ventured into the neighbourhood. Very old buildings. Our hotel apparently dates back to 1700s, probably repurposed many times. 

 

I attach 2 photos, both of the view from our window. The first yesterday afternoon showing little activity with parked ash-laden cars. The second is this morning with a vegetable market in the same spot.