The one-day trip to Sicily organized by the St Joseph Band club committee was hailed as success by all those who took the opportunity to make some bargain shopping.

The day started on a good note as the group was informed that Virtu Ferries will be utilizing the new luxury jumbo Catamaran – M/V Maria Dolores for the first time. Meanwhile, before checking-in at the customs centre, many took the opportunity to visit the Valletta Waterfront and the nearby entertainment outlets.

It also turned out to be a nice day in Catania. M/V Maria Dolores berthed around 9.30 and first on the itinerary was the open air market. This market is just behind the Cathedral: a jumble of people stalls and merchandise. The most interesting parts are the fish market, full of glistening fresh fish and shellfish. and the butchers who display their meat in such a way to show that is has freshly been slaughtered. The warren of streets around the fish market is a good place to explore. There are several bars that sell cappuccino, pizzas and cornetto, cream-filled buns.

The committee managed to obtain the services of the experienced tour leader Mr Joe Micallef (director of J. Micallef Travel Services) who made the trip more interesting with his on-going commentary and advices.

After making some bargain shopping from the open market, the group members met again for lunch. At 2.00pm departed for the Etnapolis Shopping Mall - the largest commercial centre in Europe with over 500 outlets  spread on 1.6km of land. The day ended at the Auchan Shopping centre - another hypermarket which is famous with the Maltese for the low-prices of spirits and alcohol. Many were visibly tired but happy as the catamaran departed from the port of Catania at 8.00pm for the 3-hour trip to Malta.