Livorno

Equinox Livorno




We started out for Florence only to discover that a due to a street fair the bus route to the railroad station was changed. After wandering around lost for a while we finally decided to take a public bus from Livorno to Pisa, where we could then catch a train to Florence. This bus ride was an experience! The bus driver was screaming at all the Africans who boarded and tried to get a bus ride without paying. It was nasty. These are the boat people who are invading Italy from Africa and the Italians are not at all happy about it. Aside from the crazyness on the bus we got to see a new part of Livorno and Pisa which was miles of private beach clubs along the water. We made it to the train station without getting mugged and were followed off the bus by all the Africans who were selling sun glasses and umbrellas.



The train ride to Florence was quick and uneventful. It started to rain the minute we got off the train but we were smart and took our umbrellas (not purchased from the Africans!). We went to the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and a few other tourist sights including a large flea market. Since the weather was awful we decided to get the train back to where the ship was docked. On the way we stopped to get a typical Italian lunch to bring on the train with us. It was simple but really good.



When we arrived in Livorno the street fair was still in full swing so we wandered around for about an hour before heading to the ship. We saw lots of Italians buying lots of crap, a gypsy that Jerry had to push away, and a few thieves being arrested. We also saw two Italian naval officers, one male, one female, in the most magnificent uniforms ever created. These Italians sure know how to dress!



Our last dinner on the ship was delicious, as have all the meals been. It is up bright and early tomorrow to catch the train to Rome for our connection to the Lakes. Hopefully, we can find an internet connection along the way.