After Florence, Rome

During the night, between the ports of Liverno and Citievecchia, there was a medical emergency aboard ship.  Not only were we battling gale force winds (again) and 12' swell on the bow, we had to turn around and head to the nearest port.  The captain said we made it to Elba by 2am, and it took until 5am to unload our critically ill passenger into the hands of the coast guard.  Our expected 8am arrival in Rome was delayed.  We arrived after 1pm.  The passenger remained in the hospital, in critical condition, throughout the remainder of the cruise.  I'm glad we stopped!

The Destination Desk quickly reworked the tour list and we had our choice of four.  We chose Panoramic Rome, thinking that at least we could ride the bus around Rome and take a picture or two.

 We lucked out, in that the storm had blown itself out for the day, and the sky was extraordinarily blue.  We rode the bus 90 minutes to Rome, 90 minutes around Rome, had 90 minutes to explore Piazza del Popolo, then back on the bus, and 90 minutes back to the ship.

We spent our 90 minutes searching for the Pantheon, but could not find it with the map we had been given.  We found this lovely column, and The Spanish Steps, which were so covered with people we could not see them.

 For the most part, it was shopping and more shopping.  We weren't in a shopping mood, so we took a picture or two, and rushed back to catch our bus.

When we got back to the ship, we discovered that because of weather, we were not going to make our next destination of Pompeii.  Instead, we spent the night in Citievecchia, and our canceled tours for the day were back on schedule the next.  That meant that we were again signed up for Panoramic Rome... and Vatican City, which we missed on the first day, due to lack of time.

I was excited to see the Sistine Chapel.  I have to say that it was the biggest disappointment of the day.  A highlight was the successful hunt for the Pantheon.  So cool!!  Unfortunately, we did not have time to go inside.

 On Day 2 in Rome, we also found the Trevi Fountain.  It is as beautiful as its publicity.

 The most frustrating thing for me was the people.  people, people, EVERYWHERE.  It is easy to understand how so many people end up with their pockets picked.  One couple lost their passports and all ID except for their ship card, in Rome.  They were taken back to the ship, packed up, and taken to the US Embassy.  What a disappointing way for their cruise to end!!

Vatican City was as crowded as Rome, if not more so.  The Sistine Chapel reminded me of a pen stuffed with cattle.  It was noisy, hot, crowded, and miserable.  I did not have enough room to even look up, and if anyone wanted to pick a pocket, this place was ideal!

I was ready to leave, but they said, "Now we're going to see St. Peter's."  Did I even want to?  I didn't think so.  It was incredible!  I had no idea!!

 This may look crowded to you.  Not so, compared to the Sistine Chapel.  Look at all that space between individuals.  If you reduce it to everyone touching, you've got an idea of what the Chapel was like.

 I had seen this stained window before.  I had no idea it was from St. Peter's.  none. at. all.  I guess we didn't cover that when I took Art History.

But the most breathtaking experience of the day?  Had to be walking into a curtained alcove and seeing the Pieta.  Absolutely stunning.  How did Michelangelo see them in the marble?  I understand quilts talking to a person, but a chunk of stone?  Awe-inspiring.

We were the last tour group to return to the ship that night.  We were greeted with champagne and the ship's orchestra.  Within 30 minutes, we were underway.

Pompeii remained on the list for future exploration.  Instead, we had a day at sea, chugging through the Straits of Messina and on to Corfu.  Again, the weather was aggressive.  The highly touted experience of the Straits ended up being noses pressed to the window, as the upper deck of the ship was closed due to high winds.  At one point, I opened our balcony door, to take a picture.  I thought I might get blown overboard.  Scary!  I scurried back inside, more than happy to quilt a bit, nap, and wait for Greece.

If nothing else, this cruise was an adventure!!