On to Rome

Friday we left Tarragona to catch an overnight ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia. The ferry ride was a once in a life time experience, in so much that I will never do it again. It did not fall to the level of the overnight train from Rome to Paris that we took in June; but it was close. We had booked two seats opting not to waste money on a cabin. The reclining seats would have been fine for people 5'5" and under. As it turned out we managed just a few hours sleep. By 6:00am we were on deck watching the sunrise.

Deck loungers were stacked and locked so we lurked nearby ready to pounce when crew finally spread them out at 9:00am. First you get a lounger then you have to keep it. I was ready to defend De Anne's chair when she left to change clothes, but worried that my sweet wife might lose mine when a restroom break was necessary. After piling bags on it and suggesting the phrase "mucho grande hombre aqui !" - very big man here. She did save it for me and I was able to get a much needed nap.

We stopped in a port on the island of Sardinia for an hour to unload cars and freight, then a scenic pass through the narrow straits between Sardinia and Corsica toward Italy.

The ship was over an hour late which we found out was not too bad compared to their usual record. A shuttle bus was waiting for those folks taking the train. The driver told everyone that this was the shuttle to the train station. A little got lost in translation. The bus went to the main gate of the port, then you hoofed it to the train station. It was a free shuttle so no complaints. Our train arrived at the main station in Rome where our host picked us up. 

Boarding the ferry.

Holland America cruise ship. One of several in the Barcelona port.

Passing through the straits.

Sunday morning, after a good night's sleep,  I opened the shutters on our apartment in Rome.

Time to explore!