Rome and Pisa

We ventured to Rome via the port Civitavecchia.  To avoid the $300-plus-per-person excursion, we searched for local transportation.  We arrived at a station just in time for the 8:40 train.  At 8:45, they announced a 10 minute delay, then a 15 minute one.  With each minute that passed the number of people on the platform doubled.  When the train arrived, everyone rushed to the doors, but the ones directly in front of us refused to open.  We quickly ran down the platform and jumped in the next door. We stood like matchbox sticks in a box for the next 90 minutes.  We could barely move and people seemed ready to ignite at any moment.

We went straight to the ancient city to see the 2,000-year-old Colosseum.  As soon as you exit the metro, this structure built when the Roman Empire was at its peak, stands in front of you.

We avoided the line by buying a tour from a private walking guide.  After 5 min of her introduction, we grabbed our tickets and ditched the group.  (Once inside, we realized the line actually moved - oh well.)

We walked through the Colosseum and the Forum, and ended our visit with lasagna, pistachio crusted pork, and a bottle of red wine at Enoteca Cavour 313, a Rick Steve's recommended restaurant.  With Bocelli singing in the background, I thought, "Are we really here?"

Why We (I) Love Cruises 4: The Spa.  (Need I say more?)

The next day we stopped at Livererno - a port in Tuscany.  Dave and I spent the morning wandering around the town of Pisa.  

Of course we went up the famous bell tower.

The tower leans at 3.99 degrees which causes the top to be displaced horizontally by 3.9 meters.

We spent the afternoon jumping, splashing, and playing "smurfs."

Why We Love Cruises 5: Entertainment. We saw Blue Man Group one night.  The loud music, flying red and yellow paint, and odd acts held the kids attention the whole show.  At a question and answer session later in the week, Emily asked them if a girl could join the group.  We also watched abnormally strong people contort their bodies during a Cirque du Soleil show in the boat's speigel tent.  Emily got to hold a spinning plate as part of the show.