Day 3 Civitavecchia and Rome August 23 , 2022

We again slept in and were woken by the port workers as the ship berthed in Civatevvechia.

This was a warm morning with a projected afternoon temperature of some 23C degrees.

We again had breakfast in the Taste Restaurant and obviously by the relatively small numbers most people were haveing breakfast in the upstairs buffet. Not our choice but we will use that on a couple of excursion mornings.

Following breakfast, Jeanette decided to remain on board, have a quiet day, do some ironing, and catch up on emails following our transfer from Dubai to Barcelona.

Ken on the other hand decided to disembark and walk to Civitavecca Railway station and catch the Train as early as possible into Termini Station in Rome. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the Cruise port entrance along the main road to the Station and it was about 9.10 when he departed the ship caught a shuttle immediately and was at the station to purchase a ticket at 9.38 am with the train scheduled to arrive at 10.12 am. However, this is Italy and nothing runs according to the written schedule. His train was canceled and he caught a Mainline train rather than the usual regional train at 10.08 am.

It is about an hour’s travel into Temini and we had a good rum and arrived at 10.21 and he walked through the Main terminal from Trach 28 to the main entrance, left, and walked across the Station car part, caught a waiting Hop on Hop off bus and then waited some 15 minutes for it to depart.

A lap of the Red line took almost 2 hours and 30 minutes. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip took many photos some of which are below, then caught the Blue line for half a circuit, then back for a final time riding the first half of the Red line. Then a walked around trying t find the restaurant where I had lunch some 15 years ago. Eventually found a restaurant and inquired. It was sold and demolished, and the old man passed away some 7 years ago and his son now manages. He was pleased to meet. We had a beer together and I told my story. He thanked me for coming back and we parted after a chat f some 20 minutes. He advised how hard things have been and now tourists are starting to return but no staff. I laughed and said the same in Melbourne. The family has relations who lived in Carlton, ran a restaurant here, and have now moved to the gold coast in retirement.

So quickly got to Termini, purchased another single ticket, and was advised that there was an “Express Train” departing in 4 minutes from Platform 27. Hurried, cannot say it was running, but a fast walk and just made the last carriage as the guard blew his whistle. Then walked through the long train and took a seat in first class for the shorter 45-minute journey. Arrived on schedule after an excellent flight. There was a shuttle awaiting me at the Port gate and after a 15-minute walk from the Station and I was back on board the ship at 16.50 pm absolutely exhausted but had an excellent day, walked 13,000 paces. Rome is a wonderful City. Just love the forum area.

Jeanette was glad to see me, having wondered what time I would be back. I suggested by 5.15 am. so all was good and She had enjoyed her peaceful day.

Showered and changed for pre-dinner drinks in a different bar, We certainly enjoyed the quieter environment then off to Dinner.

Also enjoyable, then took in the comedian and magician show. He was also very good and worth watching . A good night.

The days are passing so quickly that we are very busy.. Ken went to listen to a piano player in one of the many lounges.

In bed by 11.30 pm. .