After today, we can definitely say that we are adventure travelers.  Every challenge we could imagine occurred.  We were suppose to be docked in the port of Civitavecchia, Italy at 7 AM.  Our plan was to walk five blocks and catch a 7:30 train to Rome.  Easy enough right?  Well due to 8 to 9 foot seas and high winds, we were not able to dock until after 8 AM and the next train was 9:40.  We arrived in Rome around 11AM only to learn that the city was shut down due to a strike of the teachers and students.  There were thousands of them protesting in the streets – shutting down the main roads in Rome.  We diverted to plan B and took the Metro to Trevi Fountain and on the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel.  We did a little shopping and ate panini’s for lunch.  We then took the metro back to catch our train only to learn that the entire electronic board system – which tells you what platform the trains are – was down.  There are over 30 trains at this station.  After much confusion we found our train platform.  But the trains were all off schedule and we had two train loads of people waiting for one train.   We have NEVER been so packed on a train.  But we were so HAPPY to be on the train – that it did not matter that we had to stand – packed like sardines for the hour and half train ride.

The rain held off until the train ride back.  Even though it was tremendously challenging battling all the unexpected adventures that seem to continue and continue – in addition to not being able to speak the language or read the signs – we had a great time.   We tossed coins in the Trevi Fountain which is suppose to bring us back to Rome.  The fountain was so incredible.  After lunch we went on to Vatican City.  The pictures will speak for themselves – it was more than words can describe.  Truly a very moving experience.

Tomorrow, we head to Florence and then hopefully on to Pisa.  We will be docking in Livorno and will have to take a train to Florence.  This is the gateway to the Tuscan region and the part I have been most excited about.  With a little luck – we will have a great day of travel and have great images to share with you tomorrow.