Sunday 28th October 2018
La Spezia is situated in the NW Italian region of Liguria. It has been a port since Roman times, later the Genoese added the Castle of San Giorgio and in 1796 Napoleon seized Liguria for France and it became a maritime prefecture. From 1857 the military fleet was transferred here from Genoa, it has remained an Italian Naval base to this day. The local shipyards building ships for the navy and it was a major target for bombing in WW2, much of the city being reduced to rubble.
Fast run overnight, the Captain seemed to be in a race to berth in La Spezia. Only two berths, we had one another ship the other, so one ship anchored and needed to tender passengers ashore. Looked quite a roller coaster ride for them, feeling smug here tied up alongside. Weather windy and cloudy, passing rain showers and a couple of claps of thunder.
Took our time to allow the weather to settle before catching the shuttle bus.
Once ashore took a walk along a rather damp seafront, lots of street vendors selling cagoules and umbrellas to wet tourists, luckily we came prepared. The paths scattered with detached fronds from the palm trees lining the promenade.
Our target for the day being the naval museum. Free entry today! An interesting collection of exhibits, something of a lack of English translations of the descriptions, but all in all a good refuge on a poor day.
Among many items from all dates in history of the Italian navy some really big models, easily six feet from keel to mast head, of 19th century warships a notable highlight. Also models of Christopher Columbus’s three ships, difficult to believe such small ships were used to make the crossing of the Atlantic. Also a fine collection of figureheads.
Returning to the shuttle via walk through town, most shops closed, it being a Sunday, but luckily the gelato shop was open. A statue of Garibaldi dominates the seafront park. Lots of flowering plants and trees along the front, including prickly pear with ripe fruit.
Caught the bus back to Victoria as not much else to attract while ashore.
Time to console ourselves with a scone.
Relaxing afternoon busy doing nothing finding lots of things not to do.
Sailaway into the windy night.
Dinner in the buffet, Italian theme tonight, their Lasagne being a particular favourite.
Then back to stateroom to watch the F1 on the TV, in German again, but beggars can't be choosers. Always more interesting to have to work out what's going on when you can't understand much of the commentary. Congratulations to Lewis on his 5th championship.
No comments:
Post a Comment