Ostia and Rome 17 - 20 July

Last night with Peter

 Thanks Pete for being a wonderful, cheerful and helpful crew.

Dinner at the local restaurant for Pete's last night . Table behind beautifully set for a farewell party for a policeman, apparently. They ate a lot!

A special kind of pasta served in a special package, of course it was more expensive. Italy is expensive.

Carl and Pete have ended every evening with an ice cream, usually at about midnight,

Change of crew, Pete is leaving and Calle has arrived.

Calle wants watermelon and more watermelon. He has found this very practical way of cutting up a watermelon.

Calle arriving at the Leonardo da Vinci airport. He has still not noticed how hot it is.

Shirt off and time to dive into the sea. The sea is beautiful but the sand is black. Bit strange to swim in black sand.

On our way to Rome. Going to spend the night in Rome, see some sights and meet Lucy, Seb and Pete.

Arriving at Cavour Metro after an extremely hot train ride from Lido Centro. Seems like there have been delays with the trains and the people were very very angry. Screaming and shouting every time they announced something on the loudspeaker, and then cheering, presumably for good news. The train came after 5 minutes. Hardly any air in the train, maybe that's why some people went and screamed abuses at the driver and kicked the train when we arrived. The Italians are certainly living up to their reputation of bring emotional!

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The Colosseum. 

Another view.

A short break after the Colosseum and before heading off to meet the others.

At last, we meet up with Seb, Pete and Lucy.

And find the nearest watering hole. Calle the vegan got to order the antipasto, which we all enjoyed.

So sweet!

Taking a break on one of the many beautiful bridges in beautiful, but hot, Rome.

Sunday morning off to the Vatican.

Found some shade and just sat with the crowds....

....who we found out were waiting for the Pope to appear at the famous window. So quite unexpectedly even we were blessed by the Pope. 

The Swiss guard.

For the very last time meeting up at Lilli, a restaurant recommended by Alex.

Trattoria Lilli. Alex and Eli were here 5 years ago. Still good food and great atmosphere.

Rome is a wonderful city. Will have to come back, but definitely in the winter.

After a long hot day in Rome and a long hot journey back to the Marina, a time to cool down.

Calle and Carl off to fill up with diesel after a long day with stocking up and visit from mechanics. Now all set to leave tomorrow.

Drinks with our friendly neighbours, Louise, James and Baily, the Siamese cat.

Baily lives on board and is the author of a book, Baily the Boat Cat, Adventures of a feline afloat. Available on Amazon, a lovely book.