Benham (DD 796) - Naval Cruise Book

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Street Scene — Island of Capri

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ITALY Many of the crew had already visited Naples, but it still held a certarn appeal even for them. Once one had gotten by the crowds at the gate, there were attractions that could not be matched. Beautiful Sorrento, the Isle of Capri, the Ruins of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and Rome. Naples itself offered on interesting, night life, excellent food ond fine buys especially in leother goods. And many of the officers now proudly sport their Borsolino hats on liberty. The beautiful sights, scenes of many famous ballads, folk songs and operas were fully exploited by the comera fans. There were as many tours available from the local citizenry as their were by the regular agencies. Tours about Naples itself were interesting, but as some of us still had to learn, rates must be agreed on before hand. A Popal audience was granted at Rome and many took advontage of this once in a life time opportunity to visit Vatican City. The unusual Italian trains, with their individual compartments, were enjoyed by those who mode the trip. And the trains actuolly did run on time. Beatification Ceremony, St. Peter s Town Hall Square Ancient Castle, Naples

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FOUNTAIN OF TREVI One of Rome ' s many, beautiful fountains, Trevi was the inspiration of the popular hit tune, Three Coins in a Fountain. It was here that Audrey Hepburn spent her Roman Holiday as did many of the BENHAM saiiors. For a coin thrown in the shallow depths of the fountain, one could make a wish, which according to Italian legend, would come true. At night Its splendor was even more magnificent. ST. PETER ' S Rome, a religious city and Romans, a religious people with St. Peter ' s, the center of a great religion which embraces people and lands throughout the entire world . The interior of the Cathedral would hold even the most pagan of mankind in humility and respect. The Beatification Ceremony wos magnificent yet it retained solemnity, devotion and humbleness before God. The Papal audience was certainly an unequalled privilege as wos the entire visit to Va- tican City and Rome. COLISEUM Perhaps one of the most imposing of all the remains of the Holy Roman Empire, the Coliseum stands as o tribute to the art and ability of the an- cient Romans. Not so fionored today, are the feosts which lasted for as many as one hundred doys and witnessed the sacrifice of thousands of human lives which were pitted agoinst raging, wild beasts. Despite this, one had to use but little imagination to visualize the vast crowds in the stands and the arena below.