Fort Mandan (LSD 21) - Naval Cruise Book

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f 7 7 - ' tttf The Arch of Constantine in Rome was a sight that many of us were able to see. The old Roman Coliseum still attests to the spectacles that took place in ancient Rome. The Tiber River, its banks and bridges, cut a beautiful path through the heart of Rome. The old Roman baths are among the many interesting ruins to be seen in that city. The shores on the outskirts of Livorno present a picture of serenity. Boccale Castle is in the background. 23

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£?: This square is the center of interest in Pisa. In the background is the fabled Leaning Tower of Pisa. LIVORNO, ITALY I pass like night from land to land; I have strange power of speech . . . -SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE - Livorno, Italy (otherwise known as Leghorn, a name given it by British sailors) was our third Italian port of the cruise. Ideally located, Livorno placed us in an area rich with things to see and do. Most of us made the short trip to Pisa and saw the Leaning Tower, and the other beautiful buildings that make Pisa a must for sight-seers. And a few miles farther away was the city of Florence with its art, architecture, sculpture, and overall beauty accumulated through centuries of cultural and artistic activity. Those of us who were not able to make it to Rome earlier in the cruise found that city to be all that our friends had said it was. And Livorno itself was not without attractions. The beaches there were better than those in many of our ports, and we soaked up health and fresh air while basking in the sun. Camp Darby, an Army base located nearby, gave us the opportunity to buy foreign items we had not been able to acquire before, and provided a good place for a good drink. Our squadron flagship, the USS MOUNT McKINLEY, was there with us, so there were plenty of sailors around to take care of the town. After a week of liberty, we gathered ourselves together and took off for another operation, this time at Anzio. Down near the waterfront at the edge of town, there are usually swimmers and sunbathers. The lower end of town and the inner harbor are viewed clearly in this panoramic shot. 22

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Downtown Valencia presented the aspects of the modern metropolis- -big, bustling, and active. VALENCIA, SPAIN Valencia, in my dreams it always seems I hear you softly calling me . . . -POPULAR SONG- The beauty, color, carefree atmosphere, and rigid tradition of Spain were all blended in our last big liberty port--Valencia. And after our visit there, Valencia will call in the dreams of many of us who stored away pleasant memories. We were in Valencia during the time of the local summer festival season, and there was much activity. Every night there was much merry-making at the festival ceremonies. There were Spanish bands, colorful decorations, dance pavilions, Flamenco singers and dancers, plus the acting out of various festival customs. Every night there were big fireworks displays. There was the crowning of the Queen of the festival, the wearing of traditional Spanish dress, and the big climax to it all with the spectacular battle of the flowers. We were able to see expert bullfighting, performed by the best bullfighters in Spain, who were gathered in Valencia for the festival. There were bullfights almost every day we were there. Many of us saw the fights the day Dominguin and Ordonez, the two top bullfighters in the country, engaged in a mano a mano, and Dominguin was gored, but not fatally. And many of us saw Ernest Hemingway, noted American author, at the fights. We had a full week of color, festival gaiety, excitement, and good times. Valencia and Spain were very hospitable and treated us with warmth and friendliness. That ' s a fierce looking bull, but those pseudo-matadors look even more frightful. ffi Stt %ti £rr ' The bull arena, where many Spaniards and tourists come frequently to see Spain ' s biggest spectacle. 24