Fort Mandan (LSD 21) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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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HMk. tax 1 WHTUlIlTTlIIlf « a a • • fifiiiiii, ■ : ■■■■■ mm wai : m% a i a a a g i ■ ■ 1 1 • = TrSrSTr4 ft wff-sto smt; V Ptlfc The bull arena itself, from the outside, has the appearance of an old Roman coliseum. During early morning hours, as shown above, the area is deserted. By late afternoon on fight day, however, it is swarming with a mass of color and people. Below some of the excitement and grandeur of a bullfight is captured in this scene of the crowd, the bull, the matador, and others who combined make this a big spectacle. £$8 JT finn — • ■ I 25