Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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After our longest period at sea during the cruise, we dropped both anchors for our only Med moor. Atten- tion of all hands shifted to the fantail and beyond, to the nearby Police Barracks and coke UD vendor. We had our first view of Leghorn, Italy, and pedestrian traffic on the quay. The wallr to town seemed short after our long time at sea. In the town we found waiting for us our first really European side-walk cafes. With its interesting color, Livorno was also the ' 'jum- ping off places for many tours. Pisa with itsifamous leaning tower, and Florence had their share of visitors during our 16-day stay. Points of Cameos and peiture posttards will surely brmo ,CL memories - memories of our side cleaners, of the Italian barber, the piazzas and glowing recollections of a certain young mother pushing 2 babY Sffouef' After 16 days in Leghorn, days filled with liberties and fours, we readied our ship, lifted our anchors and sailed off to work and other interesting ports as we continued our tour in the Mediterranean. ' ' ff' interest were on the business ends of our light meters and and cameras. For some there were tours to Army Camp Darby. For others there were trips to Rome. Probably more sight seeing was accomplished on the four-day tours of Rome than during the remainder of our cruise. 'Mediterranean Moor The Leaning Tower lIVORNO Cathedral below Leaning Tower 'Statue to lta ly's Abe Lincoln

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Statue of Christopher Columbus BARCELONA We moored in Barcelona in the bot---docks among thousands of barrels of oil. Our salva- tion took form of old but inexpensive taxis. In fact, almost everything was inexpensive in this rhriving metropolis with its beautiful tree-lined streets and sun-kissed climate. You must see the city's cleanliness to believe it. The proud, friendly people seemed very happy. Barcelona was voted our best liberty porr, Three times as many votes were cast for Barcelona as were cast for the second most popular port - Can- nes, France. No doubt, colorful bull fights had something to do with our choice. Almost everyone saw at least one of the spec- tacular fights presented during our stay. Bugle and' and band music, padded horses, banderillos, swords, matadors and brave bulls made an afternoon that will long be remembered Olay! Olay! ' and another bull was carried away. Snapping castinets, lightening-fast stamping feet and sweet guitar music made Spanish dancing unforgettable. E . - - The custom of afternoon siestas - 1330 to 1600 was much to our liking. Shops stayed open late and gave us a chance to purchase mantillas,. Spanish lace, native costumed dolls and to partake of native food, wine and song. The huge statue of Christopher Colmnbus, discoverer of America, at Fleet Landing was erected in honor of his return to Barcelona in the summer of 1493 where he was received by Queen Isabella. Pueblo de Espanol was a real tourist stop. It was a complete replica of a Spanish village with each shop actually making and selling a typical A norrow Escape article which represented various sections of Spain. A walk through the Plaza de Cataluna or along the Ramblas found either crowded with people at almost any hour. During the day there were, in ad- dition, many stands selling flowers. X w r Xi ' . 5 xl-ali . t .ss - . r, so X ,Qi 5. r X Procession in the Bull Ring Q, it i O I l I Ze L is J' '