Fitch (DMS 25) - Naval Cruise Book

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J HRS , .asm X 'gram Harbor Florence Florenqe Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore Pisan Monks .gp-.qxlf LEGHURN .lune 9 - June 16 On June ninth, after seven days at sea, we squeezed into the snug little harbor of Leghorn, only to find that we were actually in Livorno, or at least so it is called by the inhabitants. Leghorn is outstanding for two reasons: 1. it's near to Florence fFirenzelg 2, it's near to Pisa. Pisa was the closest, about twenty minutes by cab and was well worth the trip to all who went. There we saw the leaning tower, built in the 12th century as the bell tower fCam- panillel for the Cathedral, Santa Maria Maggiore, which we also saw along with the Baptistry where we listened to its wonderful echo. Florence was the main attraction. Some of us were lucky enough to get there on a two day tour. We found the city much as it is heralded, one of the cultural and artistic centers of Europe. From our rooms in the Hotel Majestic, we visited the Medici palace and famous Pitti palace and museum, complete with works by Raphael and Andrea del Sarto. The squares were show places alsog at the Piazza Vecchio we saw Michaelangelo's David and Benvenuto Cellini's Hermes and Medusa. The huge Cath- edral Santa Maria del Fiores and Giobherti's doors' on the Baptistry opposite will long live in our memories of Italy, along with the Ponte Vecchio bridge and its jewelry shops. As for Leghorn, our lasting impressions are of the bombed out buildings, Communist posters by the thousands and of course Chianti. The snack bar and E. M. club offered the delights of American beer, malts, fresh milk and a good jukebox. We've been away from home over two months, any- thing American sounds good now. Not that foreign travel isn't interesting but we are beginning to look forward to that one best port, Charleston, S, C ..., homeport. Typical Tour Bus s Nepfune's Statue, Florence

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Indian AM. Valletta in background Dance Hall ,T V181 UW yr 5 27' 1, 5 .arf I XR s-5'4 ll ydfll i ll Ill ul lt q I llfll' 1 if l 'lr I or W! lb ,lyric 4 . T , June Z4 - June 30 Malta . . . rock and rock dust . . , most heavily bombarded spot in the world . . . dumping depot for Nazi bombers returning from Africa. It was hot, and the first impression on steaming into Sliema creek was, No trees , just scrubby bushes. We were anchored with a group of British and Indian Corvettes and Minesweepers commanding a full view of the city, its yellow and white stone buildings blending into the pale yellow rock of the countryside. In the next harbor, just fifteen minutes by bus was Valleta, ancient walled city dating back to the time of the Phoenicians. The wall was probably the most im- pressive part of Valleta. Forty feet thick, it served in, ancient days to shield the city from both sea and land attacks, additional protection being provided on the land side by a sixty foot moat. Also in Valleta was the Phoenician hotel, famous for a lethal John Collins. Just as we were beginning to get used to the im- possible pound, shilling, crown, farthing, bob, etc., cur- rency it was time to go, Malta wasnlt bad liberty though, the 4'Chatteau overlooking the sea was a good place to dance and drink and the Maltese lace provided many with an interesting souvenir. Beach? Harbor