Tarawa (CV 40) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 50 text:

LORNE F ALL of the places we visited in Italy, Florence seemed least affected by the passage of time. Here nearly everything remained unspoiled and unaltered, each work of art resting serenely still at the site which was originally intended for it. We crowded from place to place trying to include in our itinerary as many of the magnificent works as possible in the time allowed. The guide hurled illustrious names at us: Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Michelangelo and others. And to most off us came, for the first time, an understanding of the great Medici family that ruled from this city' for over three hundred years. It was they whose care for the advancement Ancient Florence was impressive from 'rhe Piazzale Michelangelol for we knew of the wonders fhaf stood beneath crowded ro-offops. l of art and the sciences produced such wideleffects Not all Florenfine mosaics were of geometric de- sign. These proved fo be as delicate as paintings. The Michelangelo sculpfure over the door was forgoffen when fhe guide held our affenfion wifh a sfory of ifs origin. and who were responsible for the many treasures the city now possesses. So genuine and well preserved were the ancient buildings and works of art that when wandering through the narrow streets the effect was almost theatrical. Remove the street cars, diminutive automobiles, and replace the twentieth century clothing with hooded jerkins and flowing capes, and one would have stepped directly back into Florence of seven centuries ago, the most fascinating city of Italy.

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The .TARAWA.was caughi in several winfer siorms. The one during our mlhal Aflanhc crossing and flme one af Oran were 'Hue mosr violent While mosi of us observed flue siorm in Oran from compara+ive warm+l1 and dryness, ihese four men go? a good soaking while +rying 'lo secure exfra lines. Jefs of waier cascaded over +he mole and +l1e TARAWA s+ood by ai' Special Sea Deiails for mos+ of flue day and par+of+l'1e nigl1'l', ready +o gel' underway on a second's no'I'ice if our lines parfed.

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vw- fff 9 'Q E 57,-592 4 093' 6-'P - ff W 4 Q . 7 I 4