CROSSING THE TYRRHENIAN SEA

After a pleasant stay in Solenzara, and after much careful planning, we left at 10.30am Sunday morning, to cross the 125 miles from Solenzara to Porto Di Roma. Snow had fallen on the hills above the marina, the air was crisp and the day looked fine.

We set out, and for the first 20 or so miles we scudded along at 7 knots using only the main and genoa. Gradually the Mistral wind and swell picked up and the rest of the journey was challenging to say the least.

After a cold and wet night, we arrived in Porto Di Roma Monday morning at 9am thankful for a safe haven and relatively calm waters.

Porto Di Roma is a huge tourist marina that appears to be very popular for the local Romans during the summer season.  Facilities are great, shops are plentiful around the marina and the nearby restaurants give good affordable service. We spent most mornings enjoying excellent coffee and croissants at the bar for approximately $3 total for both of us.  Happy hour gave much the same sort of pleasure ($6 for a huge glass of wine or beer and all you can eat buffet). Eating has been a highlight of our stay in Rome!

We found a “tappezzeria” at the marina and were able to complete the new seating for the dining area of the boat. My blue covers are now a great improvement on the old worn out pink covers!

Each day has been spent making small trips into Rome, doing boat maintenance and generally taking it easy.  Walking around grubby streets and standing in lines for ages can become daunting and this is only the beginning of the tourist season! Still, we did all the touristy things – Colosseum, Spanish steps etc but this time we gave the Vatican a miss – just too hard. 

The Steps

The ultimate new age dad with child and toilet paper on the back

Dave (blue cap) heading towards the Colosseum

One highlight of our visit to Rome was to see the Rose festival in the gardens adjacent to Circo Massimo. Seeing so many in bloom brought back old OB Flat memories.

The entrance to the 'Roseto Communale'

The view from the rose garden across to Circo Massimo

We avoided the temptation to visit every art gallery this time except one - 'The Modern Art Gallery of Rome'.  All fairly ordinary but one  triptych by Tato was interesting - showed the stages of Futurism.

We now have a reliable internet provider – ‘Wind’ which gives us great reception at a comparable Australian price. It should also work in Greece.

The weather has not been as expected even by local standards and so we’ve had to remain in port for longer than expected. The Mistral is easing and we’re hoping to leave tomorrow (Sunday) for Anzio and Circeo, weather permitting