Livorno.

We stayed overnight in the port of Livorno with another day to explore today. Originally, I had thought we might take the twenty minute train ride to Pisa today but in true European fashion, there is a train strike (as happens occasionally, planned and known in advance). It began last night and runs until tonight.

With no train and, honestly, a desire for a low-key day, we stayed in Livorno. There was a local shuttle from the cruise port to the city centre for 7 euros. Done. Sold. We were on board by 1030 after sleeping in and a nice breakfast on board.

The goal: cafes, a nice lunch, and some shopping/meandering. Brother-in-law Matt and wife Lisa joined up partway through for lunch and what followed. We drank aperol spritzes and ate pizza. Dave bought some cherries at a local produce market. We consumed coffee in espresso form (And just look at that cube-croissant-pistachio thing!) and frozen form. We shopped at a local grocery store for pistachio butter and unique pasta shapes. (Ohmygoodness, the Italians love pistachios. And I’m on board with all of that. That pistachio coffee I had in Naples, aka the coffee I will think about forever? I’m thinking it may have been made by adding some pistachio butter; must try.)

We’ll be leaving port shortly. Dave and I have reservations at the steakhouse on board for dinner. Tomorrow: Cannes, France. A tender port. We have to take a boat from our boat. (Last day! And then one final night in Barcelona before flying home to be reunited with these goofballs who have – no doubt – been keeping my mom and stepdad good company.)