Livorno

Like most vacations it is taking me a few days to get a restful sleep.  In fact two nights ago I got only 3 hours sleep.  So when I went to bed around 11 pm last night it wasn't long before I was out.

When we woke this morning we were not in any rush.

We have been to Livorno many times.  We have spent vacations in Florence and even four days in Lucca once.  We love them both.  We have taken the train to Pisa before too.  Search this blog by clicking on the port labels below for more info.

Today we agreed to just head into Livorno.  Princess has  a free shuttle that takes you into town.  We are docked away from the port building and it is an industrial area so the shuttle is mandatory.  Previously we have just gotten off at the terminal and then either a private tour or you take a paid shuttle to town.  It was 5 E the last time.  So we were happy to see that it is now free.

We are dropped off at the square.  We want to check out the market again.  Always a vibrant spot with lots going on.

Here are the outdoor vendors.  Heck there is even a button vendor, yup that is all he sells.  

The market is huge but also visit the indoor market.

We stop at this wine vendor that we like from previous trips.  Those silver vessels contain wine.  He fills a glass bottle with what you want.  Each bottle was 3.20 E and it is very good and no preservatives so no headache.  Well maybe a headache if you drink too much.

A coffee and a Pastry.... our usual.

We explore some more.  

Again Livorno is a 'real' city.   Most don't speak English, there isn't a lot of tourist shops.  You will find locals going around doing their daily shopping, working and visiting.

I would love to come and spend a few months in Italy and live like a local.  And learn Italian.

We are back at the square to catch the shuttle back, but it is a bit of a madhouse.  Around 100 people are just in one big crowd.  One of the staff gets people on a line.  We are able to get on the 3rd bus.