Embrace the Journey: Plan an Adventure

We enjoyed breakfast at Hotel de la Ville

In Civitaveccia, we quickly realized we were on our own. In terms of priority, securing lodging every night would be Job #1. I felt confident Donnie and Ramona would handle it. We had to do self quarantine in Italy for who knows how long, so my job was to generate ideas for fun.

“Donnie, I’m glad you like the idea of driving to Amalfi! Ramona will find us a good place to stay. Meanwhile, there are good things to see in Civitaveccia. The railroad station looks interesting. That fort-like place across the way must have a story and Civitaveccia looks interesting.”

Walking was our exercise. I had set a goal for 10,000 steps per day. That was proving to be a challenge.I struggled some days more than others, especially in the afternoons as the weather got hotter. 

Wide Promenade on Main Street

We usually took a long walk early in the cool morning before breakfast. By mid-morning, we were ready to see something new. We cruised around and about the promenade, the fort and the beach. We were curious about businesses, churches, restaurants and bars. We walked briskly but still leisurely. When we got hot, we stopped, sat down and observed people. The beach was a popular place, but not crowded.

Civitaveccia was bustling with activity while we were there. By noon, the sidewalks hummed with activity. By late afternoon, the bars came to life with music. Most restaurants served drinks and food outside.We never had to eat indoors.

We made friends with the owner of a “Dollar” type shop at one end of the strand. He liked to practice his English with us so we asked him stupid questions. He warned us too, “Be careful! Keep your wallet close. Thieves work in this beach area and tourists are good targets.”

Ancient Fort 1544

Our tour of the fort structure was limited to walking around it. Military or police guards were inside and outside. We found one wall plaque in Italian. The date 1544 was clear and Michangello was noted, but we couldn’t tell why. 

We were excited to learn about a thirty minute train ride to the next town, Tarquinia. It should have been a perfect day trip. What could go wrong?  Bad Karma was back. Not being experienced train riders, we watched the train leave without us.

Platform #2

Where was Platform #2 and how do you get there? Second time, we asked more specific questions and still, getting to the platform was tricky. Platform #2 was down some steps, then back up steps and across the tracks. The delay was actually a good thing. Tarquinia looked dead. The one woman we saw was waiting for the next train. She told us that everything in town was closed. How could this be? Stuck again.

The next train back was a two hour wait. Rather than sit, we walked. It was hot and humid. The parking lot was almost empty and the ticket counter was closed. 

We could see the town. It was up, up, up a steep hill. Maybe we could walk up, but how far?  I was walking around the yard of a closed establishment. Then I heard a familiar sound. “Donnie, listen! That sounds like a bus! Let’s flag him down. Maybe he’s going up to the town.”

Touring Tarquinia

During our very short visit to Tarquinia, we saw a government complex across the street from this Roman church. It was big and the steps were uneven. I didn't try going up very far.

On this Monday, the streets were empty. The parking lot had very few cars. Wish we had been able to see more.

After our gelato treat and short walk it was time to go back to the bus pick-up place. The nice lady (Angel of the day) said to get on the same bus, so we waited and it came.

That evening over dinner I said, “Today’s adventure has to be a good omen! We learned to ride the train, saw a glimpse of the town, had a gelato and even found a nice restroom. We can declare today a success. Tomorrow, maybe we’ll both test Negative. Anyway, we leave on the big Road Trip in the morning!”

Beach area, like a bay