August 12, 2011 - First port - Civitavecchia

We are in Italy! We were picked up by older Italian man in a Mercedes van to transport us from our hotel to the port. In Italian (so we think we understood what he was saying, but maybe not) it was going to be a 3 hour ride to the port and 2 others would be joining the ride. We picked up the 2 others, but the ride only took 2 hours and that was with rush hour traffic. No posted speed limits where we were and 130 kms per hour seemed to be the speed to choice. It was fine and short! Our boat is beautiful - after 3 glasses of champagne it looks even better! The rooms are very spacious and have top amenities (including unlimited champagne!). We have unpacked and will be sailing at 5 pm. First stop - Bonafacio, Corsica.