Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Welcome Back Home

Cruise ship, port of LivornoLast September, on the same day of our visit on board “Amerigo Vespucci”, we saw a strange ceremony going on, in the late Sunday afternoon, aside a cruise ship.
Cruise ship, port of LivornoA sizable part of the crew was waiting the return of the buses carrying the passengers from their tours, cheering on their arrival, clapping hands and offering refreshments.
Cruise ship, port of LivornoA small band was playing behind a banner saying “Welcome Back Home”, as the passengers were returning from some kind of battle and not from visiting cities of the gentle Tuscany.
Cruise ship, port of LivornoI wasn't the only one finding this interesting, another passenger was quite taken shooting from the top of his balcony, with his lady patiently waiting to resume a game of cards.

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26 comments:

  1. GunnNovember 4, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    Lucky people.
    Interesting shots.

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  2. Mary Stebbins TaittNovember 4, 2009 at 12:16 AM

    Very interesting! Very interesting!!!

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  3. stromsjoNovember 4, 2009 at 12:45 AM

    Tourists move in mysterious ways.

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  4. tapirgalNovember 4, 2009 at 1:30 AM

    This is very weird. Maybe Vogon Poet should write a story about it . . . a mysterious novel.

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  5. brattcatNovember 4, 2009 at 2:18 AM

    That's quite a lens that fellow has on his camera.

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  6. HildaNovember 4, 2009 at 2:31 AM

    This is both funny and very well done of the cruise ship crew. Service, service and service…

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  7. PJNovember 4, 2009 at 3:01 AM

    That's very interesting, I've been on a cruise and the crew was extremely friendly. Looks like everyone is having fun.

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  8. LowellNovember 4, 2009 at 3:01 AM

    These days I think cruise ships need to extend their courtesies and perks in order to ensure a full ship when they sail...

    This is rather over-the-top, though!

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  9. Clueless in BostonNovember 4, 2009 at 3:21 AM

    That's a real nice way to be welcomed back on ship.

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  10. Unseen RajasthanNovember 4, 2009 at 7:35 AM

    Beautiful shot !! Nice one !! Thanks for sharing..

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  11. cieldequimperNovember 4, 2009 at 8:23 AM

    Lol... Looks like they really had a hard time at the leaning tower.
    Hey, why do you have that word verification? :-)shmos indeed.

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  12. VPNovember 4, 2009 at 8:33 AM

    @ ciel - Ooooops!

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  13. jooNovember 4, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    Wow, could spend some time on the board:)
    Lovely post!

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  14. Stefan JanssonNovember 4, 2009 at 11:14 AM

    I'd never returned back from a battle, but I hope I will be welcomed back like this if I ever do.

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  15. AndreeaNovember 4, 2009 at 1:09 PM

    I guess everyone who has a daily photo blog from their town would agree that there's no place like home :)

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  16. B SQUAREDNovember 4, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    Any excuse for a party. Sure works for me.

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  17. IlseNovember 4, 2009 at 3:20 PM

    I second Andreea!

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  18. HalcyonNovember 4, 2009 at 3:52 PM

    What a nice hero's welcome home! I guess traditions like this span the cultures. :)

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  19. amatamari©November 4, 2009 at 5:30 PM

    This is too funny!
    Even the band! LOL!!!

    :-)

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  20. Cezar and LéiaNovember 4, 2009 at 5:43 PM

    It has its charming for sure!
    Wonderful set of pictures!
    Léia

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  21. AnonymousNovember 4, 2009 at 8:23 PM

    Oh my! That is a HUGE ship. Can you tell I've never been aboard one?

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  22. UnknownNovember 4, 2009 at 8:27 PM

    Wierd... Did you manage to solve the mystery or not?... :-)

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  23. VPNovember 4, 2009 at 8:50 PM

    @ Andreea - You are absolutely right, but this is not their home: it's only a cruise ship...

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  24. VPNovember 4, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    @ JM - There is no real mystery here. I see this as an excessive and hypocritical welcome on board, a bit demeaning for the crew members, even if it's part of their job.
    Any local onlooker was loudly laughing at this stunt!

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  25. KcalpeshNovember 5, 2009 at 12:36 PM

    Hmm never seen such a ceremony! Nice photos though! Good to see a photographer capture another.... :-D

    - World Photo Bloggers

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  26. CopenhagenNovember 6, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    I wish I was on a cruise right now!

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