NAPLES AND POMPEI

Today we were in Naples and were excited to tour Pompei.  I was amazed at the size of the excavated city and impressed at what is still left to be discovered.  We walked for 8 kilometers and left a lot unseen.  We certainly were able to see the highlights.

It was not very easy walking around Pompei.  The many streets are made of large boulders and the raised sidewalks above the streets, made it hazardous walking.  You had to be very cautious and be sure of your footing.  In the middle of the streets, often there were 3 raised boulders.  The purpose of these were to help people cross from one side to the other without  stepping through mud and dirty water that was always in the ancient streets.

We were very lucky that the rain held off for our tour.  It started to rain just as we were getting back on the ship.  Now an hour later, it seems as though the blue skies are moving in – so hopefully before we leave, we will have a clear view of Vesuvius.  I sure hope so.

The way the ship is docked in the Naples port, it is facing Mt. Vesuvius head on.  Unfortunately, the cloud cover didn’t allow for the best view.  Just from what we were able to see, it is so very imposing.  I imagine when it erupted, it must have been spectacular and very scary.  It is so close to the city.  Although it is inactive now, I sure wouldn’t want to live anywhere around it.  Looking across at the mountain, It is amazing how many houses are on the slopes.  Doesn’t seem like the wisest location to build a home.

So back on the ship, we are both rather tired from our adventure.  Glad to be back and just sit and look out the windows.