July 6 - Pompeii, Naples

We had to get up early this morning to clear the rooms for the ship. But that doesn't mean we departed all that early. We managed to be on the bus by 9:00. 

The driver immediately took us to Pompeii, where we at our breakfast right next to the site. We had a delightful guide named Nicola who showed us all around the area. I saw parts this time that I didn't get to see when I was there four years ago. I think it would be impossible to see all of it at one time. For one thing, the area is massive: 165 acres. And another: it's always so blasted hot!

This time we saw the auditorium, which is still used for concerts. There is still some of the original seats visible. Many of us went to the top to see the view.

We also saw the many shops, which were so small, and a house that had the original paintings still on the walls.

But, I think the highlight of Pompeii is the forum area. Now, as then, it was bustling with people. It's a little eerie to walk around and see Mt. Vesuvius in the background. It looks so calm and peaceful; hardly capable of causing such destruction. But the evidence was all around us.

It was a little hazy today, so Vesuvius wasn't in sharp contrast with the town.

Did I mention that it was hot?? So we had the perfect day to go to the water park. It was a really nice place, and it was so refreshing!! Just perfect for this part of the trip.

Tomorrow, we head north: all roads lead to Rome!