Pompeii and Vesuvius

What a great day we had yesterday (it's next morning here now) visiting these amazing places. Anne stayed here as she has been to Pompeii and needed to catch up on more work so Greg Darryl and I set off for the day. 

We had planned to catch trains and ferries but instead caught a taxi ( a Mercedes this time with a nice driver Andrea) and he talked us into taking us around the whole day. Turned out to be a good move as he took us on a scenic round trip route and took us also to Vesuvius - which wasn't on the agenda! It also wasn't that much more cost.

As we pulled up at the gates of Pompeii we were immediately blown away by the size of the old city and by the state of it all. How it's survived 2000 + years is amazing - imagine how much of Melbourne could be unearthed after a volcanic eruption! We enjoyed roaming around and getting a feel for the place - it's quite sombre really when you think of all the lives lost.

              

          

This was particularly sad as these people obviously died whilst sleeping in their beds. The ash mummified the bodies.

                 

                   

               

We could almost imagine being seated in this arena amongst all the Romans.

                

Dominating the scenery is the imposing volcano Mt Vesuvius - the cause if this cities demise. Then to actually climb to the top of this volcano and see the crater and look back at the city of Naples below, makes you realise how disastrous another eruption could be.

                

We did have one mix up when we couldn't find Andrea when we exited Pompeii - turns out we came out the wrong gate! Luckily we had his number and a kind Italian rang him for us! 

Once back here we had a few drinks on our balcony and watched the chaos of traffic down in the square with buses, cars, scooters and people rushing everywhere! To drive on these roads would be a nightmare and we are very impressed with the cool stress less attitude of the Italian drivers. The we finished the evening with a delicious dinner overlooking the harbour! Life's pretty darn good here in Amallfi! 

     

      

          

We are having a quieter day today as tomorrow will be hectic getting from here to Rome. We have lots to explore in this town - the cathedral opposite, the many little alley ways and shops and the tunnel connecting the next town.

We hope everyone is well and we think of you back home and wish you were with us here!

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