 Pompeii
We meet our local guide, Gaetano, for our tour of the ruins of Pompeii. Gaetano was the best local guide of this tour. Not many men can pull off white pants, shirt, shoes, socks and a peach colored jacket! When we booked this tour Pompeii was a major selling point.
Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD covering Pompeii in ash and pumice thus preserving the city. Walking the ancient streets was surreal and there looming in the background is Mt. Vesuvius. The Romans enjoyed so many modern conveniences. They had running water, bathes, septic tanks, sidewalks, etc. It has taken a long time for civilization to get to where the Romans were. As civil engineer Andy was impressed the Romans even had a system to provide water pressure without any electricity. Gaetano also showed us the brothel, which he told us these will be the only photos our friends back home would be interested to see!
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Mount Vesuvius
This was one of the most strenuous, but rewarding days. We take our coach to Mount Vesuvius. The path up is short, probably only a quarter of a mile, but its steep. Our entire group is able to make it to the top and pier down into the mouth of this sleeping giant. We are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Bay of Naples! The rain the previous day has its benefits as the sky is completely clear and the rain has minimized the dust on Vesuvuis' path. As we are walking back down we pass a woman walking her miniature dachshund up the mountain. I don't think those short little legs are going to make it!
Heidi told us that last year there was a garbage strike in Naples and strike went on for months. People started illegally dumping their trash out in the country, such as the area surrounding Vesuvuis. The police had to be called out to try and stop it. Most of the trash is gone, but you can still see some of the remnants.
We have a busy day so Heidi has arranged lunch for us on the bus. Our next stop provides a humbling reminder of the power of Mt. Vesuvius...Pompeii.
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